Taranaki Daily News

No medal but locks of gold

- OLIVIA CALDWELL

New Zealand has missed out on another Winter Olympics medal chance with two Kiwi speed skaters knocked out of the men’s

1500m.

Palmerston North’s Peter Michael was picked as one of New Zealand’s best hopes for a medal at the Games, however, his time around the circuit of one minute and 46 seconds gained him a humble 14th place.

All was not lost for the 28-yearold however, as his mullet hairstyle is said to have gone ‘‘viral’’ among the Winter Olympics village with other athletes and even caught the attention from offshore media.

In a Toronto Star review of fashion and hairstyles at the the games, Michael was given praise for his glorious locks.

‘‘If viewers are looking for long locks, they need look no further than speedskate­r Peter Michael, who just missed out on becoming the second New Zealander to win a medal at the Winter Olympics when he finished fourth in the 5000 metres.

‘‘In his hooded uniform during competitio­n, Michael’s style is hard to see. But after the event, he revealed a flow that would make Billy Ray Cyrus proud.’’

Keeping modest about the long doo in an interview after his race, Michael said it wasn’t a planned effort, but he was happy to be recognisab­le.

‘‘It wasn’t planned, just it is what it is ... I saw it on their biggest sporting page. The Canadian hockey players will be jealous.’’

One commentato­r Tweeted about the Palmy local’s mullet after his 5000m race.

‘‘I love watching the end of the #speedskati­ng when the athletes undo their hoods and we get to see what they look like. I will say, I was mightily surprised to see that the New Zealand skater had a serious mullet.’’

Both Michael and Kay weren’t dwelling on a failed 1500m attempt and so it would be back to the drawing board for their team pursuit event on Sunday which would include Michael, Kay and Shane Dobbin.

The Netherland­s claimed gold and silver with Kjeld Nuism (1.44) and Patrick Roest while South Korea’s Kim Min Seok grabbed bronze.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Peter Michael is known just as much for his mullet as he is for his skating abilities.
GETTY IMAGES Peter Michael is known just as much for his mullet as he is for his skating abilities.
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