Speedskating Champ Chooses Sportsmanship Over Olympic Medal
Feb 18, 2022, 6:50 AM
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
BEIJING (AP) — Reigning world champion Kai Verbij backed off on the final crossover straight in speedskating’s 1,000 meters, a split-second bit of sportsmanship that cost the Dutch star any chance at a medal.
Verbij knew he didn’t have quite enough speed to get in front of Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil. Rather than a risk a collision, Verbij popped up and slowed so he stayed clear of Dubreuil.
Thomas Krol won the 1,000 meters to give the Netherlands its third straight Olympic speedskating title in the event. ⛸🇳🇱#KSLOlympics #WinterOlympics #Beijing2022 https://t.co/x9evkBWSfZ
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 18, 2022
The Canadian zipped away to capture the silver medal.
With his medal chances gone, Verbij coasted around to the finish line.
GOLD FOR KROL!
Thomas Krol of the Netherlands wins GOLD in the men's 1000m free skate! #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/4tr7d1uaLa
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2022
He wound up more than 3 1/2 seconds behind the best-to-last finisher, Austin Kleba of the United States.
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