The Olympics are proceeding fast and furious among major upsets, unbelievable wins and breathtaking ski tricks...wardrobe malfunctions aside.
I would like to celebrate the quitters. Not because the quit, but because they knew when to quit. So I salute Evgeni Plushenko for choosing to bow out of the competition last night. Yes, he could have gone on and inspired millions by suppressing his pain and risking his wellbeing for the chance to give Russia another medal. While all that is noble and romantic, his choice favored the long run. Because after a few years and maybe even much sooner the throngs of people who went to see him, camera in hand and went home disappointed, feeling shorted one miracle of skating, will forget about last night. They won't even remember how to say, let alone spell his name.
By his choice, he has gained more than a golden disk to hang on a wall, he has gained years of enjoying running and playing with his children, dancing with his wife and living a life with no regrets.
Thank you Mr. Plushenko for showing the world that you don't have to win it all the time and that some things are more precious than gold.
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