August 5, 2012 will remain etched in my memory as a day of contrasting triumphs. While Usain Bolt confirmed his legendary status on the track in the 100 meters final, Roger Federer (the quasi-Olympian God for any tennis fan like me) faced Andy Murray in the final of the London Olympic Games. I have a memory of it that is as vibrant as it is bittersweet.
Bittersweet, if we remember the result of this summit confrontation (dry victory for Murray in 3 sets on his native British soil) and the context of this final (just a few weeks after Federer’s victory on the same sacred grass of Wimbledon, against the same fighter Murray, allowing him to once again reach the status of world number 1 thanks to this victory).
Unsurprisingly, I am a fervent admirer of Roger Federer, a player whose talent and grace have captivated me for years. I had the opportunity to observe this immense player at Roland Garros. He is the one who reconciled me with this sport that I have never managed to practice myself (I am more of an amateur hiker). Also seeing Federer, a big favorite, miss one of the last titles he was missing, on his favorite court, against an opponent he had often dominated, was a hard blow for me.
An exceptional final day
Of course, he had just won an epic semifinal in 4:26 against Del Potro with a marathon third set of 19-17. So we forgive him for the 9 lost break points (we forgive Federer everything). If this competition struck me, it is because it tells the story of a resounding failure (Federer’s bitter failure, on his favorite field, at the peak of his art, for one last title to collect). But it also tells of such a resounding victory: that of Murray, the eternal losing finalist (four Grand Slam finals, as many failures), who finally found consecration on his land, in front of his audience, during his Games, for the first time, and against the monster Federer. This Olympic victory was a springboard for him, propelling him to his first Grand Slam title a few weeks later at the US Open.
So, this Olympic final day of 2012 will remain for me a vibrant memory of sport, passion and resilience. It illustrates the ability of great champions to get back up and triumph against all odds. The British had an exceptional final day on August 5. I hope the same for the Paris Olympics this summer!