Rohit Brijnath thanks Tao Li for doing all that was within her capacity.

In Beijing

CLOSE to 10, 500 athletes have come to the Olympics. A majority will not win medals. But many of them will not have failed. 

Like Tao Li. 

Everything a nation wants from an athlete what she did. 

We want athletes to conduct themselves with dignity. She did, always wearing a smile, standing at the mixed zone every day, eager to chat, taking the trouble to find the right word and express herself in her rapidly-improving English. 

We want them to give their best, to reach inside and offer up every ounce of themselves in the name of their nation. She did, twice slashing her personal best. The hair on my arms are still at attention.

We want from then a moment that makes the heart sing. She did, by getting to a final. 

We want to believe that as a nation we have sporting potential. She gave us that proof with performances under pressure that are unforgettable.

We want evidence that you can be small yet still compete. She delivered that, out-sized on the blocks but not out-manned in the pool. After the semi-final, she mentioned that parents tell her that their kids, who may be short, see her and believe anything is possible. 

We want our nation not to be anonymous at the Games. She ensured that. 

Winning a medal was not in her powers, but everything that was, she did.

So here's an idea.

When Tao Li comes home, go to the airport. Forget the flags and the cheers. Just say thanks. 

Fifth in the 100m butterfly final. ST Photo

Read Tao Li's reaction here.