Discarding Silver Over Loss, Spencer Lee Finds Heartwarming Place for First Medal at Paris Olympics

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ByEva Aggarwal

Aug 21, 2024 | 12:30 AM EDT

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Spencer Lee's silver medal story—Is this the true spirit of sportsmanship we need more of?

When was the last time a debutant made such a splash at the Olympics? Enter Spencer Lee, the American wrestling dynamo who took the 57kg category by storm at the Paris Games. This 25-year-old wasn’t just showing up; he was setting the mat on fire. His journey, though, was more than just a show of raw power and technique.

Lee’s path to Paris wasn’t exactly smooth. A knee injury kept him out of the Tokyo Games, and after some serious ACL repairs on both knees, he was sidelined for five years. But did that stop him? Not a chance. The man came back with a vengeance, wiping the floor with 2021 World champ Thomas Gilman to snag the Olympic Trials win and clinching his spot in Paris with a triumph at the World Olympic Games Qualifier. Even with the silver medal lining his journey, the taste was still bittersweet—after all, gold was so tantalizingly close! And he made it crystal clear.

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If it’s not gold, Spencer Lee’s heart isn’t quite in it. “I don’t think there will ever be perspective where I think it’s (a silver medal) good.” “Just I’m a guy who believes more in wins and losses, it’s more about effort, and I don’t think I put a lot of effort in that match, so I didn’t deserve to win today and that’s OK.” Lee’s frustration stems from his belief in effort over outcomes. Despite his sorrow, he carved out a cherished corner for the medal in his room and in his heart.

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Spencer Lee shared a heartwarming moment on Instagram on August 20, revealing where his first Olympic medal found a special place. The photo captured Spencer Lee’s silver medal from Paris, snuggled up in a sleek black case with the Olympic inscriptions proudly displayed. It was gently set on a table by the window—his little happy corner. Around it? A playful Pokémon extravaganza: cherished miniatures lined the windowsill, and Pikachu plushies flanked the medal box like loyal bodyguards. For those in the dark, Spencer Lee is a big-time manga and Pokémon fan, so this setup is basically his version of a victory celebration!

Polls of the day

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What do you think of Spencer Lee's decision to discard his silver medal?

Inspiring

Disrespectful

Heartwarming

Confusing

Who do you think will dominate the Paris Olympics in track and field?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Gabby Thomas

Other American athletes

International stars

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Spencer Lee's silver medal story—Is this the true spirit of sportsmanship we need more of?

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Who do you think would win in a race: Noah Lyles or Tyreek Hill?

Noah Lyles

Tyreek Hill

Too close to call

Neither, someone else

How do you feel about Spencer Lee's decision to retire after the Paris Olympics?

Respect his choice

Disappointed

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Mixed feelings

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Lee, who famously strutted into the NCAA Championship to the Pokémon theme song, has a serious love for the Pokémon universe. “People might laugh when I run out to it, but that stuff fires me up. It’s my childhood,” he’s said. So, seeing that silver medal—once a symbol of disappointment—now proudly displayed in his Pokémon-filled haven shows he’s made peace with it and is ready to embrace his monumental success!

Even though Lee wrestled with the sting of falling just short of gold, he found comfort celebrating with family against the Parisian backdrop, as he shared on Instagram. Despite the bittersweet taste of silver and his initial disappointment, his hometown had a surprise that gave his spirits a major boost. What was the special surprise that turned his frown upside down?

A heartwarming welcome after the glory for Spencer Lee

After Spencer Lee’s stunning debut at the Paris Olympics, his hometown rolled out the red carpet for him with a heartwarming celebration at Eastern Iowa Airport. The Hawkeye Wrestling Club posted on Instagram, showing off the grand reception: “Spencer brought home our programs 11th Olympic medal last night in-front of a large crowd at the Eastern Iowa Airport! THANK YOU HAWKEYE NATION for showing up and supporting our guys! Welcome Home Spencer!!.” The scene was a touching tribute to the community’s unwavering pride in Spencer Lee that left him emotional.

In the wake of such a warm welcome, Spencer took to Instagram, expressing his gratitude: “To see so many fans travel for team USA and myself was an honor. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates for training me and giving me the best opportunity for success this weekend. Go USA and Go Hawks!.” Yet, amid the cheers and celebration, there was a bittersweet undertone, as Spencer’s expression revealed the quiet ache of coming so close to gold.

He opened up about his feelings: “I was disappointed yesterday in not bringing home the gold for the United States. I am however proud to bring a silver medal back to the United States and the University of Iowa. I also want to thank the Hawkeye wrestling club and all the fans for the incredible support.” Even with heartfelt thanks, the sting of disappointment was evident in Spencer’s words.

Despite the wave of disappointment, the support from his hometown helped lift his spirits and underscored the significance of his Olympic achievement. How do you feel about Spencer Lee’s mixed emotions and the special place he’s given his first Olympic medal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!