Triathlete a class act

I was at the triathalon venue yesterday just outside of Beijing when Simon Whitfield won his silver. He is definitely one of Canada's marquee athletes after his coming from nowhere for his gold medal win in 2000 and he's a real class act. Here is a guy who is ranked in the top 10 in the world, has won many races and is a big name in triathalon for sure. I was waiting at the finish as he came through second with typical understated Canadian reaction.
Following his two-hour race, he goes through the medal ceremony, greets well wishers, does trackside TV and press interviews, holds a press conference - a bit of a busy time for him. Finally, after I had sent off my photos and packed up my equipment, I'm beat from the heat and the event and head out to catch a bus. Who do I pass by but Whitfield, shirt off, medal in hand posing for photos with volunteers and some of the workers. Impressive.

-Richard Lautens