It’s not unheard of for Olympians to draw fame (or infamy) from actions taking place independent of their sport, but it normally centers around the typical stuff like smoking pot and hiring hit men.
Team USA’s John Daly, however, might be the first to do so by way of hair. Competing in men’s skeleton, he has emerged as one of Sochi 2014’s most memorable athletes via constant promotion of his hair, hair routine, and hair products:
https://twitter.com/JohnDalyUSA/status/433148142612410368
https://twitter.com/JohnDalyUSA/status/432349206599045120
https://twitter.com/JohnDalyUSA/status/431909716294266880
Regrettably, Daly lost out on his opportunity to take bronze Saturday night when he lost control of his sled. But his character and overall performance won’t soon be eclipsed. On the surface, he maneuvered the spotlight with wit and nonchalance; below, he showed us that fierce competition doesn’t have to culminate in a burden of pressure and stoicism—and that sincere confidence means laughing at yourself and not your competition.
Take note NFL cornerbacks: less post-game gloating during interviews, more playing with reporters’ hair and complimenting their sheen:
Also today @JohnDalyUSA played with my hair and complimented my usage of rice pomade. #MyLastOlympics
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) February 11, 2014
Great run, John Daly of Team Skeleton. Let’s do it again in 2022. #TeamUSA
[Image: Team USA]
