song: goodbye, ruby tuesday.
Last night the world once again learned the unfortunate fact that, in life, youth is king. A effervescent 16-year-old by the name of Sarah Hughes ripped the Olympic gold medal from the grasping hands of comparatavely ancient twenty-somethings Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya. But it wasn't due to a judging conspiracy. Both Kwan and Slutskaya made critical errors which loosened their grip on the prize while Hughes performed flawlessly and with unmatched inspiration.
Those who know defeat have a greater appreciation for victory. In 1998, a 17-year-old Kwan was upset by an even younger Tara Lipinski. She would have to wait four years for another chance at gold. Four years ago, Sarah Hughes wasn't even a teenager. The only thing she was waiting for was a school bus. In these Olympic games, Hughes' youth and inexperience worked marvelously in her advantage. She didn't see the great pith of the event. Nerves can't get to you when you don't know how significant the moment is. Sarah Hughes wasn't supposed to win. Perhaps she didn't know that she wasn't supposed to win.
If medals were given out to whomever deserved them the most, Kwan would have won the gold. Slutskaya would have won the gold too. But not Sarah Hughes. After all, she would certainly have another chance in Turin. She will have plenty of other chances.
Hopefully, Michelle Kwan will be back for the next winter games. She should be there. Irina Slutskaya will probably be there too. Sarah Hughes will unquestionably be there. But also present will be the next teenager to steal all their glory.