新西兰英语 664 Olympic Gold Medal Ceremony in Auckland

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　　At the time of the shot put event in London, Valerie was placed second. However, a week later, we learnt the news that the winner, Nadzeya Ostapchuk from Belarus, failed a drug test. She said that her coach put drugs in her food and she did not know about it. Her country has banned her from competing in world events for a year. However, if the Olympic Committee⁴ does not believe the story that the coach was to blame, she may be banned for two years.

　　The ceremony tonight was very emotional⁵ for Valerie Adams. Other New Zealand gold medal winners joined her on the stage. The Governor-General made a speech and then presented her with the medal. Students from her old school sang the New Zealand National Anthem⁶. The New Zealand flag was raised over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

　　After the ceremony, there was a fireworks display over Auckland Harbour. The ceremony was shown on a large screen on the waterfront in Wellington and a fireworks display followed over Wellington Harbour.

　　Valerie will stay in New Zealand for the next two months to relax before going overseas again.

　　Vocabulary

　　ban – forbid, not allow (often used in the passive⁷ e.g. she was banned)

　　blame – his fault (idiom: he was to blame)

　　Questions

　　Do you think a ceremony like this in your own country is better than receiving the gold medal at the Olympics?

　　What is the daily life of a top athlete like when he or she is training? What do they have to give up?

　　What kind of personality⁸ does a top athlete need to have?

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