JTG MINI: Steven Bradbury

Just The Gist · Feb 17, 2026 · 43m

In 2002, five men were racing in the 1000 metre short-track speed-skating final at the winter olympics in Salt Lake City. The only Australian in the race - Steven Bradbury - was not considered a medal-contender. He spent most of the race in last place - far behind the four other skaters duking it out for the gold, silver and bronze. But then, with just 50 metres of the race to go, the four skaters in the lead all crashed out on the very last bend, and Steven Bradbury was so far behind them that he was able to avoid the pile-up and sail past them and across the finish line, to be awarded…