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Olympic underdogs remind us of the true spirit of the games

Sometimes it’s the losers who have the most memorable moments at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Photo of Tess Cagle

Tess Cagle

2018 Winter Olympics

The 2018 Winter Olympics have been about more than just the ruthless competitive spirit to be the “best” country in the world—it’s been about having fun, too. French figure skater Chafik Besseghier’s performance of “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang proves it.

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Figure skaters this year took advantage of their new ability to use songs with lyrics. Besseghier dressed like a taxi driver and snuck in some fancy footwork for his short program performance to the 1979 classic. He didn’t medal this year officially, but many say he took home the gold for best songtrack. 

Olympics watchers loved it (and far more than the dude who chose “Wonderwall” as his track).

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https://twitter.com/themusicalrunr/status/964307541835567104

Meanwhile, Mexican athlete German Madrazo captured hearts when he blazed across the finish line in last place at the 15km cross country, swinging a Mexican flag and was lifted up into the air by fellow underdogs. Madrazo just learned how to ski a year ago, according to the Huffington Post.

Madrazo’s and his fellow competitors enthusiasm reminds everyone that it’s not just about winning a medal. Competing at all in the games is an honor in of itself that should be celebrated regardless of the outcome.

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https://twitter.com/Serrano_Lorence/status/964512518885396483

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Athletes like Besseghier and Madrazo may not be gold medalists—or anything close it—but they win the Olympics because of their commitment to the true spirit of the international games; they promote peace, friendship, and good sportsmanship.

 
The Daily Dot