CESANA PARIOL, Italy – The story was basically the same as it was when Todd Hays first joined the U.S. men's bobsled team. That is, the Americans were way back in the Winter Olympics standings, the Germans on top.
The difference is, partially because of Hays' quick development as a driver who came late to the sport, the United States fully expected to be vying for the gold medal in four-man bobsled. Instead, the USA 1 sled piloted by Hays finished seventh yesterday, just behind the USA 2 sled controlled by Steve Holcomb.
The gold medal went to the Germany 1 sled driven by Andre Lange, who became just the fifth man to win both the two-and four-man events at the Winter Olympics.
“Their program is on another level,” said Hays, 36, who drove the silver-medal sled in Salt Lake City four years ago. “They're spending a million dollars and we're spending $40,000.”
Financial considerations were part of Hays' decision to retire after this season, during which his sled has been ranked No. 1 in the world. The track that's given him the most fits, though, happened to be the one where they staged the Olympics.
“This is a hiccup,” said Hays. “The track is difficult. You can go undefeated in the National Football League and get to the Super Bowl and get blown out. It takes a while to overcome certain tracks.”
By contrast, Holcomb is a relative newcomer to bobsled and showing encouraging results. He bettered the top American sled despite the fact that Hays' crew produced better start times.
“I don't think it's sunk in yet that Todd's retiring,” said Holcomb, “but I think that the torch was passed.”
The silver medal went to the Russia 1 sled driven by Alexandre Zoubkov – just 0.13 seconds behind Lange – the bronze to veteran Martin Annen and Switzerland 1. The danger of the sport was reiterated by the new team from Brazil, which flipped for the second time in two nights on the same turn.
“My leg hurts a little and (teammate) Claudenei (Quirino) hurt his arm a little,” said pusher Marcio Silver, “but the important things, neck and head, are fine and there are no broken bones.”
Hays' teammates – he was joined in the sled yesterday by Pavle Jovanovic, Steve Mesler and Brock Kreitzburg – say they're still a bit taken aback by Hays' retirement announcement. Hays, however, says it's time and that he has no regrets.
“I got to put on the red, white and blue,” Hays told The Associated Press. “I got to represent the greatest nation on earth. That is a fantastic thing. And I happened to be able to win a medal along with it.”
Although he's in terrific shape, Hays says he's too old to compete in the 2010 Games at Vancouver. However, plenty of other great athletes have called it quits and later changed their minds.
“I just don't think I can win a gold medal at 40,” he said. “If I thought I could, I'd go give it a try. It's just time for me to move on, find another challenge. I'm not Michael Jordan or one of those guys. Retire is a pretty strong word. I think it's more like I've got to find something else to do.”
Hays won't stray far from the track. He'll spend his time developing sleds, recruiting talent and fund-raising for U.S. bobsled, a once-foundering team that can now hold its own in the sliding world.
For that, Hays can take a bow.
“I love the sport,” he said. “I had a great time.”
News services contributed to this report.
Chris Jenkins: (619) 293-1267;
chris.jenkins@uniontrib.com
