The value of friendship

The Russian Gymnastics team, Yelena 2nd from left, Svetlana 1st right.

In the 2000 Olympics, held in Sydney Australia, the games produced  the expected number of records, spectacular performances, the usual drug-related stories, and one touching story of friendship, generosity and altruism.  In the women’s Gymnastics, one of the stars was the Russian Svetlana Khorkina who had already won a few medals when she realized that her compatriot and team-mate Yelena Zamolodchikova received no medals. So when they came to the vault apparatus, Svetlana gave up her spot to Yelena, so that she’ll get at least a chance to win one medal. Yelena grabbed the gold to the delight of her friend, who applauded her emotionally from the stands. A day later, they were both competing for the last medal, the floor exercises. Svetlana went first and she was leading all through the end. But at the end was her friend Yelena, who did the impossible, and won the gold, with Svetlana taking the silver medal. For a few seconds Yelena was left by herself, oblivious of what had happened, and Svetlana remained seated, stunned. 

Yelena Zamolodchikova receiving the high scores for her routine.

Then she got up, went to Yelena, much shorter than her, and gave her one of those maternal hugs, as if to say, “I’m so proud of you!” Svetlana will always be remembered for her unselfish gesture, much more than her gold medal. Khorkina ended up with one gold and one silver, while Zamolodchikova earned two golds and one silver. That’s the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship, and the spirit of the Olympic Games.