Nine Gold Medals
by David Roth
The Big Picture
Poem Overview & Core Themes
David Roth’s stirring poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’ tells the touching, real-life inspired tale of human empathy and solidarity during a race at the Special Olympics. Nine specially-abled athletes from across the country have undergone gruelling weeks and months of rigorous training, all eager to win gold, silver, and bronze in the premier hundred-yard dash.
As the pistol explodes, the runners burst forward in high anticipation. However, tragedy strikes instantly when the smallest runner stumbles, staggers, and falls heavily onto the asphalt track. Believing his dreams, hard work, and years of preparation are dashed into the dirt, the young boy lets out a sharp cry of anguish and helplessness.
What follows next transcends ordinary athletic competition. Instead of racing forward for personal glory, the eight other contenders halt abruptly, turn back one by one, and gently lift the fallen boy to his feet. Linking hands in unbreakable camaraderie, all nine athletes walk together across the finish line. In a heartwarming climax, every single runner is awarded a gold medal, met with thunderous standing ovations that celebrate human compassion over solitary victory.
Key Themes to Watch
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Empathy & Compassion Putting the emotional and physical well-being of a distressed fellow human above selfish ambition.
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True Sportsmanship Redefining athletic victory not as beating rivals, but as elevating the spirit of mutual respect and kindness.
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Solidarity & Inclusion Embodying the noble motto of the Special Olympics where every participant is valued and celebrated.
RTC Time Attack
Poetry Extract Questions (Target: 10 Marks)
“The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned round and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk…”
1. What unexpected action did the eight other athletes take after the smallest runner fell?
2. What does the transformation of ‘the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk’ symbolize?
3. Find a word in the extract that means ‘to strive against others for victory or a prize’.
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Short Answer Practice
Answer in 40-50 words (Target: 5×2 = 10 Marks). Write your answer before revealing the marking points.
1. Why did the smallest runner let out a cry of frustration and anguish when he fell?
Required Value Points:
- The smallest athlete had undergone rigorous, dedicated training for weeks and months with high hopes of winning.
- Falling onto the asphalt shattered his dreams and aspirations at the crucial starting moment of the race.
- His cry expressed profound emotional heartbreak, helplessness, and bitter disappointment rather than mere physical pain.
2. How did the eight other runners exhibit true sportsmanship and empathy?
Required Value Points:
- Despite their long training and burning desire for individual victory, the runners halted immediately.
- One by one, they turned around, returned to the fallen runner, and gently assisted him back to his feet.
- They joined hands and walked together across the finish line, placing empathy and human solidarity above personal glory.
3. Explain the significance of the line: ‘And a banner above that said (Special Olympics) / Could not have been more on the mark.’
Required Value Points:
- The banner identified the event as the Special Olympics for athletes with physical and cognitive challenges.
- The word ‘Special’ proved completely accurate because of the extraordinary spirit of compassion and selflessness displayed.
- It highlighted that what truly set these athletes apart was their noble character, empathy, and collective triumph.
The Extrapolation Builder
Long Answer Question (Theme / Character / Extrapolation) • 5 Marks
Target Length
120 – 150 Words
Writing Task
You are the Sports Captain of your school. Write a speech to deliver during the Annual Sports Meet assembly on the topic ‘True Victory Lies in Empathy, Not Just Medals’, drawing inspiration from David Roth’s poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’.
CBSE 5-Mark Evaluation Rubric
3 Content & Value Points
Did you include these key ideas?
2 Expression & Accuracy
- Logical sequencing and paragraph flow.
- Rich thematic vocabulary (solidarity, empathy, camaraderie, sportsmanship).
- Grammatical accuracy and appropriate punctuation.