Which athlete has demonstrated the most grace, personality and sportsmanship in the midst of competition?

Question

I'll nominate mine later.

Answer 1

As an Aussie watching the games I would have to nominate Shawn Johnson. I was really impressed with the way she handled herself.

I just thought she was warm natured, smiling and professional in getting on with the job.

I reckon she should have got a gold on the floor exercise, but that's life.

Answer 2

With out a doubt, Dara Torres she asked for the race to be delayed because of another swimmer's suit, what a sweet girl!  

Answer 3

I would have to agree with the answerer above me. But I would also say Dara Torres for the amazing sportsmanship she showed before her 50 m finals.  

Answer 4

Shawn Johnson.....very professional. Always smiling even while watching the gold medal slip from her grasps.  

Answer 5

Dara Torres.

Answer 6

Dara Torres....who else asked for a competition to be delayed knowing that anything could happen; perhaps even losing to the person she was trying to lend a hand.  

Answer 7

Nastia Liukin, because I would have thrown that silver medal on the stand and walked away.

A lot of people say that she isn't as nice as Shawn but I think they are about equal with sportsmanship truthfully.  They both handle themselves really well, but you can usually tell when both are a tad upset.

Answer 8

I would say Dara Torres, she is a class act.

Answer 9

Shawn Johnson and Dara Torres. Both show sportmanship and class despite not getting golds when they deserve one.

Answer 10

Shawn Johnson for sure. She always smiles and congratulates her competitors even if they beat or scored higher than her.  

Answer 11

I think all the US athletes have. I like Shawn Johnson the most, but because of all the blows Nastia has taken i think she wins for this....i will keep this answer until something else happens on the balance beam to Shawn seeing how everything has gone so far for all the US gymnasts.  

Answer 12

Nino Salukvadze of Georgia, and Natalia Paderina of Russia. These two competitors hugged and kissed on the podium as Russia was bombing Georgia. These two had words of wisdom for the world.

"If the world were to draw any lessons from what I did there would never be any wars." Nino Salukvadze.

"Sports is not politics." Natalia Paderina.

This is the magic of the Olympics. This is what the soul of the Olympic games are all about. This is why I watch. Not to see a medal count.

Thank you for asking this question.  :)

Answer 13

shawn johnson

Answer 14

Dara Torres when she asked the coordinator and everyone to wait for the swimmer who ripped her suit! Such sportsmanship.  

Answer 15

That's easy. Shawn Johnson.

Answer 16

Shawn Johnson, she always smiles, even you knw she is dissapointed.