Nine Gold Medals by David Roth

Summary of  Nine Gold Medals

Nine gold medals is a poem written by David Roth, an American rock vocalist. It draws inspiration from the nine differently-abled athletes in a Special Olympic event. 

The first stanza tells about the athletes present to participate in the Special Olympics. They have come from all over the world. The medals they are competing for are gold, silver and bronze. 

The second stanza takes us through the large audience which is present there as it cheers on for the participants. We see how they cheer on through the day and enjoy merrily. Finally, the last event arrives, which is race. It is one of the most awaited events.

The announcers have announced the names of the runners who are going to participate in this hundred-meter race. In total, nine people are participating and all of them wish to win as they line up behind the starting point. All of them are now waiting for the sound of the gun.

As the pistol explodes, it is a signal for the race to begin. Thus, all the runners charge ahead along their particular tracks. However, an unexpected incident occurs. The shortest athlete stumbles and staggers. He falls on his knees to the ground. As he falls, he sees his dreams and aspirations come crashing down. Thus, he lets out a cry because of the pain and frustration.

However, the scene does not end there. A strange thing happens after he falls. The other athletes who are ahead of him stop and return one by one. They do so to help him out and make him stand up on his feet. At this point, they see past all their hard work and training throughout these years.

After picking him up, they join hands and start walking towards the finishing line together. So, you see how they reduced the hundred-meter race to a walk. 

Finally, the last stanza tells us that as the athletes ended the race together, hand in hand, they all win nine gold medals. Everyone gets one as they deserve it. With their smiling faces, the sportsmen stand together under the banner of ‘Special Olympics’.

Seeing all these athletes smile heartily touched the heart of the audience. In other words, the gesture delivered a special message as well as a great lesson. So, the poet feels this mere poem cannot do justice to the whole experience.

Conclusion 

Nine gold medals summary tells us about the spirit of sportsmanship and compassion. Moreover, it also explores human kindness and empathy. All in all, all the athletes justified the true meaning of Special Olympics.