U.S. vaulting coach disgraced nation

Steve Rosin, Las Vegas

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008 | 2:06 a.m.

I have been watching these Olympics, as I did most others, to cheer the United States to victory. We have lost and we have won.

In events where the athlete’s coach is visible, there are congratulations to the athlete by the coach whether or not a medal is won — except in women’s pole vault.

U.S. vaulter Jenn Stuczynski won the silver medal in Beijing, losing only to Russian record holder Yelena Isinbayeva. Instead of congratulating Stuczynski, her coach berated her for not keeping her feet together and several other things she might or might not have done, and then walked away from her, all on national TV.

Women’s pole vaulting debuted in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. That means only nine medals have been awarded.

This coach should be ashamed of himself. Stuczynski’s loss to the best vaulter in the world is no disgrace. This coach must think we are in another country, where if you do not finish first you are a failure and should be embarrassed by your efforts.

This coach should be reprimanded by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The Olympics epitomize sportsmanship and fair play, but this coach is neither fair nor sportsmanlike.