The spirit of support
No one embodied the Olympic spirit in Rio better than USA’s Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand. After the two collided midway through a 5,000m heat, Hamblin was in tears. D’Agostino was at hand to offer support. “Get up. We have to finish this race,” the American told the Kiwi. As fate would have it, D’Agostino's injury turned out to be the more serious and it was the turn of Hamblin to help her new-found friend who was in considerable pain. The gritty D’Agostino somehow managed to finish the race as the last runner and she left the stadium in a wheelchair after sharing a warm hug with Hamblin. No wonder the poignant story became an online sensation.
New order of heroes
A first Iranian woman medal winner (in taekwondo), a sailing gold medallist from Argentina who survived cancer and a 74-year-old South African great grandmother who coached Wayde van Niekerk to the world record in the 400m and a Chinese swimmer who spoke about her periods to smash stereotypes about her country were all part of the remarkable Olympics in Rio. We can hardly wait for Tokyo 2020.
New era in pool power
While Simone Biles was scripting her legacy with incredible routines in gymnastics, another Simone (Manuel) created a splash in the pool in Rio. Manuel became the first Afro-American female to win an Olympic gold — the 100m freestyle — in swimming. After shedding copious tears of joy, Manuel paid tributes to African-American swimmers who had inspired her. Even today the percentage of blacks who don’t swim is considerably higher than whites in the US because of entrenched racism in pools.
Passionate rider’s golden farewell
At the age of 58, Great Britain’s Nick Skelton nailed the individual jumping gold in equestrian to become the oldest winner in Rio. The journey he endured wasn’t easy. A broken neck and hip replacement surgery along the way couldn’t separate him from his horse. The gold at Rio was a perfect farewell to the passionate rider.
Auctioning medal to fight cancer
Polish discus thrower Piotr Malachowski could only win a silver medal in Rio but what he did after his event was pure gold. Malachowski auctioned his silver medal to raise money for the treatment of a three-year-old Polish boy, Olek Szymanski, who is battling a rare eye cancer. “In Rio I fought for gold,” Malachowski said. “Today I call on all people — let us fight together for something that is even more valuable. For the health of this fantastic boy.”
Piotr Malachowski
Repeat feat
US swimmer Anthony Ervin, 35, claimed the 50m freestyle gold in Rio 16 years after winning the same event at the Sydney Olympics. Ervin retired when he was 22 only to rediscover his love for the water before the 2012 Games. Although he couldn’t win a medal in London, the American’s perseverance and passion helped him reach the pinnacle again in Rio.
Anthony Ervin
Despair to glory
Brazilian judoka Rafaela Silva plunged into the depths of despair after an early exit from the London Olympics in 2012. Many of her compatriots hurled racial abuse at the black woman, almost pushing her out of the sport.
Rafaela Silva
With the help of her family and coach, Rafaela, a resident of the sprawling City of God favela in Rio, persevered. In 2016 she became the toast of the country, finishing on top in the 57 kg category for Brazil’s first gold. Aren’t redemptive stories beautiful?
