Citius, Altius, Fortius Poem by Maurice Harris

The audience has gathered, the stage is set-
Now is the time to see if your expectations are met
With victory as the only acceptable outcome:
You came in search of a gold medal and will not leave without one.
You test yourself against the very best in the world,
In hopes that when all is said and done, Old Glory is unfurled.
As the event unfolds, the battle for supremacy
Causes you to question your training's efficacy
For a brief moment, until you dig deeper than ever before.
The pain builds in your body-but, you must ignore
It until you achieve your Olympic dream;
You have done it-above all others, you reigned supreme!
The Stars and Stripes shall wave highest, to mark this achievement.
While all others are consoled, in their moments of bereavement,
You revel in your goal's fruition: to be the very best.
You trained for many years and excelled at every test
Along the way, in preparation for this moment in time.
The road has not been easy, and long has been the climb,
Yet, on this day your feat is unmatched and your nation is proud.
You represented us with honor and courage and our cheers are loud.
With the world as your stage, you were the embodiment of the Olympic creed:
'Citius, Altius, Fortius'-faster, higher, stronger indeed,
Than all others on this day-when it matters the most.
Though, you have no time or want to brag or boast-
You have too much respect for the efforts of all who showed.
You pray a silent prayer, for the obligation owed-
To Him, and all who have helped you along the way,
Then congratulate all others who have competed today.
This was your time, and this, your place-
And now, all the world is privy to your artistic grace,
Unrivaled speed and Herculean strength-today, you shined!
All your sacrifices and skills today, combined
To make you the champion that you were rightly crowned-
The best in the world showed up, and you were the best around!

-Maurice Harris,3 August 2012