Nine Gold Medals
by David Roth
Rapid Learn 2-Minute Revision
Perfect for last-minute revision
2-Minute Revision Video
Video coming soon
This poem, set at the Special Olympics, a sports meet for the differently-abled, shows that empathy and human values matter as much as the spirit of competition. Athletes from all over the country, after weeks and months of training, gather for the final event: the hundred-yard dash. Nine resolved athletes stand poised at the starting line. When the pistol fires, they all charge ahead, but the smallest among them stumbles, staggers and falls to the asphalt, crying out in frustration and anguish as his dreams are dashed in the dirt. Then something remarkable happens: the eight other runners pull up on their heels, turn around one by one, and go back to help him to his feet. All nine join hands and continue, the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk, and cross the finish line together. Instead of one winner, there are nine gold medals, nine beaming faces and a standing ovation. The poem teaches that sharing, caring and cooperation are greater than winning alone.
Detailed Summary
Detailed Summary Video
Video coming soon
The setting: the Special Olympics
Athletes have come from all over the country after weeks and months of training. Spectators gather around the old field to cheer the young women and men. The final event of the day, the hundred-yard dash, is approaching, and excitement grows. Nine resolved athletes stand poised in the starting blocks, waiting for the sound of the gun.
The fall
The signal is given, the pistol explodes, and all the runners charge ahead. But the smallest among them stumbles and staggers, and falls to the asphalt. He gives out a cry of frustration and anguish as his dreams and efforts are 'dashed in the dirt'. The poet then hints that something unexpected is about to happen.
The eight runners turn back
The eight other runners, those who had trained so long to compete, pull up on their heels. One by one they all turn around and go back to help the fallen boy, bringing him to his feet. Then all nine runners join hands and continue, the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk. The banner above reading 'Special Olympics' could not have been 'more on the mark'.
Nine gold medals
The race ends with all nine runners crossing the finish line together, still holding hands. They receive a standing ovation and nine beaming faces say more than words ever could. Instead of one gold medal there are nine, because the athletes showed the true spirit of sportsmanship, valuing empathy and helping one another above winning an individual prize.