olympics

Kodaira wins gold in Olympic 500-meter speedskating

24 Comments
By BETH HARRIS

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24 Comments
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Wow! Congratulations to all of them as well!

10 ( +10 / -0 )

why a korean flag for Japanese skater?

-23 ( +0 / -23 )

why a korean flag for Japanese skater?

The hinomaru is draped around Kodaira's back. The Korean flag belongs to Lee.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

That's a nice picture, especially with all the politician-created problems between Korea and Japan.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

I have been following Kodaira's races for some time. In the most of the races in which both Kodaira and Lee competed, they actually skated side by side at race's end because they were top two record holders. What I found, in a pleasant surprise, was that at the end of every race they always hold or touch each others hands or put arms on each other's shoulders or around waists in apparent friendship and mutual respect.

So this has come as no surprise to me.

I you have missed, you can still find a clip here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ag2ChYfrQM

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@commenteer especially with all the politician-created problems between Korea and Japan.

And with posters adding to the political problems.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Brilliant performance.

"I went to Holland more than to learn how to skate better technically, but to learn the skating culture," she said. "That was more important to me."

A tv interview I saw showed had her demonstrating a large change in her back angle, which they said allowed her legs to move more freely. I think that would qualify as learning to skate better.

Japanese sports require huge commitments from kids. I hope Kodaira's can inspire coaches in Japan to seek out the latest information and match this commitment.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Afterward, Kodaira and Lee glided around carrying their respective flags in a show of unity contrary to the two countries' rough relationship due to historical disputes.

Hey Associated Press, despite you media weasels perpetually fanning hate flames by focusing only on the historical issues and disputes, not everybody in South Korea or Japan hate each other. But of course you had to throw that in. They couldn't possibly be two Olympic athletes in the same sport with high respect for each other.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Hey Associated Press, despite you media weasels perpetually fanning hate flames by focusing only on the historical issues and disputes, not everybody in South Korea or Japan hate each other. 

This is very true. If you read the headlines you can get the impression that everyone in SK hate Japan and vice versa, but if you spend a bit of time in the real world the truth is rather different.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Well done Kodaira! Very impressive Olympic record too

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Hey Associated Press, despite you media weasels perpetually fanning hate flames by focusing only on the historical issues and disputes, not everybody in South Korea or Japan hate each other. 

This is very true. If you read the headlines you can get the impression that everyone in SK hate Japan and vice versa, but if you spend a bit of time in the real world the truth is rather different.

So true, but the their respective governments and “influence” over their respective media outlets via licenses, and censorship laws keeps the media sowing their seeds of distrust and suspicion to further each ones nationalistic intensions. At ground level, as you both mention, it is quite a different perspective.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

This picture is what it's all about. Captures the spirit of the Games.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Great sportsmanship. Just goes to show that athletes are a cut above any politician. By far. True gold.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Beautiful display of the Olympic ( or a human ) spirit from these two. Respect.

Screw the pot stirring oyaji politicians on both sides.

THIS is a display of true sportsmanship and class. Kodaira is showing an example of what a WINNER truly is, inside and out. He is a true champion in more ways than one. Congratulations to all, you've shown what the Games REALLY are all about. CHEERS!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Very well, Obviously the time spend in the skating culture and the study has paid off for her.

She as well set new records and raised the bar. Fantastic. Love starting the day with some good news.

おめでとう!!!!! Nippon!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Nicely written, Ms. Harris. I enjoyed reading.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Afterward, Kodaira and Lee glided around carrying their respective flags in a show of unity contrary to the two countries' rough relationship due to historical disputes.

> The Americans came up empty again.

You see how well Korea and Japan can get along when the Americans are out of the picture? ;-)

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

It was an exciting race indeed, but what touched me most was when winner Kodaira put a comforting arm around the shoulder of a crying Lee.

"Sports can make the world one together," Kodaira later said, according to the article. "It's that simple."

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What a nice picture, to ladies hugging each other, they don't seemed to bothered which country they are from, they have the mutual respect for each other, it just goes to show where countries problems lie, ( politicians and stubborn leaders) I think that we should only vote for new politicians that have been sports people, this should solve a lot of problems.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Kodaira is fantastic. She rocks as a style and personality. She is warm-hearted. Love Nippon..

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Beautiful display of the Olympic ( or a human ) spirit from these two. Respect.

Screw the pot stirring oyaji politicians on both sides.

CORRECTION

THIS is a display of true sportsmanship and class. Kodaira is showing an example of what a WINNER truly is, inside and out. She is a true champion in more ways than one. Congratulations to all, you've shown what the Games REALLY are all about. CHEERS!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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