Sochi Olympics 2014 VIDEO: Top 5 ‘Can’t Miss’
The bronze medal that American Erin Hamlin won in singles luge on Tuesday in Sochi was historic because is it the first time that a United States Olympian has ever medaled in that event – but that’s not the only reason.
“I’m stoked,” Hamlin said after her win. “Who knew? I definitely pictured it. It was a big goal of mine. After (the 2010 Games) I was really disappointed, and I knew that’s not how I wanted my Olympic legacy to end. It was super-motivating.”
Hamlin’s bronze more than likely became the first Olympic medal in history, won by anyone, anywhere, at any point in time, to be twerked with.
Luckily, thanks to Hamlin’s Instagram account, the footage of her Olympic teammate Kate Hansen making history was captured for posterity.
“Had to get my medal “dance-blessed” by the one and only @k8ertotz,” Hamlin wrote in the post that accompanies the clip. “#bustaBRONZEmove #Sochi2014.”
As it turns out that, that medal appears like it is somewhat blessed, as it will be the only one that the U.S. brings home in luge in 2014 as the team failed to medal in the Doubles or Team Relay events.
Although Hansen will be heading home from the Games without a medal, she has certainly left a lasting impression on Sochi. Prior to Hansen’s second run on Monday during the singles competition, NBC aired a clip of her getting pumped up to compete by dancing to music.
After seeing the clip, announcer and former American luger Duncan Kennedy wasn’t overly complimentary.
“I would like to see something a little more sports specific from her. What you see out of the top runners, the really heavy hitters, is they’re working those start muscles, they’re working the low back…while that might be a very good, general warm-up, I’m not sure it gets the job done for medal contention,” Kennedy said during the broadcast.
(Wonder what he’d say about her “working the low back” after seeing the medal dance?)
Following Hansen’s run, reporter Lewis Jonson asked the 21-year-old who she was listening to during her warm-up routine. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t Miley Cyrus.
“Strictly Beyonce. My girl B — she just gets my fierce and I get stoked.,” Hansen said. “I just have to. I have good mojo going on. It’s just how I roll. […] I’m in my own world and it doesn’t matter who’s staring, I’m still gonna dance.”
According to Team USA’s website, Hansen enjoys “surfing, dancing, singing, playing the guitar and ukulele, skateboarding, skiing, and traveling.”
Maybe it’s time to add twerking to the list.
Evan Bleier is a freelance writer based out of wherever he can plug in his laptop. You can send him questions, comments and Buffalo wing suggestions @itishowitis or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook
