Instead, I'm going to give Third and Long's Athlete of the Olympic Games to someone else. Someone who was favored to win their event but due to a tragic set of circumstances, lost their event, yet was gracious in defeat, being the perfect symbol of what the good sport should be.
You've probably heard her story by now- heavy favorite to win the Women's 110 meter hurdles. Sprints out to a big lead, looking all but set to win the race...... until her feet clips the 9th of 10 hurdles, thus throwing her off of her stride. That was enough to cause her to lose her lead, and ultimately the race.
Now anyone else could have pissed and moaned about what happened. Blame the shoes, blame the hurdles, blame the snapping of the cameras, etc. But in this case, LOLO JONES didn't. She was momentarily stunned by what happened, and naturally upset. But she picked herself up, congratulated the winners and held her head up high.
She accepted defeat with class and grace. And in doing that, represented her country well.
And on top of that, she's smoking hot! Truth be told, that was a slight factor too.
In any case, she's my Third and Long Athlete of the Olympic Games. Bless her heart.
Nuff Said
