I find that the dedication and work that it takes to just show up at the Olympics is formidable. To come in last in a test among the best athletes in the world is hardly a disgrace. I find coming in first by a fingernail just as ephemeral. Everyone brings their best game and their personal dignity and grace to these games. Not everyone is backed by money and sponsors. It might be interesting to see how all the competitors do if they all had the training and equipment of the least of them - so they were all equal in their preparation.

Libby Callahan, 56 and the oldest American woman to compete in the Olympics, finished 25th in the 25-meter pistol and may try again in 2012. “I’m not ruling it out,” Ms. Callahan said. “I don’t want to put any restrictions on myself.”