Maame Biney
AFTER HER infectiously giddy interviews and her viral celebration (and accidental pratfall) upon qualifying for the Winter Olympics last month, 17-year-old Maame Biney (pronounced MAH-may BYE-nee) has quickly become America’s most charming speedskater since a certain soul-patched glider stormed his way to gold in Salt Lake City 16 years ago. Now Biney hopes to follow in Apolo Ohno’s path, to gold in PyeongChang, where the 2017 world junior bronze medalist in the 500 meters will become just the second African-born Winter Olympian to represent Team USA. (A native of Ghana, Biney immigrated to Rockville, Md., when she was five.) SI caught up with the teen phenom about her newfound fame, being a role model and the virtues of failing—and falling.
SI: A lot of people really enjoyed your reaction immediately after you qualified for the Olympics by winning the 500-meter races at trials. What was that moment like for you?
This story is from the January 15,2018 edition of Sports Illustrated.
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This story is from the January 15,2018 edition of Sports Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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