The poem Nine Gold Medals was written by David Roth. It is a moving poem about human compassion and cooperation. The poem tells the story of a 100-meter race with differently abled athletes at a Special Olympics event. During the race, one athlete falls down but the other runners stop to help him back up. They all walk hand in hand together to the finish line, demonstrating the true spirit of sportsmanship.
In this article, we will provide a stanza-by-stanza summary and analysis of David Roth’s inspirational poem Nine Gold Medals.
Nine Gold Medals Summary
Stanza 1
The athletes had come from all over the country
To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze
Many weeks and months of training
All coming down to these games.
The first stanza introduces the athletes who have come from all over to participate in this Special Olympics event. It tells us that they have trained for many weeks to run in this 100-meter race and win the gold, silver, and bronze medals. Their hard work and training have led up to this event.
Stanza 2
The spectators gathered around the old field
To cheer on all the young women and men
The final event of the day was approaching
Excitement grew high to begin.
In the second stanza, we see that many spectators have gathered around the field to cheer on the young athletes. It is the final event of the day and there is excitement building up as the race is about to begin.
Stanza 3
The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them
The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run
These were nine resolved athletes in back of the starting line
Poised for the sound of the gun.
The third stanza describes the scene right before the race begins. The starting blocks have been lined up for the athletes. There are nine resolved athletes ready behind the starting line, waiting for the starting gun to go off.
Stanza 4
The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead.
When the race begins, all the athletes start running ahead. However, the shortest athlete among them stumbles and falls to the ground.
Stanza 5
He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred.
The athlete who fell gives a cry expressing his frustration and anguish. All his dreams and efforts seem ruined as he lays in the dirt. But something surprising happens next.
Stanza 6
The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned around and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
The other eight runners stop and turn back. One by one, they go back to help the fallen athlete stand back on his feet. This show of sportsmanship and compassion is unexpected.
Stanza 7
Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk
And a banner above that said (Special Olympics)
Could not have been more on the mark.
After helping their fellow runner, all nine athletes join hands together. Instead of resuming the race, they decide to walk hand in hand together to the finish line. The banner saying “Special Olympics” seems perfectly suited for this event emphasizing human compassion.
Stanza 8
That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will.
The race concludes with each of the nine athletes winning a gold medal. They cross the finish line holding hands and smiling brightly, cheered by the crowd’s standing ovation. Their shining faces convey joy and camaraderie. The poet says this vision articulates the event’s special spirit more than words can describe.
Conclusion
David Roth’s poem Nine Gold Medals highlights human compassion by telling the inspiring story of athletes helping their fellow competitors at a Special Olympics race. When one runner falls, the others demonstrate true sportsmanship by stopping to help him to his feet. They come together in a spirit of unity, walking hand in hand, and are all rewarded with gold medals. The poem conveys a powerful message about cooperation and the human spirit. Its stanzas depict the selflessness and joy of the differently abled athletes, making Nine Gold Medals a motivational and meaningful poem.
The summary and analysis of David Roth’s Nine Gold Medals show how this inspirational poem uses a sports event to showcase human values like compassion and unity. The step-by-step explanation of each stanza highlights the deeper meaning behind the race incident described in the poem. This poem about differently-abled athletes at the Special Olympics has an empowering message about the human potential for goodwill and is a favorite included in ICSE board textbook collections.
Nine Gold Medals Question and Answer
Here are some questions and answers about the poem “Nine Gold Medals”:
Q: What is the theme of the poem?
A: Key themes are compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, and the spirit of athleticism.
Q: What message does the poem convey?
A: The poem conveys that helping others and recognizing our shared humanity is more important than winning.
Q: What event is taking place in the poem?
A: The poem describes a 100-meter dash event at the Special Olympics, where athletes with disabilities are competing.
Q: How many athletes are participating in the race?
A: There are nine athletes lined up to run in the race.
Q: What happens when the race begins?
A: When the starting pistol fires, the smallest runner stumbles and falls forward onto the ground.
Q: Which medals are awarded for first, second, and third positions in the Olympics?
The gold medal is awarded for first position, the silver medal for second position, and the bronze medal for third position in the Olympics.
Q: Name two Indian athletes who have participated in the Olympics.
Two Indians who have participated in the Olympics are Abhinav Bindra (shooting) and Mary Kom (boxing).
Q: How would the nine contestants have felt finishing together? What words indicate this?
The nine contestants would have felt happy and proud finishing together. Words like “laughing and grinning” indicate their joy.
Q: How did spectators react to the contestants’ gesture?
The spectators gave a standing ovation and cheered loudly to show appreciation for the contestants’ gesture of inclusiveness.
Q: Who won the race and how?
No one won the race. All nine contestants finished together and crossed the line at the same time.
Q: How do the athletes ultimately finish the race?
A: Joining hands, the nine runners walk together as a group to the finish line in an act of solidarity.
Q: How does the crowd respond when the runners cross the finish line?
A: The crowd gives them a standing ovation, applauding their display of empathy and teamwork.
Q: What makes this fictional story meaningful?
A: It emphasizes uplifting lessons about supporting others despite differences and overcoming adversity together.
