It was knock-out quarter finals. The Italian team was very strong.
Fun for the home crowd. Sad for Hedrick and the USA.
I'll be rooting for Italy and Norway for the remainder of that event.
I think the USA missed Davies, whom I have understood refused to be on the US team in order to focus on his 1000 meters individual competition.
Hedrick was cursing like a sailor when they came in behind Italy. His dream of copying Heisan was obviously not to be. Then again. Heiden winning the 500 and the 10 000 meters would never have been equaled anyhow.
My childhood hero legend lives on :-)
Cheers.
What was amazing about Heiden was all the events were outdoors. Can you imagine that today? I was only 13 years old that wonderful year and I still remember running out my front door with my MOM screaming and lighting off fireworks after USA beat Russia. She is now deceases but we have a picture of the two of us holding the American flag right after that win. Add in Heiden. That was the most amazing Olympics. I even made a scrapbook of the events that I still cherish. And let me tell you, pretty excellent job by this then 13 year old.