November
24
Tags
All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter
photo credit: Colin Way
Not long after I wrote about Olympics bound wrestler Erica Wiebe, she went on to win gold in Rio. I was curious what life is like for a newly minted Olympic champion so I caught up with Wiebe about a year later. My story, “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter,” follow her through the challenges of her first post-Olympic year. The moments immediately following her victory did not make into the story, though, so I will include them here.
Wiebe had little time to celebrate her win before an Olympic official hurried her to the medal podium. Wiebe quickly pulled on her Team Canada tracksuit, wiped the sweat from her face with a towel she found on the ground, and stepped up onto the podium to accept her medal. Wiebe’s final was the last of match of the women’s tournament and the stadium was nearly empty by the time she stood to sing “Oh Canada.” Aside from a few dozen Canadian fans, almost everyone else had gone home.
For all the gilded glory that comes with winning a gold medal, Wiebe’s first hours as champion held little glamour. “I got my medal and went straight to doping,” Wiebe said. “I sat with our team doctor for an hour just waiting to pee.” Once she produced her sample, an official rushed her to the international broadcasting centre where she had just enough time to scarf down an overcooked hamburger from the NBC Café before sitting for two hours of interviews. She watched Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse win his silver medal in the 200m from inside the CBC studio. Afterwards, she went back to the Athlete’s Village. Then she fell asleep.
Elsewhere 
I would like to congratulate Marcello di Cintio on a well written article about Erica Wiebe. Her triumph and struggles thereafter were brought to life in a meaningful way through the words of Mr. di Cintio. I enjoyed the tone and pace of the article to make me feel real empathy for Erica and her coach. Wish them both success in preparing for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Also, congratulations to Colin Way for his elegant photos showing a strong, determined woman. The poses chosen showed sensitivity to the determination behind her face and a confident, straight forward posture. Well done Mr. Way.
Regards,
Peter Wuntke