But she gingerly walked back out for the clean and jerk. For her third and final lift, the Chinese crowd went nuts. Breeze could barely walk to the bar, yet somehow she pulled it up to her waist. Her face was beet-red, crumpled and creased in obvious agony. As she laboriously raised that bar over her head, I had never seen someone so proud. She was helped off the platform and even mustered a smile through her tears.
It wasn't about winning; it was about being here and experiencing the Games, a feeling I empathized with on some level.
What about favorite little moments?
KVV: I might have to go with Katie Hoff coming back out to face reporters after her Olympics ended prematurely when she failed to make the final of the 800 freestyle. She blew through the mixed zone right after the race but stepped up a few hours later and returned. I know she was nervous, afraid that she was going to face some tough questions, but she had the courage to do it anyway. She took a deep breath, stuck out her chin and gave the best answers she could. For that, she earned a gold medal for guts in my eyes.
RM: I think mine actually took place away from the Olympics. Before the opening ceremony, we found time to escape to the Great Wall. Along with our cameras and water bottles, we had brought with us the ashes of a dear friend's dear friend. They came all the way from Baltimore to be spread over the Great Wall.
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Wall is tranquil and sacred. Its giant stones connect not just generations, but also ages. After a few thoughtful words, we emptied the ashes, watching a breeze whisk them away. Here, they'll remain forever.
KVV: Well said, Maese. As trite as it sounds, the Olympics are, in many respects, about friendship. I was once told that covering a Games was like the Peace Corps - the toughest job you'll ever love. And I think that's true. But it wouldn't be true without your friends, and it doesn't matter if you're an athlete or journalist. It might be the U.S. men's 400 free relay team going completely bonkers in victory, embracing one another in front of the entire world, or it might be a quiet drink in the hotel bar after a rough deadline and two young scribes leaning in close to hear a venerable newspaper legend tell stories and pass on advice. I will cherish both memories equally.
It's been a pleasure and an honor, my friend. Who knows what tomorrow will bring for our industry and our newspaper, but regardless of what happens, let this be said: In 2008, Michael Phelps had the greatest individual performance in Olympic history, and we were here as witnesses, doing our best to tell the tale.
RM: In the medal standings, Baltimore-area athletes - Katie Hoff, Michael Phelps and Carmelo Anthony - fared better than more than 60 nations. They won more golds than 70 nations. Perhaps just as exciting, I expect all three to be back at the London Games in 2012 and the medal haul could be even more impressive then, if you can imagine.
I'm already looking forward to it and hope to see you there, as well.
