You have probably heard the saying "done a Bradbury" but do we really know the true Steven Bradbury story.
Steven Bradbury's story is all too often remembered for the unexpected gold medal win at Salt Lake City in 2002, where 4 of his competitors fell, and Bradbury skating in 5th, managed to sail past them and win Gold for Australia. However, it is his unknown journey to get to the final of this Olympics that should truely inspire.
In the 10 years prior to his Gold Medal win he had already proven himself to be one of the best performed short track skaters Australia has ever produced. This includes winning the World Championship relay in 1991, World Championship Bronze in 1993, Silver in the 1994 World Championships and being a part of Australia's first ever Winter Olympic Medal in the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer.
Steven's journey was anything but smooth. Like every athlete that is pushing their limits, injuries become a constant part of life. In 1994, during a race, he was involved in a horrific crash that left him with a sliced artery in his leg, requiring 111 stitches. He lost 4 litres of blood and was very fortunate not to lose his life. His recovery from the leg injury was long and brutal with months of rehab and pain.
In 2000 Steven's determination was again tested. Steven broke his neck in a training accident. Doctors warned him that he might never skate again and that any attempt could result in paralysis. Steven underwent extensive surgery and further months of gruelling rehab. Two years later he was an Olympic Champion.
In a world that often celebrates instant success, Steven Bradbury's story is a refreshing reminder that the road to glory is often filled with setbacks and challenges. His journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity and achieve greatness through sheer determination and grit.
It should not be the fortuitous nature in which Steven won his medal that is remembered. It should be his story of how he was even in that final race for Gold to begin with, when he had every reason to quit along the way. My hope is Steven is one day remembered for the great olympic champion he was, and the great ambassador for the sport of speed skating he has become.
Well done Steve.
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