Turned-Off Cell Phone Means Speed Skater Misses On Olympics Chance

In this gadget-crazy, always-on, always-connected society, how often are you truly unavailable via cell phone? Perhaps in church, at a movie, or during surgery? How would you feel if you were an Olympic speed skater, and missed your chance to compete in the finals of your event, simply because your cell phone was off.

German speedskater Patrick Beckert, 19, was the fourth alternate in the 10,000 meter race. As none of the other alternates were available, officials tried to contact Beckert on Wednesday, but failed because his cell phone was turned off. The chance of a lifetime came because Italy’s Enrico Fabris bowed out due to injury. Fabris is a past two-time gold medalist.

The eventual winner of the event was Seung-Hoon Lee, of South Korea. Granted, Beckert probably had little chance to win, being an alternate, but just a chance to compete in the Olympics is something many would love to have. At least Beckert managed to compete in the 5000 meter event (shown above; he's in front).

Of course, there are those who still eschew cell phones. And, it could have been worse. He could have had an iPhone and simply not been able to receive the call.