Olympic Gold

What a great moment tonight for Jordan Malone and the U.S. short track speed skating team, which earned a bronze medal after a great race in the 5,000-meter relay behind Canada and South Korea in an electric atmosphere at Pacific Coliseum.

Earning a medal offered some redemption for Jordan after he was disqualified in the 1,500 and fell in the 500 preliminary heats earlier in these Olympics. He finally got to skate his race, to show the world what he can do. And to come home with a medal in his Olympic debut is something that very few of us will never experience, and a feeling we'll never know.

Jordan was absolutely elated, as you might imagine. He took one victory lap with a U.S. flag and another with a Texas flag. He pumped his fist upon receiving the medal, then rushed into the stands to give it to his mom, Peggy Aitken, who has always been his biggest supporter and who Jordan will tell you is the unsung hero in his Olympic journey.

After the race, Jordan told me what a great experience it was to share the medal with his teammates, who he considers family. Apolo Ohno is the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history. But the rest of his teammates - J.R. Celski, Travis Jayner and Simon Cho - are first-time Olympians like Jordan. Cho received a medal since he skated in Jordan's place in the semifinals.

Another thing he told me afterward is about how he has his sights set on the 2014 Olympics, which will be held in Sochi, Russia. He would be 29 by that time, but said he still has plenty of unfinished business when it comes to individual races in the Olympics, and has plenty of hunger to match.

It's the same hunger that has allowed Jordan to overcome numerous injuries and setbacks during his career. After all, he's short and skinny, and doesn't have the look of an Olympian until you see him with a medal around his neck. He has a work ethic and a resiliency that's unmatched, so don't be surprised if Jordan makes the team again in Sochi.

By the way, the U.S. team as a whole broke its record for short track medals in Vancouver with 6, including 4 in men's races. They certainly did their part for Team USA, which is poised to break the record for most medals won by any country in a single Winter Olympics over the weekend.