Estonian cross-country skiers Smigun and Veerpalu ski to gold medals in Torino.
Dave Kiil
Kristina Smigun and Andrus Veerpalu were both victorious at the Winter Olympics in Italy last winter. Smigun was a double winner in the women’s 15 km pursuit and the 10 km classical races, whereas Veerpalu triumphed in the men’s 15 km classical race.
Both have had outstanding careers and their achievements in Torino brought renewed international acclaim to Estonia’s cross-country skiers. The two skiers, along with wrestler Kristjan Palusalu and cyclist Erika Salumäe, are the only Estonian Olympians who have won two gold medals!
Of the two new Estonian folk heroes, Smigun received most of the media attention in the domestic and international press and on the Internet. Described by reporters as a bubbly and outgoing individual, she admits to living a highly focused and regimented life for at least eleven months of the year. When an acquaintance invited her to go shopping for souvenirs her answer was: “You collect souvenirs, I collect medals”. Having participated in four Olympics to date, she is already dreaming of gold in Vancouver in 2010!
Veerpalu is also a highly decorated athlete with a total of three medals (2 golds, 1 silver) in the last two Winter Olympics. He is a devoted family man with three children.
Golden Andrus is reportedly more comfortable on the ski trails than in front of thousands of admiring fans. Asked if he plans to participate in another Olympics, he notes that he’ll live from year to year for the time being. He is also quoted as observing that, for a small country like Estonia, his win in Torino is important for all Estonians.
Both athletes received a huge homecoming welcome in Tallinn’s Freedom Square. President Rüütel, Prime Minister Ansip and other dignitaries were on hand to heap plaudits on the new national heroes and to thank them on behalf of the Estonian people.
President Rüütel presented the golden pair with traditional laurel-leaf garlands during the ceremony.
The two athletes will each receive premiums reportedly well over a hundred thousand dollars.
