our students it ’ d be nice to include something special about each of the other colleges ,” says Kian-Gutierrez . “ I think colleges are great about letting the students know it ’ s not about winning , it ’ s about supporting each other because we ’ re all Tritons . You can see it in spectators now — the audience is as big as those competing . And whether they realize it , they ’ re participating as well .”
Be it in the stands or on the field , the games have done their job for decades in bringing Tritons together . “ The UnOlympics is the first step in building up relationships for students . If they can
engage with each other in a way that ’ s safe , a way that has meaning and where they can be active and creative with other people , then they ’ ll feel more comfortable
to venture out and really find their niche while they ' re here , whether in activities or college programs or clubs . It ’ s one of the first things you do a Triton , and after 40 years — it may be silly , but it ’ s something that really binds us together .”
What ' s your UnOlympic story ? What skit , game or other kind of craziness will you remember forever ? Let us know at tritonmag @ ucsd . edu
The coveted Golden Shoe has caused much controversy , despite humble beginnings . The first iteration in 1979 was just a gym shoe left in the locker room , “ bronzed ” with shoe polish and nailed to a piece of wood . It didn ’ t last long — after the 1980 games , three men brazenly stole the shoe in broad daylight from the Revelle provost ’ s office . It was never found , but luckily another sneaker stepped up .
In 1988 , there was no shoe to give when Revelle retook the title from Muir — apparently it was stolen from the field before it could be bequeathed . Though several tennis shoes have served in this prestigious capacity , the current kick ( a women ’ s size 8 Asics ) was deemed worthy of true bronzing by Warren College Provost David K . Jordan .
It didn ’ t end the scandals , though . In 1999 , the prize was pilfered from Roosevelt College . The college publicly granted the burglars a grace period to return the items without penalty , wherein the heist would be treated “ as a prank and not a crime .”
The most recent theft was in 2007 , when the trophy was stolen from Sixth College and followed by a ransom note :
“ Sixth if u want ur shoe back ... answer this riddle What always goes to bed with shoes on ?”
Sixth ’ s student council posted their solution — a horse — outside their building , and the trophy was returned just a day before the games .
Today the shoe resides safely with Sixth College , but maybe not for long — the UnOlympics return Wednesday , September 25 , and it ’ s anybody ’ s game . Tune in for afternoon coverage on social media : @ ucsdalumni
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