The internet (and what passes for the local media in Duluth) have been highly critical of the men’s Olympic performance, and have singled out John Shuster in particular.   The “John Shuster sucks” meme is just another sad example of how the anonymity of the internet encourages bullies.   The labels applied to Shuster are inaccurate, but fortunately  they won’t stick.  Anyone remember Star Wars Kid?  Keyboard Cat?  Sarah Palin?

I thought not.  The internet phenomena of today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Meanwhile, John Shuster will still be curling competitively, winning some games and losing others.  The facts are that he is young, he’s a really good curler, and despite a statement made in frustration to the contrary, he does not “hate this stupid game”.

For a more detailed account of Shuster’s history and future, please read the post on the MonkeySee blog by Linda Holmes, “Being John Shuster“.  It is a great story.

-Andy Skildum