Latest Medal Tally
Semen Elistratov rails at ‘unfair’ ban on Russians after taking bronze
Semen Elistratov became the first athlete from Russia to win a medal at this year’s Winter Olympics after a thrilling men’s 1500m short track speed skating final and promptly dedicated it to the 200 compatriots who, he said, were “unfairly” excluded from the Games.
“I have difficulties to hold back my tears,” said Elistratov, who snatched a surprise bronze when a crash took out two skaters in front of him near the end of the race.
“I am incredibly happy that I did it, in spite of all the circumstances around Russian sport. I dedicate this medal to all guys that have been excluded from these Games in such a hard and unfair way, This medal is for you.”
(https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/feb/10/semen-elistratov-bronze-russia-winter-olympics)
On paper, Russia’s Olympic podium chances strong despite ban
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) – Russia’s team for the Pyeongchang Olympics could be as formidable as previous ones even though the government says it was decimated by an International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to bar man of its medal hopefuls.
Data compiled by Reuters suggests that, at least on paper, the team for this month’s Winter Olympic Games is as strong as past ones even without notable contenders such as excluded short track speed skater Viktor Ahn, a six-time Olympic gold medalist.
“The Olympics is for all:” American tells why he waved Russian flag at PyeongChang
During the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, only the Russian team out of the 90 countries taking part was not allowed to march under its national flag. One young American told why he waved their flag instead.
Following a decision by the International Olympic Committee’s executive board, the Russian Olympic team has been officially banned from the games in South Korea due to doping allegations. While those athletes who have proven they are clean have been allowed to compete under the name Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR), they are not allowed to march under their own national flag.
(https://www.rt.com/news/418436-america-russian-flag-olympics/)
Gold medals for Dahlmeier and Wellinger bookended an impressive start for Germany
Gold medals for biathlete Laura Dahlmeier and ski jumper Andreas Wellinger bookended an impressive start for Germany in Pyeongchang. There was also joy for the hosts but the united ice hockey team didn’t fare so well.
And that’s it for the first day of the 2018 Winter Olympics. An 8-0 loss for the combined Korean ice hockey team dominated the later stages of the day, more for political than sporting reasons.
But there was better news for South Korea earlier in the day when Lim Hyojun won gold in the 1500m short track speed skating, handing the hosts their first medal of the Games.
(http://www.dw.com/en/winter-olympics-day-1-roundup/a-42527627)
Canadians Parrot, McMorris take silver and bronze in Olympic slopestyle snowboarding
PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH KOREA—Mark McMorris is known for rising to the occasion — whether that’s coming back from horrific injuries or landing the best run when it counts most.
But in an incredible slopestyle snowboarding final, that magic wasn’t quite enough and he found himself with Olympic bronze, again.
Teammate Max Parrot was the one who was able to bring his best on his final run, pulling himself from the back of the pack all the way to Olympic silver.
American Redmond Gerard, the youngest man in the field, took the gold.
Topless Tongan’s secret weapon against freezing cold: Coconut oil
The Tongan flag-bearer’s secret has been revealed: it was coconut oil that kept him warm when he paraded half-naked at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Pita Taufatofua braved bitter cold to go topless at the ceremony, where real-feel temperatures were down at minus 10 degrees Celsius.
But while many wondered how he could march in only a traditional skirt and sandals without getting frostbite, the answer lies in the oil he had liberally applied to his torso.
“Pita secretly brought his tiny bottle of coconut oil in his pocket,” Louise Waterhouse, Tonga’s Honorary Consul in Sydney, told the Matangi Tonga Online website.
Gay US Olympians tell Pence: ‘Eat Your heart out’
The first two openly gay US winter Olympians took to social media Friday to tell Vice President Mike Pence what they think of his position on gay rights.
“The #OpeningCeremony is a wrap and the 2018 Winter Olympic Gaymes are officially under way!” wrote skier Gus Kenworthy in a caption on an Instagram photo of him and figure skater Adam Rippon.
(https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/10/sport/gay-olympians-selfie-mike-pence/index.html)
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