Disappointment carries more emotional depth than triumph at Olympics: Kelly

Slopestyle snowboarder Spencer O’Brien believes she let Canada down, but her story is more relatable than those of the Sochi champs, writes Cathal Kelly.

By: Cathal Kelly Sports Columnist

"But there’s something about the Olympics and Olympians that gets you all wobbly. As O’Brien turned to go, I couldn’t help myself.

“You didn’t let anyone down,” I shouted after her.

O’Brien turned back — she’s never seen me before — and said, “Thank you.”

Then she trudged off like a zombie.

One of my good journo pals gave me an amused look. An “are you for real?” look.

I felt like I was 10 minutes from the end of Brian’s Song. I felt in danger of embarrassing myself."