Quoting the late Speedy Peterson,

There's light at the end of the tunnel and mine was silver and I love it."

However, his death came suddenly to most people, those that knew him personally and those that didn't.

It turned out there was more darkness after that light.

Most Olympians pale into insignificance and fade back to just another wall flower a few months after winning medals in the Olympics. Take for example the less followed sports such as fencing, curling, archery, rowing etc. The cycle repeats itself every four years. I find it very saddening for athletes that give in so much effort, similar to those who compete in the highly watched events such as swimming, track and basketball and perhaps gymnastics. Everyone should be appreciated equally and honored, even the simplest of all celebrations, a homecoming in their hometown or where they grew up in.

Honor and salute those who make it to the world's greatest stage in sports.