There's the finishing line

and I'm nowhere in sight.

As we prepare to attend the closing ceremonies I think it is time to revisit the Olympic Motto:

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

It is truly an important message. A message that is easy to say for those participants who will actually be flashing a fancy new blog button beautiful shiny medal.

For those competitors that were sure they were going to be flashing that button medal, but aren't going to make it to the podium the motto might seem a little hollow.

During my training sessions before the games I tried hard to visualize myself standing on the podium, I didn't expect a gold or even a silver. I would've been thrilled with a fancy new blog button bronze.

I was making some good progress, possibly a little behind, but when my support team abandoned me left for a business trip I was forced to do everything myself.

Do you think Apollo had to make sure all of his gear made it to the rink all by himself?
No, every athlete must have a good support team in place if they are to have a chance to make it to the podium; and mine had to go 1/2 way across the country with little notice.

I did try. I worked when I could, and I'm working on it now in the middle of the night. I didn't behave like Bode - I didn't build myself up to be something spectacular then party the night away instead of preparing for my event.

I'm going to keep working on my scarf, it is truly beautiful, and I hope to finish it up soon; just not soon enough to win a fancy button medal.

When the scarf is done I will be able to say that I was an Olympian. I may not have won any fancy blog button medals, but I did fight well.
Just like the motto says.