Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

All around the field spectators were gathered Cheering on all the young women and men Then the final event of the day was approaching The last race is about to begin.  - Nine Gold Medals, David Roth

1. Where had the ‘young women and men’ come from? What had brought them together?     [2]
2. What was the last event of the day? How many athletes were participating in this event?    [2]
3. What happened to the youngest athlete halfway through the race? How did he deal with the situation?     [3]
4. Describe the manner in which the race ends.    [3]

Answer 1

1. The ‘young women and men’ had come in front to different countries to participate in various sports events. They were fired with the longing to win a medal – gold, silver or bronze. As the international event is very prestigious, every participant had put in a lot of preparation and practice. No one wanted to spare any pains for winning a medal – gold, silver or bronze.
2. The last event of the day was the hundred-metre race. Nine young athletes were participating in this event. They were well-poised, waiting for the pistol shot as a starting signal of the special Olympics.
3. Halfway through the race the youngest athlete stumbled and fell down on the tracks. He was distressed and gave out a cry in frustration because his hard work had come to nothing.
4. Nine Gold Medals' by David Lee Roth is a poem about compassion and brotherhood. The poem presents how a collaborative mindset is the need of the hour in this world of ruthless competition. According to the poet, when the competitive world holds one back, others should not restrain themselves from helping. Life is not about winning the race. The most important thing is how one ends the race of life with a smile and holding hands with others. Through the text, David Roth tried to spread this message of universal brotherhood. 'Nine Gold Medals' by David Roth talks about nine athletes who had come from different countries to run the hundred metres race in the Special Olympics. They trained hard for the event and eventually, the day arrived. Spectators filled the blocks, and they observed those nine athletes warming up for the race. With the sound of the gun, the race began. But, one of them stumbled and fell. Interestingly, the contestants came forward to help the youngest of them all. In the end, they held hands and completed the race with the spirit of togetherness. Above them, the banner of "Special Olympics" fluttered and the smiling faces below said much more than the words could convey. The poem celebrates the spirit of compassion and cooperation over competition.