[Shotimes] OT: Saddest thing at the Olympics today

[Donald Mallinson]

Did you see the finals of the ladies snowboardcross today (Friday).

American Lindsey Jacobellis had it won easily and showboated on the next 
to last jump.  She fell and was lucky nobody was close, because she was 
at least able to salvage Silver.

But that wasn't the saddest thing.  What was, was watching it all sink 
in as her competitior celebrated just a couple of feet in front of her.

Jacobellis stood there, hands down, head drooping, stock still, facing 
her competitor.  People swarming around the winner, happy, and joyous.  
Through the dark goggles and all that baggy clothing it was so clear 
that her heart was breaking.  NOBODY came to comfort her or celebrate 
winning silver.  She was more alone at that moment than I have ever seen 
anyone.

Like a lot of people I was a bit annoyed with her for blowing it like 
the football player that celebrated and was denied the touchdown, but as 
I watched her literally meltdown, I knew I was watching something very 
intimate, something supremely sad.  A moment that was lost on the people 
at NBC sports.

Later NBC reviewed the run, over and over, showed her when she removed 
her goggles, her eyes were sad, she had cried tears, she said the right 
things, and she had come to terms at least a little with the reality. 

I am a former broadcaster though, and the image of her standing just 
inches from the celebration that should have been hers was the real 
money shot for the broadcasters.  Maybe it is best they haven't realized 
what they have.  It might not be as special if we were to watch it even 
one more time.  Moments like that should not become fodder for the 
opening of a sports program.

Don Mallnson