BEIJING — The gold medalist sat alone clutching a stuffed bear, her eyes distant and unfocused. The silver medalist appeared lost, her mascara streaked, uncertain what to do next. The fourth-place finisher — the one who was supposed to win gold, the one who had borne the world’s contempt on her 15-year-old shoulders — was nearly inconsolable, surrounded by coaches and attendants.
Women’s Olympic skating hit a new low Thursday night, a cold tragedy of abuse and pain played out over the course of 3 1/2 hours. When it was over, Russians dominated the podium, skaters reached new heights of grace and athleticism, a ceremony bestowed medals on deserving winners … and almost everyone looked as miserable as if they were at a loved one’s funeral.