Lindsey Jacobellis delivered the most memorable moment of the 2006 Torino Winter Games.  Unfortunately for Jacobellis, she is remembered for a embarrassingly immature decision that cost her an Olympic gold medal.  Four years later, Jacobellis finally has a chance to redeem herself.

Jacobellis Seek Upgrade To Gold

With a seemingly insurmountable lead in the Women’s Snowboard Cross, Jacobellis was coasting to victory in 2006 after her competition wiped themselves out earlier in the race.  With the raced locked up, Jacobellis entered to final jump of the race.

Instead of playing it safe, Jacobellis showboated by performing a trick.  That trick landed her on her backside as Switzerland’s Tanja Frieden flew by her in the final meters to snatch the gold.

Jacobellis’ behavior became the poster child of America’s next generation of kids.  She had the race won, but wasn’t satisfied with a simple victory.  ESPN’s continual focus on showboating and immaturity during their highlights often sent her the wrong message.  Jacobellis fell into the trap to make the highlight show and forfeited her gold medal when she landed on her keister.

Immediately after the mishap in 2006, Jacobellis was interviewed and in front of the cameras.  Jacobellis responded, “Snowboarding is fun.  I was ahead.  I wanted to share my enthusiasm with the crowd.  I messed up.  Oh well, it happens.”

Yes, Lindsey it does happen, but it didn’t have to happen.

Jacobellis has had a long time to absorb what she did.  She squandered a gold medal like nobody before her and it follows her everyday.  Her contagious smile is just a front, because losing a gold is difficult enough.  Losing it in this fashion in front of the world has to be just a terrible moment to live with.

Her chance at redemption occurs this afternoon.  The snowboard cross qualification run begins at 10:00AM PST and the medal round starts at 12:15PM PST.  As the overwhelming favorite and one of the big stories of the Olympics, the world will be watching with eyes wide open.

No trick this time Lindsey, just bring home the gold.