THREE INSPIRINCI STORIES ABOUT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

1 The kind Norwegian

There is a cross-country skiing race which is part of the Winter Olympics. In 2006 a Canadian skier, Sara Renner, was taking part in the cross-country final when her left pole broke. This was a serious problem as she needed the pole to help her travel quickly through the deep snow. Immediately Bjornar Hakensmoen, the coach of the Norwegian team, gave her another pole. So Renner was able to get a silver medal. Hakensmoen said that he had only behaved as any good sportsman should, but Sara said that Hakensmoen had shown everybody the true meaning of sport.

2 The Special Olympic athlete

For athlete Eric Williams gold medals are nice, but good sportsmanship is more important. Eric has a low mental ability but this does not stop him from taking apart in the Olympics. In 2005 Eric competed in running races and the long jump. He said, "I've been competing in the Special Olympics ever since I was at high school. It's really a good experience. You get to meet different athletes and volunteers and make all kinds of friends." John Corbett, an organizer of the Special Olympics said, "He always does his best and has a wonderful time in the process. He truly appreciates (感激) all the people around him who are trying to help, and he makes that appreciation known." Let's hope Eric wins more medals in the next Special Olympics!

3 The stubborn African

In 1968 a Kenyan athlete Kip Keino competed in the 1,500 metres running race. At that time he was very ill and in great pain. Although he had reached the standard for the final of the race he decided at first not to take part. However, just before the race was going to start he changed his mind. He ran from his room and arrived at the race track a few minutes before the race was about to begin. Surprisingly, he won the race, finishing well ahead of everyone else and showing what true courage and perseverance (毅力) can achieve. It was no wonder that Kip Keino became the only Kenyan sportsman ever to appear on the cover of the world famous sports magazine “Sports Illustrated”.