Many images will linger long after this year's Olympic flame is extinguished this weekend — including gymnast Gabby Douglas' arrival on the international sports scene, swimmer Michael Phelps' record for the most medals and sprinter Usain Bolt's dazzling speed. But for reflecting the true spirit of the Olympic ideal for perseverance and commitment to team, it is hard to find a more inspirational role model than American Manteo Mitchell, who ran on a broken leg to finish his part in the men's 4 x 400-meter relay.
The lead runner on the relay team, Mitchell felt and heard his left fibula snap 200 meters away from the baton handoff. No one could have faulted Mitchell if he had pulled up. Instead, the Olympian ran through the pain. The U.S. relay team still tied for the fastest time of the day, thanks in no small part to Mitchell's unselfish heroics. Regardless of the ultimate medal count, this may have been America's proudest Olympic moment.
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