No medal but locks of gold

New Zealand 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 overseas 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.’’

Both Michael and Kay weren’t dwelling on a failed 1500m attempt, It would be back to the drawing board for the team pursuit 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