2010 Winter Olympics, Sven Kramer Wins Gold, Sets Olympic Record in 5,000 Meter

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, began it's first day of competition following the somber opening ceremonies, which came only hours after the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili. Today, the men's 5,000 meter speed skating race provided much needed drama, and excitement. The race featured all the big names in speed skating, Sven Kramer, Shani Davis, and Chad Hedrick, but in the end, there was no competition for Sven Kramer, who easily skated away with the gold medal.

For the 23 year old Kramer, the biggest challenge of the day came after his race. The young Dutch skater watched nervously while the remaining skaters chased his gold medal. In the end, Kramer would not only win his first Olympic gold medal, he would do it in record time, 6:14.60.

Today's gold medal was redemption for Kramer, who was disappointed with his silver medal in the 2006 Olympics, in the 5,000 meter, Kramer skated with enormous pressure today , but even with the added weight,, he wouldn't be denied. After the final race was over, and the gold was his, watching Kramer run through the crowd to his family, exemplified what the Olympic spirit is all about. He hugged his father, former speed skater, Yep Kramer, and seemed to almost break down. In that moment the young boy, in his fathers arms, knew he'd made his father proud.

Kramer's victory ignited the Dutch fans, who were drenched in orange. Their excitement was contagious. Finally, the somber cloud over the 2010 Olympics, seemed to lift a little.

While Kramer, the favorite, didn't disappoint, it was an underdog who would take home the silver, Korea's, Seung-Hoon Lee. In the same event, we saw the heavily favorite fulfill his destiny, and an underdog live out his dream. That's what makes the Olympics such a unique event.

The remaining speed skating schedule seems just as exciting. Sven Kramer will race for his second gold medal, in the 10,000 meter. American, Shani Davis, will try to bring home three medals when he skates in the 500, 1000, and 1,500. While fellow American, Chad Hedrick, will attempt to top Davis in the 1,500, and take home the gold for himself.

Thanks to the speed skaters for making day one of action in the 2010 Winter Olympics, an exciting one.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/olympics/2010/02/13/kramer.gold.ap/index.html