Evan Lysacek, My Hero!

Evan Lysacek lived in Johnny Weir's figure skating shadow prior to these Olympics. All we heard was "Weir-Weir-Weir." But did you notice who came from TENTH place after the men's short program to place FOURTH? In a brief Disney movie moment, I wanted him to medal, but that didn't happen.

I have to say I felt sorry for Lysacek the other night while watching the men's short program. (I felt sorry for myself when I learned he was born when I graduated high school in June 1985, but that has absolutely nothing to do with my post.)

He missed some jumps. He fell. He didn't look like a champion. And when you're out there, there's no second chances to do it over. Someone said Weir was the U.S.'s only hope of a men's skating medal.

But what's a medal now? Endorsements, of course. There's a lot to be said for winning first place. Or second, or third. Nobody remembers fourth, but in this case I do.

Lysacek was the one who overcame the mental challenge of being a flop the first time. He'd gotten sick in the meantime, had an IV going because of dehydration. Then with the long program coming up, he pulled out the stops and was one of the best performers of the night. Enough to move from tenth to fourth, and pass up the golden boy who wasn't.

His Olympics was more than medaling. It was about overcoming, not other skaters, but his own obstacles from within. Way to go! Lysacek is my Olympic hero.