Duck Scullery

Bobby Pearce, an Australian rower, became the first person to win the gold medal in the single sculls event at the summer Olympics in 1928 and 1932. But rather than a remarkable athletic achievement, a deed of charity and compassion has defined his Olympic journey.

In the quarterfinal race in the 1928 games in Amsterdam, Pearce held a big lead. He was the only person in the boat and was unable to observe what was happening in front of him. He eventually began to hear cries and yells coming from the folks on the riverbank. He turned to see what was happening and saw a mother duck and a line of teeny, fluffy ducklings crossing the canal directly in front of him.

Many other athletes would have run right by them because they wouldn't allow a few birds get in the way of their quest for sporting glory. Bobby Pearce, on the other hand, stopped his boat and waited for the ducks to successfully cross the canal before continuing the race. Because of his sympathy, French rower Vincent Saurin gained five lengths on him, costing him the lead. But luck was on his side that day, and Pearce not only caught up to the Frenchman but also left him in the dust, finishing the race with a lead of about 30 seconds.