Positive Picture - Olympics

There are moments from Olympic history which will go on to become the stuff of legends. This may be one of them or simply an act of kindness which will be lost in Olympic lore. We will leave that part to history.

A Norwegian coach committed an act of unselfish kindness or one of the highest treasons in a very competitive sport.

Here’s what happened. Canadian Sara Renner was out in front in the third lap of six-lap sprint relay when her ski pole snapped. Suddenly she was floundering around like a goose with a broken wing and it wasn’t long before a Finn passed her, then a Swede and a Norwegian.

As she came stumbling past, Hakensmoen didn’t think about medals or nations, just about what was the right thing to do. And that’s when he tossed her his ski pole.

It helped her regain race form and Canada ended up winning silver behind the Swedes. And the Norwegians? They finished fourth.

Good guys may not finish last but this kind act certainly lost a medal. Then again, maybe life isn’t just about the final results. Perhaps it is about the way we get to the end.

“Nobody in Norway has said anything bad to me,” Hakensmoen said. “They expect me to do that. Yes, cross-country is very big in Norway. But winning is not everything.

“If you win but don’t help somebody when you should have, what win is that? I was just helping a girl in big trouble. The equipment shouldn’t determine the winner.

“The heart and talent should determine the winner. That’s my opinion, anyway. Hopefully it’s something other guys will think of next time.”

Certainly the Canadian performed with great heart and nearly took the gold. But the biggest heart was seen in the coach who helped someone not on his own team. Kudos to the example set that day.