I’m loathe to even mention this, as I really don’t like all the brouhaha, but I said I would comment after watching, so I will share a few observations.
1. I think the media truly is making more of this than it is.
That being said…
2. After watching the interview with them, I would say there are a lot of hurt feelings and hurt pride on both sides. I think Shani Davis was truly hurt and offended when Chad snubbed him after the 1000, and I think that may have contributed to the infamous “interview”. At the time that it happened, my husband actually said he would probably act like that if his teammates ignored him after the race. So, looks like he was right. On the other hand, I think Hedrick was really offended that Shani Davis made the decision to sit out the team pursuit without even giving him a chance to plead his case or talk to him about it.
3. They’ve both had their say. It’s time to move on. It would be nice if the skating federation had any teeth and could make them sit down in a room together and hash it out. I don’t think it’s good for speedskating, and I don’t think it’s good for America’s image.
They both look a bit like spoiled children, spatting on the playground. “He took my rock, and he won’t give it back.” “Oh, yeah, well he kicked dust on my shoes.”
At the beginning of the Olympics, I was thrilled any time they talked to Chad Hedrick. Now, it just makes me uncomfortable because I don’t like all the controversy. Of course, chances are the media will not let this lie, so Chad is going to have to develop a really good, convincing “no comment” and quit yapping everytime they yank his chain. (I single out Chad here because he still has races remaining, and he is more talkative than Davis.) Does he want to be remembered as the guy who won a bunch of medals or the guy who had a feud with Shani Davis? What kind of Olympic legacy is that?
