the gold that shines around a winner's neck.
it means more than a trip to the podium,
or the payback of a winning goal or run.
it's the fruit of four hard years of work,
four years of sweat and blood;
driven by a determined recovery,
or the disappointment of a silver medal, 
or even a missed chance at the podium.
it's also the result of pushing themselves beyond their limits,
practicing new tricks and finding their edges,
controlling the blades on slippery ice,
or forcing that last burst of speed in their legs,
propelling themselves through pain and anguish.
it's another aftermath of fortifying their minds to never leave the track,
to score, to take risks, to stay solid, to be aggressive, to expect-- that the outcome will reach beyond their hopes.