ACOG - News - IBM

(4 August 1996; Day 16)

ROSSI, DOKTOR Return to Homelands as Heroes

Antonio ROSSI of Italy and Martin DOKTOR of the Czech Republic may not want to wear the label of a "hometown hero," but when you achieve two gold medal performances in a single Olympic competition, that is just something you have to live with.

"When I go home, they will have an official presentation at City Hall," said DOKTOR. "I will be a hero in my town."

DOKTOR earned his two gold medals during the 1996 Olympic Games in the men's canoe single 500m and 1000m events - two main ingredients to being a hero. However, add to that the fact that the two medals are the first medals for the Czech Republic in Olympic sprint canoe competition in 44 years and you have a full-fledged hometown hero, especially to his family.

"My father, mother, brother and sister-in-law are all canoe trainers," said DOKTOR, laughing. "There was no way I could do another sport."

Although he will not readily accept the label of "hero," Italy's ROSSI is aware of his unprecedented accomplishments at these Olympic Games. "I don't think I am a hero," said ROSSI. "I am very proud to be a member of the Italian national team and I feel I am very lucky to win."

ROSSI was victorious in the men's kayak double 1000m event with partner Daniele SCARPA during Saturday's competition. On Sunday, the 27-year-old ROSSI outdistanced a field of competitors that included the defending Olympic Champion Mikko KOLEHMAINEN of Finland and reigning World Champion Piotr MARKIEWICZ of Poland for the gold in the kayak single 500m event. MARKIEWICZ finished third while KOLEHMAINEN took seventh.

ROSSI values his gold medals in two different ways. "It was beautiful to win yesterday with a partner because you have that responsibility to that person and it means a lot to be part of a team," said ROSSI. "But my win today was very satisfying because I was the only one. It was very honorable."

However, to ROSSI, the medals are not the most important things in his life.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by M. Lynne Bragg.


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