Victor Ahn on Speed Skating

Shani Davis on Raison d'etre

Dan Jansen on Motivation

Dan Jansen suffered through some heartbreak in Calgary (1988) and some baffling disappointment from Albertville (1992) before eventually triumphing with a Gold in Lillehammer (1994). 

People remember Jansen's magnanimity in sportsmanship for performing without complaining on the day his beloved sister died in 1988.  

It is gratifying to know that he was able to skate to his potential in 1994. 

Striking a Pose at the Sochi Winter Olympics?

Johnny Weir's flamboyant style in Sochi as an NBC Olympics commentator seemingly strikes a pose against Russian Federation's Gay Propaganda Law, prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality among minors. 

There have been some mixed signals at the Sochi Olympics on homosexual rights. NBC has somewhat acknowledged the Gay Rights protests amidst its fawning Russo-philic coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Yet during the Opening Ceremony, when new IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the controversy by speaking against "discrimination of any kind", NBC cut that portion of the speech, supposedly for time considerations.

Were these time considerations to squeeze in more commercials in the tape delayed coverage for American prime time? Or is it to make time with their Russian hosts?

 Then there is the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin stopped by the Heineken House to cavort with Dutch athletes celebrating their multiple speed skating wins in Sochi.

[L. in red jumpsuit] Vladimir Putin toasts Dutch athletes at Heinekin House, Sochi, Russia

 Putin congratulated Ireen Wust, the gold medal winner of the 3000 meter race, who is openly bisexual. As the Russian President was leaving the Netherland's athlete compound, Wust gave Putin a quick hug.




Is the rainbow protest a cause celebre which is full of sound and fury signifying nothing? Or are the hosts manipulating the world's perception of a less tolerant regime by tailored coverage and empty gestures?

Apolo Ohno on Speed Skating

Apolo Ohno chose to retire in from speed skating in 2013, after not competing since the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.  But Ohno is at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, as an NBC Sports commentator.  But seeing what goes into training for the discipline of speed skating, it is understandable when a champion knows that it is his time to hang up the skates and commentate.