The Champion Underdog

        Hamadou Djibo Isaaka was a gardener working in the Niger capital, and a modest swimming pool attendant until the day when the International Olympic Committee offered him a wild card, guaranteeing his qualification in the Olympic Games. The wild card policy was created to allow Niger, the landlocked country situated in a desert, with no formal rowing clubs, lakes, equipment, or even head start, to have an Olympic rower. That leads to Isaaka’s first time ever being in a boat three months before the Olympics of 2012, in which he was to compete. 


Watch as Isaaka valiantly pulls towards the finish line. Source

Now three month later, with the best efforts from Isaaka, it is not surprising that the Sculling Sloth, or Isaaka the Otter, didn’t manage to get to the finals. In fact, the closest he got to the finish line was 8 minutes and 36 seconds, more than a minute and half slower than the qualification requirement. However, the crowd didn’t root for anyone harder than Isaaka. People cheered, screamed, hugged for him, the wild card ignited widespread support from the audience. 

Some people may argue Isaaka shouldn’t be at the Olympics at all. However, I strongly disagree. Isaaka reminds us of “Eric the Eel,” who started his swimming career 2 weeks before the Olympics. No matter how badly they lose in the Olympics, people like Isaaka and Eric are the heros in their home country, inspiring millions of others. Their phenomenal post-Olympics influence encourages young generations from their country to start competing in the Olympics.

Isaaka may not be the best sportsman, but he demonstrated strong sportsmanship. The crowd that day in London cheered for someone who didn’t win a medal but the courage and the inspiring message carried along. In that sense, Hamadou Djibo Isaaka is the true winner of the 2012 Olympic Games.




Sources:

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