Nine Gold Medals

“Nine Gold Medals” is a poem written by David Roth inspired by the story of nine athletes who participated in a Special Olympics.

Nine differently-abled athletes came from different countries to participate in a track event, each hoping to win the gold medal. During the race, the youngest participant fell on his knees to the ground and gave out a cry of frustration and anguish.

The eight other athletes stopped their race in the middle and came back to help the fallen one get on his feet. They went to the finishing line walking together holding each other’s hands.

Each of the nine athletes was awarded a gold medal for their display of compassion and cooperation.

Olympics 2021 continues to celebrate the human values of cooperation, compassion, empathy, fairness, and concern. Some of my favorite memories will remain these incredible moments of kindness from #olympics2021

🏸 When badminton player PV Sindhu comforted and encouraged the competitor who had previously defeated her.
🤸When gymnast Simone Biles was the first to congratulate the ROC women’s gymnastics team captain, Angelina Melnikova after she led her team to victory over the US.
🏊‍♂️ When swimmer Caeleb Dressel gave his gold medal to the teammate he had replaced in the finals.
🎽 When athletes Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi chose to share the gold medal instead of breaking their tie in the high jump competition.
🏊‍♀️ When swimmer Lilly King, 4 times Olympic gold medallist, world-record holder, and defending champion said how proud she was of the 17-year-old swimmer who beat her.

What’s been your favorite moment thus far?
Pic: From the Office Olympic games at Valorem Reply