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With her fighting spirit and Olympic golds, Erika Salumäe injected faith into Estonians just when it was badly needed. Many an Estonian will clearly remember where he stood at the moment when, in 1988, the Singing Revolution Summer, they heard the news of Ms Salumäe’s win.
Welcoming the champions, Ms Salumäe and Tiit Sokk, on Town Hall Square, was firmly set in the unforgettable-events-list of the said emotional summer. Even though formally listed for the occupying USSR, the medal mightily rung local national bells.
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the again-independent Estonia competed under our own Blue Black and White. On the bicycle track, a talented and hardworking lady was again working miracles. As penned by the life-long sports journalist and philosopher Tiit Karuks: «Dear me! Let me catch my breath! Just think: after the 56 years long pause, Erika Salumäe has granted the independent Estonia an Olympic gold! On the track, the Estonians are going wild. On the opposite stands, a blonde boy waves our flag, a big one, wiping off tears. That’ll be on TV. How tough thou art, oh Erika!» (See müstiline päev Barcelonas [That Mystical Day in Barcelona] in Postimees on October 26th, 2013).
Truly these are the moments when a sportsman becomes bigger than any training schedules, any technicalities, the TV tensions. For Estonians, Erika Salumäe was a heroine at a crucial time – a historic soul born for historic times.
The same willpower has been shown by her even in politics. We may ask: without her charisma and convincing power, would bicycle paths ever have received such attention in Tallinn and the rest of Estonia? For years, there exist for the delight of all lovers of movement, be it on bikes, roller-skates or just jogging-walking. Thus, the Olympic winner added yet another input into our national health.
These past years, again Erika Salumäe has stirred the Estonian minds. Yesterday’s direct link by Postimees to Sotheby’s auction house in London was followed by tens of thousands of people. It is unthinkable that an Olympic winner would sell the symbols of her life work at a whim. Surely, the need must be dire. And, therefore, we do well to rejoice the selling price shot much higher than initially predicted by organisers.
The word is out that lion’s share of the valuable trophies, once the price is paid, will find their way to Estonia. The people that purchased the signs of Ms Salumäe’s victories may rest confident: they’ve helped a great Estonian.
The golden medals contain the very toil, sweat and maybe tears of Erika Salumäe, but not only that: they also hold our shared joy and pride – a material embodiment of momentous moments.
Hereby, Postimees wishes Erika Salumäe all good success, health and many joy-filled years!