Although as Americans we mostly enjoy watching our own athletes dominate at the Olympics, the best moments during the Games are really the times when gold medals go to athletes from nations that aren't accustomed to winning.
One such moment came when Tuvshinbayar Naidan won the 220-pound judo competition for Mongolia's first gold medal. Excited responses like these are what the Olympic Games, at their best, are supposed to be about:
"I can't believe Mongolia just won a gold medal," said Baljinnyam Dashdorj, 17, celebrating with relatives spanning three generations. "I can't believe he did it. This is amazing. I'm so happy, I can only jump up and down!" ...I'm sure that Mongolian vodka tasted sweet.
"It is so exciting that our Mongolian flag was raised in Beijing and Tuvshee won in the Judo competition," said Gerelt-Od, 26, a construction worker. "Me and several of my friends have bought Mongolian vodka to celebrate this wonderful news. It is going to be a very exciting night."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-16-2008 @ 3:39AM
Amaranth said...
I love such "Olympic moments". I also heard that up until this point, Mongolia was the country with the most medals without a gold. Congrats to them. And congrats too to Togo, who won their first medal ever when Benjamin Boukpeti took bronze in the men's K1 slalom, and was so happy about it that he broke his paddle in two over the front of his canoe.
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8-18-2008 @ 11:38PM
Mongolian girl said...
Yeah, it was one of the happiest moment in our recent history. Thousands of Mongolians gathered in main square in the capital and celebrated. Even president, prime minister and parlament speaker came and joined the people. It was rather uplifting and inspiring moment for Mongolians. I have heard Mongolians abroad also gathered together and celebrated his victory that night. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mike.
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