And the Gold goes to..... What is going through their head you think?
By James72
@James72 (26790)
Australia
August 23, 2008 7:11am CST
I have just watched a Kenyan step up to the podium to receive his Gold Medal in the Men's 800 metres. The look on his face as he was standing there with his Anthem playing was unbelievably intense.
He is the world's best in this event today and has put his country on the map at the same time. I don't think that PROUD is a strong enough word to describe how he must be feeling! But aside from pride, what else do you think goes through the mind of those stepping up to accept their medals? Relief? Disbelief? Apart from what we would expect to be the standard thoughts at a time like this, what else do you think may be going through their head?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
23 Aug 08
A few of them must be thinking, (Take your pick)
"I can't believe I'm really here, doing this."
"Yahoo! Can't wait till the next Olympics!"
"Thank God this is over. No more training all the time, not having a real life, not having a girl friend, I've achieved my potential in this event, now on to real life!"
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@alokn99 (5717)
• India
23 Aug 08
Frankly James, I'm sure they do not fully comprehend their accomplishment and what they have been able to achieve for some time. It will be a mixture of feelings of disbelief, pride, joy. Specially more for those who have achieved it for the first time. It's a feeling of being on top of the world and I'm sure they must be even thinking about wanting to share their happiness with all thier loved ones.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
23 Aug 08
It would feel somewhat surreal for sure! And the best thing is that not only do they get to experience victory at the Olympics but they then get to return home to a heroes welcome! It must be an amazing experience at so many levels beyond just becoming a champion of their country! Thanks for responding.
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@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
24 Aug 08
Hi James72,
Yes when they are standing on that podium feeling so proud for themself and to think they have done it for thier country and they cannot hold their emotions, well done to the man.
Tamara
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@maryann82 (133)
• Philippines
24 Aug 08
"oh my God i did it!!!" might be this huh????
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@SCORPIONTKM (24)
• India
24 Aug 08
Emotions depend upon various factors.if an athlete has the habit of getting medals regularly,his emotions will be rather subdued compared to an athlete who has won the medal for the first time.It is different for an ahlete coming from an african country who had to break all odds to get to that podium,his is a gr8 achievement
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@James72 (26790)
• Australia
24 Aug 08
Yes. For many athletes too I guess that in some way this like a business for them and they can be very serious about it all rather than emotional. I wonder what happens to many of these African winners when they return home and does it dramatically change their lives of the better or is it is just straight back to normal for them? Thanks for responding.
@simplicity12 (39)
• United States
24 Aug 08
Pride...It takes alot to win something like that
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@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I think the emotions depend on the athlete and their prior performances. If they have been leading in the world and were expected to win, they will probably be happy and relieved that they lived up to the expectations and hopes placed on them. If they have been the underdog in the event and made, there sure is some disbelief mixed into it. Those are the ones that get really emotional on the medal podium. And yes, they are all proud of their achievement and happy that they have proven themselves. And they are relieved it's over, especially that they hopefully can take a break from their strict training regimen that helped them prepare for all of this. Most athletes take a break after the Olympics;)
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@James72 (26790)
• Australia
23 Aug 08
There is no doubt how emotional it must be for them. They have been preparing for this with all of their heart, mind and soul for so long and to realize all they have worked towards must be a tremendous feeling! I can imagine too that they must REALLY let go once the Olympics are over; at least for a little while anyway as many of them probably go straight back into training soon after! The discipline they have is unbelievable. Thanks for responding.
@diutay (1327)
• Philippines
23 Aug 08
He must have been overwhelmed with emotions. The fact that he's in the Olympics is already an achievement but to be the best in the whole world is something else. There's the personal pride for having bested all the others and a sense of national pride for having brought honor to his country. 
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