How an athlete-professional or "amateur"-conducts themselves off the field of endeavor is something that attracts the attention of many observers. The poise and dignity exhibited by Canadian figure skaters Sale and Pelletier in the first 48 hours after the controversial judges' decision-and the positive support it engendered-is a case in point.
Of course, it was rather predictable that the media would soon tire of the attention these individuals received, and then the media scrutiny can turn the other way. It was not surprising only days later to see headlines such as "U.S. Media Turns on Sale and Pelletier", when the perception was that the skaters and their agent were milking the attention for all it was worth.
Regardless, it was largely the media who wanted and demanded their time, and persisted in seeking their views. (Sale & Pelletier) They stayed "on message" that the issue at the time was not about them and their Russian competitors, rather that the sport and its judging practices needed to be cleaned up.
Whether receiving the gold medal will in the long run and in retrospect be thought of as a true victory, or a win for Canadian lobbyists, is difficult to assess. They may well have garnered even more support had they simply been allowed to accept their fate as classy silver medallists.
Their decision not to skate at the ensuing World Championships seems to make sense from a marketing perspective. After what was perceived as a flawless technical performance at Salt Lake, it would be virtually impossible to live up to the hype around them. Any even small mistake at the Worlds would have critics saying… "ah, you see, they didn't deserve that gold medal in Salt Lake after all…".
Best, it would seem, to retire "undefeated" while still reaping the rewards of achievement, public adulation, and having stayed gracious under fire.
