The Sochi Games from the start have "been about engagement on social media," which has "changed the way the Olympics are consumed and discussed," according to a front-page piece by Kelly Whiteside of USA TODAY. The question, though, is whether social media has "become more compelling than the competition itself." The Olympics for athletes are "not just about competing for your country on the world's biggest stage," but they also "are about raising your profile, which in turn could attract sponsors." One way to do that is "by winning," while another is "by becoming an Internet sensation." U.S. bobsledder Johnny Quinn "was an anonymous bobsledder" before he "became the guy trapped in the bathroom" in Sochi. He soon "made a star turn" on NBC's "Today" and a photo of the door after he broke through it has "been re-tweeted 28,000 times and counting." Additionally, many know about U.S. figure skater Ashley Wagner's "'not impressed' look that became a meme," but does anyone "remember her redemptive skate that triggered that reaction?" Some argue that the "carping about toilets and Olympic ring issues diverts attention from serious Sochi problems." However, social media has "helped human rights groups monitor abuses and pressure sponsors" (USA TODAY, 2/11).
THE MIGHTY QUINN: Quinn has gotten a lot of media attention after becoming stuck in both his bathroom and an elevator in recent days. In addition to his appearance on "Today," Quinn was mentioned on several late-night talk shows last night. ABC's Jimmy Kimmel noted Quinn got stuck in the elevator, saying in Russia "that’s the closest you get to having a private room." Kimmel: "On Saturday, he got trapped in his hotel bathroom and because there was no phone in it he couldn't call anyone for help. So he had to improvise by smashing his way through the bathroom door. That's called a Russian remodel" ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," ABC, 2/10). Comedy Central's Jon Stewart said, "Team USA won the first Gold in the event of bustage. It was when American bobsledder Johnny Quinn scored in the one-meter door hole that he had to create because he couldn't get out of a poorly constructed bathroom." Stewart: "It was a huge upset, though. Gold was expected to go to the Kool-Aid Man” ("The Daily Show," Comedy Central, 2/10). Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert said, "These spoiled journalists need to quit talking about the U.S. bobsledder who got stuck in his hotel bathroom and had to break through the door. Okay, that's just bonus strength training. Now our guys will be prepared to bust through any doors on the bobsled track" ("The Colbert Report," Comedy Central, 2/10).
