Nine Gold Medals by David Roth
Themes, Setting, Form and Structure
Analysis
Setting
This poem is set during a Special Olympics event where intellectually disabled athletes from all over the world had assembled.
The setting of the poem adds to its depth. It shows us how the intellectually disabled, who are often harshly branded as 'not normal', are perfectly capable of displaying human emotions.
Key Theme
Compassion and empathy over competition
The poem highlights the importance of compassion and empathy over competition. The eight athletes disregard the fact that they are in a competition and are willing to set aside a dream they worked so hard to achieve, to show kindness and empathy to a fellow competitor. They are able to imagine the frustration of the lad who fell down and decide to help him out, instead of seizing the opportunity to leave behind an opponent and increase their chances of winning a medal. They walk hand-in-hand and reach the finishing line at the same time.
Their action shows that there is more to sports than just winning and losing. True sportsmanship spirit requires empathy, kindness and respect for other competitors.
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