Shani Davis might not be feeling the love, but other members of the US Speedskating team appreciate having Stephen Colbert come to the team’s aid. From THE USA Today (internal links omitted):
Colbert fans put up $250,000 for US Speedskating
Posted 1h 45m ago
By Vicki Michaelis, USA TODAYComedian Stephen Colbert might be raising some hackles with his tongue-in-cheek take on the USA’s looming battle with Canada for 2010 Winter Olympic medals, but he also is raising a significant amount of money for cash-strapped US Speedskating.
Some 8,500 people have donated approximately $250,000 to the organization that trains U.S. Olympic speedskaters since The Colbert Report took on the cause in early November, US Speedskating executive director Bob Crowley said Monday.
. . .
“I think he’s funny,” five-time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno said of Colbert. “This is a time when our country is kind of in need of some humor. It’s all for a good cause. I’m so surprised that so many people have offered to help out. I think it’s great exposure for the sport.”
Said Katherine Reutter, the top U.S. women’s short-track speedskater: “I think he’s a very generous guy for coming in and helping us out.”
. . .
Way to go, short track speedskaters! Here’s the AP’s story on the issue, which contains a few more quotes from Ohno and Reutter.
I can feel the love! I knew more people than not were “it getters!”
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Wooo!! Maybe Davis should be hanging out with these guys more often :)
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They needed $300,000 didn’t they? I hope someone comes up w/ the other $50,000….
But still, great job, Nation!
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They’ve started selling those hats, so hopefully that will make up some of the difference.
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Davis and Ohno are actually good friends, and SI a while back characterized their relationship as best friends.
As for Davis’ comment, I find it hard to be upset about it. Colbert’s character is a jerk–I mean its based on the pundits who are very self-absorbed. Davis’ was asked by canadian press (probably while in canada) about Colbert mocking Canada and he gave a honest answer. The press also asked him more than that questions and who knows what was asked or any context of the comment (or even the question).
IMO, the C.P. just wanted a headline and they got it.
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I still can’t believe the Nation has donated over $250,000! I actually just got an email today from Bob Crowley and the Speedskating team thanking the Colbert Nation for donating, along with an event schedule.
That’s great that the media has really picked up on this story – it just means more attention for the US Speedskating team. :)
USA! USA! :P
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I was stunned that someone out there donated $5000! I think if Stephen does a little more encouraging on the show the goal will be reached in time.
It’s great that they are interviewing Ohno and Reutter, her quote at the end of the AP story was very funny. And I’m sure they appreciate all this support from Stephen and the Nation.
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