Alpine skier Mohammed Karim was the only pakistani team to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. He made a mistake in the men's slalom race on the 16th. After the game, he said with some regret that he had been training hard for the Beijing Winter Olympics for two years. However, he also said that he would summarize and stick to it.
There are quite a few "mini-delegations" like Karim, which consist of only one or two athletes. The countries and regions they represent are constrained by factors such as geography and climate, economic development and other factors, and have not been able to form a broad mass base for ice and snow sports, so the number of winter Olympic players sent out is also very few. However, this does not delay these "lone heroes" from bravely moving forward towards their dreams.
Participation is victory
According to the Statistics of the Washington Post, a total of 19 countries and regions have only sent 1 athlete to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. In the men's slalom race on the 16th, Albania's Denis Jeppa finished 28th. Despite his less than ideal results, he said with a smile in an interview: "It feels like a dream, it's so surreal." ”
Nathan Crompton, the flag bearer of the American Samoa delegation, "shirtless" at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, was very impressive. He finished 19th in the men's steel frame bobsleigh competition held recently. According to the New York Times, Crumpton does not pursue better athletic performance, but pays more attention to the fun of sliding.
A one-man battle
Although many "mini delegation" players need to be coached, agent and other roles by themselves, but love makes them choose to persevere. Arif Khan, who represented India at the Beijing Winter Olympics, was one of them. The US "Fortune" magazine website reported that Arif Khan had a meager income and had to raise money to support his training. He also missed the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics due to failed fundraising.
The same is true for East Timorese player John Gonçalves Guth. In order to ensure training, he must work part-time to earn money. Fortunately, he can also get about 1,200 Swiss francs (about 8,200 yuan) a month from the International Olympic Committee, but also look for places to train in cheaper room and board and venue costs.
Inspire more people
Shannon Abeda was the only player to represent Eritrea at the Beijing Winter Olympics. "When I was seven or eight years old, I drew a picture of myself standing on the Olympic podium." He hopes his experience will inspire more African players. Fayk Abdi, an alpine skier who made his Debut at the Beijing Winter Olympics, also said: "I hope that my Winter Olympic experience will open a door for the people of Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf region to inspire them to participate more in winter sports." Arif Khan hopes that the development of winter sports can change the sports landscape in India and thus promote india's economic development.
Speaking about his feelings for the Beijing Winter Olympics, Arif Khan praised the facilities and organization of the event, saying that the food, training grounds and accommodation conditions were excellent. Abdi said bluntly that china has made comprehensive and meticulous preparations for the success of this Winter Olympic Games, and the venues, transportation facilities, training conditions and supporting services are all excellent, reflecting the hospitality of the host country and the super ability to organize large-scale events. He is also preparing to set up an ice and snow sports training center after returning to China to train more skiers and give Saudi Arabia a place in the international winter sports arena. "This is the best remembrance and tribute to the Beijing Winter Olympics."