The best moment of the olympics the last few years was Apolo Ono winning his first medal. The smug and cocky little boy stood on the podium getting his just reward. Then the national anthem rang out. His face contorted and tears welled up in his eyes. A boy became a man as he soak in the gravity of his victory. It was a beautiful moment.
I remember a summer olympics where a punk American breast stroker won the gold. When he was on the podium and the national anthem started, you could see him struggling to hold in his emotions.
There is no way I could sing the national anthem when being awarded the gold medal. I would break down in tears of joy and pride for winning a medal for my great country.