Photo by Danny Moloshok of Reuters The original can be found here.
In these days of "me, me, me," narcissism, and arrogance, Tyson Gay is a breath of fresh air.
Did anyone see the heats for the 100 yard dash last night? Anyone?
There's no doubt that watching Usain Bolt is absolute poetry in motion. There were many talented runners on the field last night. Nevertheless, there was Gay losing his chance to final, which he could have blamed on his July 5th hamstring injury.
It would have been easy to give the injury credit for the loss.
But when the NBC commentator asked him if the injury had affected his performance, Gay's basic response (I wish I had the exact words, but I couldn't find them) was:
"No excuses. I just couldn't get it together today. It just wasn't my day."
Bravo.
Bravo.
Bravo.
Amazing talent, brains and looks, and the man is a TRUE sportsmen. And humble.
Apparently, the New York Times agrees.
We need more role models like Mr. Gay.
30 comments:
our sporters usually are very modest. One of them today also said that she screwed up her start and therefore missed her chance to get into the finals.
He sounds like an amazing guy. And, yes, we need more of them.
hmm sorry my comment came over a bit looking down maybe if I reread it. It wasn't intended like that. I do think Tyson Gay sounds like a fantastic athlete and person! I had not noticed him in the press before.
Imagine that! :) I didn't see it but it's great that he said something like that instead of blaming someone or something.
~*
Oh, what a sweetheart! And to think, he didn't realize that Kobe would know who he was? Thanks for that inspiring story. I'm only following the Olympics thru other people's eyes.
Hiya! Just finally saw your lovely award and so sweet! And you know I'm a hippie, so that was awesome!
As for the dash-watching, I'm afraid I don't participate in watching the big O (usually because I'm having the Big O!) but I can see why you admire this fella! Some of the great ones do get to shine from time to time.
(Oh hey, my son just started his own blog. He commented at my "Nice Guys" post and so if ya wanna be a-visitin' him, it might be fun!)
Goofball, more kudos for Belgium! We in the U.S., however, are not known for our humility. ;-)
Anno, I was just delighted to hear him last night.
That's what I thought, too, Chani.
He's very cool, April. I'd love to see more about him in the papers, but I'm worried he won't be "news" anymore since he didn't final.
Hey Teri! I'm not a big Olympics watcher myself, usually, but we needed some veg time last night. You and me are hippies, both, girlfriend! And yes, I will definitely have to check out your sweetie son's blog!
True Olympic spirit:D
Indeed! BTW, Val, I saw some brilliant Canadian dressage this morning. I forgot the name of the rider... my brain is fried today.
I thought he was brilliant yesterday -- that comment is so self-aware and genuine. So glad that someone in the media recognized that fact (especially since most of them seemed to be overly preoccupied with what was going on in the swimming events -- also impressive but completely overhyped. one chick's opinion.) Tyson has yet another new fan in me.
Jane, this means a great deal coming from you, because I know you're a woman who knows her sports! I don't think Phelps has been overhyped - he truly is amazing, and I love Dana Torres, but I agree, that we have these absolutely magnificent runners and they're not being given their due.
I admire his spirit and can't help but admire those beautiful long arm muscles too.
Yes, yes and yes...I am an AVID Olympics watcher...every 2 years I plant my butt for two weeks and marvel at what the human body and spirit can do....
I saw his comments and wanted to stand up and cheer...my goodness...a real 'mentch' as we say in yiddish!
Also, in boxing...one of the last potential contenders for the USA lost and I wanted to punch the lights out of the interviewer (a real ass from SHowtime boxing)becasue the boxer was an incredible gentleman and like Gay, did not blame anyone or anything for his loss...he took it on himself and said that his biggest glory was just being there representing his country...I wanted to scream and cheer for him....
Then today...Serena and Venus Williams won the tennis doubles and they were like tiny children...so excited to have just been there, representing the country, having fun with each other cause they love each other so much, etc....
THESE are my heros...they are real people doing extraordinary things...winners and non-winners (cause they sure as hell ARE NOT LOSERS) all...
Now, I have to go watch more Olympics!!!
Oh, the SHowtime putz kept on the poor boxer asking him all kinds of questions about why he failed and how he failed and blah-blah-blah---like I said...wanted to punch his lights out!
CS and I had a brief conversation about things like this last night and what does make a truly great Olympain. Is it the medal count alone, or the range of experinces, events, adversity, etc.
Meg - I did mention the looks, too, lol. But he's also just an amazing young man. Period.
Hotmama - Glad to know of other such stories, too. I haven't been watching as much as I might have, and those who are there for the truly right reasons and have the absolute joy of being there just make my heart swell.
Glamah - what did you and CS come up with? I loved the old days of the Olympics when it was "just" the amateurs. There are points, too, though, about the fact that if you're talented in China or Cuba, your training will be paid for. Here in the U.S., it's much harder to become this level of athlete if you're coming from less economically solid circumstances.
I wish all the athletes displayed such sportsmanship. I think that Swedish wrestler who threw his bronze on the ground and walked out of the awards ceremony could learn a thing or two from Mr. Gay.
No kidding, Dingo. That display absolutely appalled me.
I agree with bellini :) as she said, that's the real olympic spirit :)
No Olympics watching for me yesterday, but I am blown away by how classy so many of the athletes are (especially when compared to some of their more infantile, temper-tantrum throwing peers).
Wendy, I agree too! And it's a delight to see.
Amy - yes, wouldn't it be great if they ALL behaved that way?
This is what I love about the Olympics! It really seems to bring out the best in many of the athletes!
As it should, Jenn. ;-)
I missed it. But wow. I have to agree from his response. Very dignified. A great role model.
Yes, Sandy - a great role model, and yeah, Ben, what you said, too. ;-)
I've been missing out on the olympics, although I did see the bolt guy run.
Its nice when people don't make excuses.
My cousin was a 2-time Olympian. One summer, while living in my aunt's home, I had the opportunity to witness, first hand, my cousin's training routine. I can tell you, these athletes have been high achievers their entire lives. And they sacrifice greatly for the opportunity of the Olympics. To have such grace after so many years of training and sacrifice is the sign of a true athlete. A true Olympian.
Sassy, I think Usain Bolt will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. What talent!
Widney Woman - thanks for stopping by! What a wonderful experience for you to have witnessed your cousin's training routine. Yes, these athletes give up so much, and I agree, this makes Mr. Gay even that much more gracious. I'm just so impressed with him on so many levels!
I read last week that there's a Christian website with a filter on it that automatically changes the word "gay" to "homosexual" (evidently to underscore some semantic point or another) so that when they published an article on him his name became Tyson Homosexual.
It's life imitating The Onion:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/07/christian_sites_ban_on_g_word.html
I read about that, too, Peter. It was pretty absurd.
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