Pure Grit!

Finland and Germany were neck and neck during the start of the final leg in 4 X 5- kilometer women's crosscountry ski relay in Sochi.  Announcers boldly spoke how the battle for the gold medal was between those two racers.  Entering the final leg 25.7 seconds behind, a time difference too great to make up, was Sweden who was being chased by a 4-time Olympic champion.

The race between Finland and Germany fighting for the gold was at a pace the announcers' assumed they could not withstand.  With such a frantic pace, it was preposterous to think Sweden could catch them.

Well, Sweden's Charlotte Kalla believed she could catch them.  But, she was already cast aside, merely a side show skiing for bronze, as media coverage focused on the leading duo skiing their hearts out.

Finland and Germany contined to push, like two gladiators knowing only the winner would survive. Meanwhile, Charlotte, a dark horse for the gold, kept her focus and silently put everything she had into the race.  The dark horse, ironically dressed in solid white, kept working.

Finland and Germany were killing each other, but wait, Sweden's Charlotte Kalla cut the lead to 13.2 seconds with 2.5 km to go (the half way point).  Could she somehow maintain her blistering pace?  If she could gain another 13 seconds in the second half of the leg, she'd catch the leaders for gold.  Could she do it?  Few believed.

But, Charlotte, alone in her "zone", believed and kept trudging forward.

Suddenly, while cameras covered the battling duo, glimpses of the dark horse dressed in white would appear in the distance.  Then closer.  And again a little closer.

Until finally, all 3 women were together.  Incredibly conditioned bodies driven by their passion for the sport gave everything they had as the finish line appeared. 

Muscles flexed, tendons jerked, hearts raced and lungs burned for more oxygen from gaping mouths as these 3 ladies fought .  Years and years of training were being showcased.  The pure power of skating on skiies, the grace of long strides, the beauty of seeing competition at such an elite level was for viewers to behold.  Absolutely the most magnificant finish (in my opinion) was taking place. 

An Olympic finish.

Somehow, despite chasing down a 25.7 second deficient, Charlotte reached deep and demanded more from her battle ravaged, depleted body.  Inches turned into feet and she crossed the finish line .5 seconds ahead of the silver medalist.  Unbelieveable.  She collapsed and was immediately dog-piled by teammates where Charlotte gasped to tell them to get off because she couldn't breathe.

I'm not sure why I even watched the event.  Honestly, I had no idea there was a relay on crosscountry skiies.

But, I'm glad I did.  I was moved.  Goose pimples popped on my flesh and tears streamed from my eyes over the most impressive demonstration of inner will.

I witnessed a phenomal feat of pure grit!