‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Dave, Koronadal City, Philippines — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:36 GMT

It's great to see the media note these dramatic events, rather than only the gold medal races of the large, rich nations. These athletes have overcome incredible barriers just to appear. And to win a medal is phenomenal

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Paige Hayes — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:51:20 GMT

I am so happy for these competitors and the countries they got their medals for. This is what the Olympics is all about. Anything can happen.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Dan, Mt. Juliet, TN — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:03:47 GMT

Congrats to all the medalists in the article. Everyone loves an underdog and they are deservedly very proud of their accomplishment.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Scott, DC — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:19:29 GMT

Great stories.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Kim Mancuso, Paris, KY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:25:55 GMT

Terrific to hear about these athletes, I would not have known about their wonderful accomplishments if not for your site. I am proud for them, and thank you for publishing their historic results.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

ken, philadelphia, pa — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:38:00 GMT

Good for them! It is awesome to see that someone celebrates great achievement, even if it isn't the 'best'. These athletes deserve it. China could take a lesson from this with their "silver and bronze are shameful" approach to the GOLD metal quest.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jennifer, Flemington, NJ — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:43:45 GMT

Wouldn't it be great if everyone could take a page from this book and see that we can all get along, support and cheer eachother on despite all of our ethnic and religous differences. That Afghani woman is breaking down barriers and I wish her and her fellow country women continued success!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Kay, Oklahoma — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:44:37 GMT

I wish to extend my congratulations to these athletics, they have something to be truly proud of. Some have overcome hardships that most of us and the other athletes have no comprehension of. Thanks for this wonderful story.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Nancy, West Orange, New Jersey — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:11:57 GMT

Thank you for these compelling stories.

Congratulations to all the competing athletes. You are all winners. You give all of us inspiration.
"All that glitters is not gold".

I hope to see more female Arabic athletes.

Here is a chance for designers to design flexible, breathable, moisture wicking light weight clothing for observant Muslim women who want to compete and be covered.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jean F. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:15:01 GMT

These athletes show the true Olympic spirit. Congratulations to them!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Rahim — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:44:39 GMT

Congrats to *all* the athletes. Making it to the Olympics is itself an accomplishment... For some, even this is bigger than gold.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Mich G. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:58:03 GMT

Congratulations! You are the true winners, my deepest respect to you. To the author of this article: Thank you for reminding us what the true spirit of the Olympic Games is supposed to be.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

adam jones, queens, new york — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:07:23 GMT

this is hallmark evidence of progression and improvement in the world

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Michael, Englewood, TN — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:10:36 GMT

It is great hearing about these athletes from nations that do not normally make the news, like Togo. In all cases, they overcome incredible odds just to get into the Olympics and even more formidable odds to win those medals.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Norman Roland, Bend, OREGON USA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:13:42 GMT

I strongly concur with all of the preceding comments.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

RAY, POMPANO BEACH — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:01:46 GMT

CONGRATS TO PANAMA WHO WON THEIR FIRST EVER GOLD. tHEY GOT IT IN THE LONG JUMP. ITS THE COUNTRIES FIRST MEDAL IN 60 YEARS (WON 2 BRONZES IN 1948)

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Twiggles, Seattle, WA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:04:20 GMT

I wish these were the olympic stories that were front and center across the world!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Becky, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:04:39 GMT

What an inspiration and a great way to bring hope to their native countries! Congratulations, Olympic Athletes!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Claudia Levy, Chicago, IL — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:04:42 GMT

I am happy for everyone and all the countries that have won medals, Afghanistan included.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Mike , Los Angeles , CA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:29:17 GMT

Truly captures the spirit of the Olympics.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Leslie Halls — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:45:38 GMT

Way to go! It's so exciting that these small countries can be recognized for their accomplishments, all the more remarkable given the obstacles these athletes face on a day-t-day basis. Thanks for a great story.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Joe, MSP — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:25:52 GMT

This is great. What more can be said. It is even better to hear that a woman from Afganistan competed. Too bad she didn't get a medal especially a Gold medal. Just think that would have done for women in that area of the world.
Osama.. see women are very good and not just a pleasure thing like you treat them.
Way to go all those athletes!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

JJ, Albany NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:28:41 GMT

I agree with the comments above. I know they can't cover everyone, but wouldn't it be great if our TV media at least spotlighted all such record-breaking or historic events as they occured, regardless of the winners' nationalities? That's what the Olympics is all about!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jon, Baltimore, Maryland — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:37:06 GMT

I think it is a great thing. His Bronze Medal "is as good as Gold". I do not think you would here an American say that! Just being able to compete would be a great thing. Keep training.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Preston, Raleigh NC — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:53:32 GMT

I think it is commendable to show these atheletes from small countries winning medals when most of the focus seems to be on who has the most medals or gold. I win to these athelics may not produce the revenue income that a Phelps or Bolt would garner, but their countries could certainly not be any prouder. Kudos for the coverage.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

curtis cain,Killeen ,Texas — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:54:55 GMT

I think all of the competing nations could learn something from that humble man. He showed the true spirit of the Olympics. Thankyou for bring this to my attention, it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling:)

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Greg, Kingston, Jamaica — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:20:27 GMT

Gold medals of the large rich nations?
Jamaica hardly fits the stereotype mold that your mind has constructed and Jamaican athletes are carrying home more gold than the USA. Do your homework!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Juan de la Cruz, Seattle, WA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:46:29 GMT

I agree with one of the comments above. I am happy for the USA for all the medals we got. But I am much happier for these athletes form poor and troubled nations who have to go through so much just to prepare and get to the Olympics. It will also help if we get rid of all the cheating, doping and politics.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

hassan sherdil — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:16:30 GMT

Way to go Afghanistan!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Phyllis O'Daniels, Creston, Iowa — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:18:56 GMT

What a pleasure to read these accounts. The Olympics events inspire us in many ways. All participants deserve to be acknowledged for their efforts - even those who make mistakes. Adversity keeps us humble as well as giving us strength to try again.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Terry, Buffalo, NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:59:49 GMT

I did see the man representing Togo win his bronze, and I also saw the Muslim lady run in the heat leading to the semi-finals fully dressed, but with face uncovered. My heart was with her, especially if she was woman who was threatened with death by the fundamentalists, if she would compete, who feel no woman is capable of anything except childbearing. God bless her courage. And may Allah bless them all!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Ray, Yonkers, NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:04:07 GMT

Anyone know why Iraq was not allowed to compete by the Olympic Committee?

I would of loved to see them be able to win anything and it would of done so much for their people.

Especially considering that the teams under Saddam's sons would be tortured even for failure. Now they can finally compete like a normal nation and were denyed by the Committee. Why?

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jason Cox Milwaukee, Wi — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:12:11 GMT

He is half Togolese and half French and he has lived 26 of of his 27 years in france and does all his training in france. He also has not been to Togo since he was a baby, and the medal goes to Togo? Sounds to me like France got robbed.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

D Vierra, Whittier, CA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:14:47 GMT

I love that the coverage has been on such a wide range of people, various countries other than the big dogs, and the human stories. This is what the Olympics should be about. I think this has been win of the best Olympics yet.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Stephanie — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:23:13 GMT

Congratulations to each and every country, big or small, rich or poor, who supports their athletes' dream in the quest for gold, silver or bronze medal...

Deep respect and admiration to all the athletes who have won medals at the Olympics game (regardless of the medal's color!)

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Shawn, Jacksonville FL — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:24:58 GMT

Hey, NBC! Why don't you do some sort of Olympic underdog special, and focus on these athletes from these small countries that nevertheless prevailed against the mega-competitors. I for one am a little tired of Michael Phelps being called the greatest athlete of all time, and all his basking in the spotlight. How about telling the stories of these men and women who, through nothing more than determination and hard work--and without mega-budget facilities, trainers, support staff, etc., that athletes from the big countries have--earned the right to represent their countries on the biggest stage in sports? It would get at least a little closer to that olympic ideal than multiple gold medals, endorsement deals, etc.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jamshid Yarzada, Phoenix Arizona — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:59:57 GMT

I am truly happy to hear and read about these wonderful accomplishment and achievment. I felt so great when I read this. Good luck to all of you-atheletes!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

rich, seattle, wa — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:15:58 GMT

could you imagine what the games would be like if all countries diverted 10% of thier military budgets to athletics? that would be a 'battle' i'd love to see.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Asquith Bristol Freeport NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:38:17 GMT

Perhaps your thoughtfulness in highlighting these success stories would inspire other media writers.I am thankful for what you have done for the spirit of the Olympics. I fully agree with all the previous comments.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Becki — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:20:24 GMT

These stories are fabulous and a great many hip-hip-hooray to the athletes who are bringing home their country's first medal, or a medal after many barren years! I am proud of these athletes for giving the competition their all. As for those countries who won't see a medal from Bejing's olympic - never give up! Keep trying, keep sendng your best athletes. We love them all and are cheering for you and them as much as our own.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Neil Dick Beltran — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:14:24 GMT

This is a much better story than that one about an athlete whose visa was cancelled.

Congratulations to all athletes for participating. Maybe some of you are there to show the world your skills. Please bear in mind that you are representatives of your country. Your actuations will very much reflect what your is about and what your countrymen are like.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jamaica — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:52:39 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to you athletes. It's amazing to know that just beign able to compete in the Olympics or(beign the first female)is a major step for you, much more, bringing home your country's first medal, it's amazing, it's phenomenal this should be all over the media. I will surely spread the word to my fellow Jamaicans. BIG UP.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Rose, Canada — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:23:34 GMT

Best story from the Olympics I've read yet.
I would say the accomplishments of these athletes are up there with Phelps and Bolt.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jenna, Temple, TX — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:52:43 GMT

Bahrain is to be commended for finally allowing women to compete in athletic events, but they would have had a much better chance of winning another medal had they allowed the woman runner to dress in similar fashion to her competitors rather than requiring her to wear what appeared to be several extra pounds of clothing - completely covered from head to toe except her face and hands. Considering the extra weight of and wind resistant the clothing caused coupled with the high summer temperatures, how could she possibly be expected to peform at her best? Sad, sad, sad ........

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Hameed Fazil — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:19:16 GMT

I congrate Rohullah Jan Nikpai,I know him very well, he is a poor boy and very inteligent,he is the best in his games, I request from our president please help Rohullah Nikpai,because we must not lose him, I hope one day he will be come the champion in the world,now he is champion for us, oncè again Congratulation MR Rohullah Nikpai.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Tawab Turkmani, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:04:08 GMT

I totally agree with shawn from Jacksonville, Fl. You took the words from my mouth man. I'm Afghan. I'll be frank and say that I hate the U.S government and it's politics but I love American people like you who understands that we are all human, different but equal. Peace and prosperity to the whole world...One day soon...God willing.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jason — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:55:42 GMT

To the guy from Jamaica.

I am glad Jamaica has been getting golds, it's awesome.

But before you tell someone how wrong they are and to "do their homework" you might want to follow your own advice. As of right now USA has 31 gold medals, Jamaica has 6.

While I am happy for Jamaica, they are not "taking home more gold than the USA", and if you are going to to out of your way to imply someone is ignorant and tell them to "do their homework"... do your own first.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Brad Oxnard, Bristol, RI — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:18:14 GMT

As of this date using a point system or just golds China comes out in first place. Using 3-2-1 points or 5-3-1 points China still has the lead. 3-2-1 total is China 205, USA 201: 5-3-1 total is China 318 and USA 289. So no matter what China wins with most. Personnaly, doing their best as atheletes is all that is required, whether last or first.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Emily, Maryland — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:16:58 GMT

Don't forget the athletes from Sudan, Mauritius, and Tajikistan who also won their country's first medals during these games (none of them gold).

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Beverly Sherman, Carson, CA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:32:18 GMT

I'm thrilled that these people are being recognized. I'd like to add that 39 year old Romainian woman who won the marathon. I hadn't planned on watching that, but it was wonderful to see her win.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Kenneth , North Miami, FL — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:08:37 GMT

Congrats to all women in the Olympics from third world countries who have to train in secret because of all of the sicko's like the Taliban who hate the idea of women being athletes. That's because these athletes are tougher and better then them. Its too bad that Title IX isn't a world law. Maybe the United Nations should have a resolution in the General assembly supporting the ideals of Title IX worldwide.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Parks Stewart, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:16:19 GMT

I just LOVE these stories! Hooray for all these folks and the hurdles they had to overcome! I think much more of these people than how many medals we have or how many China was able to cheat and imtimidate its athletes into winning. Great Story!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Mike, PA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:15:53 GMT

I'm happy for these people.

However 50% of you need to read the article instead of the title and pictures. Thats an afghani man, not a woman.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Jerry Marcantel Tucson, Arizona — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:45:18 GMT

To Jason Cox, it might be that he wasn't good enough for the French team, so with Togolese citizenship, he used them as his entry into the olympics. There's no one getting robbed in this situation.......

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Tictoc Dunedin Florida — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:15:43 GMT

Iraq has a Team In The Olympic Games, They Were allowed To Compete, as of Yet No Medalsm BUT! They Are there & Free!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Katherine Coull, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco, Mexico — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:28:49 GMT

Thanks so much for sharing the victories of the 'others,' the 'also-rans,' the countries that the tv coverage usually skips so they can do a commercial.
Athletes: YOU DID SO WELL! Kudos.
It was great!
Kathie in Mexico

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

DUANE MCCARTY, SGT US ARMY, KANDAHAR, AFGANISTAN — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:07:43 GMT

BEING HERE IN AFGANISTAN, IVE MEET SOME OF THE LOCAL AFGANIES, THEY ARE A WARM AND WOUNDERFUL CULTURE OF PEOPLE. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT THIER COUNTRY HAS SOME POSITIVE NEWS OTHER THAN THE OBVIOUS.MY HOPES ARE THAT ALL AFGAN'S CAN SEE ONE OF THIER OWN WITH HIS MEDAL TO GIVE HOPE TO THE FUTURE OF THIER COUNTRY.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Virginia Rowan, Stafford, VA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:05:31 GMT

This was a fantastic article. Thank you so much for reporting on these great athletes. They deserve the accolades as much as anyone and it is wonderful to see them recognized. Way to go !!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Tish, Brooklyn, NY — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:26:24 GMT

I love stories like these about the nations and their athletes that are winning their country's first medals ever. They are so proud and it does not even matter that it is bronze they are truly happy and it gives them the incentive to work hard and keep up the good work. Congrats to Togo Bahrain and Afghanistan.

Oh and Greg from Kingston, my mom is Jamaican and while I am pround of Bolt and the other Jamaican athletes who are winning they do not have more gold then the USA right now.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Edgardo, San Francisco, Ca — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:22:49 GMT

I am proud to the afghanistan athlete although, the country is torn apart of war atleast someone who represent them to be part of the olympic not only that those country became independent too to be part of it no matter win or lose for this olympic event.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Robert Shaw, Toronto, Ontario — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:53:06 GMT

It's great to see focus put on these athletes. Stories like this make me proud to be human some days.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

r l mcconnell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:09:08 GMT

I wish that we could see more of this on tv. I mean there is not much drama in seeing US basketball or sand volleyball with these lopsided games and do we have to see rhythmic gynastics. I would rather see something like kayak or just about anything else. Yes I am a female.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

steve smith, allbany new york — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:20:42 GMT

nbc showed nothing as far as the total olympic schedule,hours of swimming , diving and volley ball was so boring, I'd rather watch the shopping channel, 4 years from now I hope another network carries it

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Bev, Sacramento, CA — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:40:06 GMT

I've always loved the Olympics and NBC has done a fabulous job covering them. (But I have to admit that I'm glad that the two weeks of sleep deprivation will be over.)

Many memorable moments - Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, USA Team Gymnastics, Usain Bolt, Bryan Clay and USA Basketball to name just a few.

It is wonderful to see athletes from smaller countries winning medals too. It proves that raw talent can still prevail over the athletic machines of many of the industrialized countries.

Perhaps we should also look at this from a population perspective as well. It is not surprising that China, with a talent pool of 1.3 billion, is climbing up in the medal count.

Looking forward to Vancouver 2010!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

vishal, Edison NJ — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:50:33 GMT

Congratulations to all these unsung athletes. But i would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Americans who are posting congratulatory remarks for these foreign athletes here.

This is one of the reason i fell in love with Americans long time ago. Because you are a good decent people who genuinely care about the rest of the world out there. From Doctors without borders to countless other charities Americans take care of the world like no other country does. The sentiments expressed here just strengthen my faith in you. And i am not naive. I am very well aware of the "other" kind of Americans too, but in general you are a good people guys.

Now just in case i got too effusive with my praise, i am going to head out to the newsvine forums where the Obama versus Mccain is raging. XOXOXOXOXOXOX

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Nahid, Houston, Texas — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:27:51 GMT

i am so happy for my Aghan bro good job we all proud of u keep it up inshallah next time u will get a gold medal.........

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Eleb, Wenzhou ,China — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:31:04 GMT

I would like to say" Congratulations" to all the athletes who take part in Olympic.
Just like someone said Olympic inspires us in many ways,especially after reading this article

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

a registered investment advisor — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:31:26 GMT

Isn't that great? Every country finds reason to feel good about themselves.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Frank — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:23:04 GMT

This is a very different and interesting story. At last we begin to see the spirit of Olympic, the celebration of participating in a universal event in a friendly manner, except a few unsportmanlike loosers. Now that USA is no more emphasizing on gold medal haul, why not concentrate in reporting the sports, specially those from smaller nations.

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

stacy — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:19:59 GMT

congrats to all .

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

john, Monterey Park, California — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:59:11 GMT

Amazing heart warming stories. I totally agree with the above comments. hooray for all the athletes!!!

‘This bronze medal is bigger than gold’

Charmaine, Kingston, Jamaica — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:13:23 GMT

To Jason, who responded to "the guy from Jamaica"

Before you contradict Greg from Kingston - let's put the thing in context. He said Jamaican 'athletes' which is meant to be on the tracks. So Greg is right to say that Jamaica is carrying more gold than USA - but really what is important to me the fact that Jamaica and the Caribbean, as a matter of fact the other "little countries" are no longer being outclassed by the mighty USA. It is a great thing for all to see the Olympics on a level playing field. This year's event was really enjoyed by all just because of that fact - and the "Boltmania" made so much more fun than past years.