The article discusses the pressure faced by elite athletes, specifically Marco Odermatt, Nika Prevc, and Felix Loch, at the Winter Olympics, where they were unable to meet the high expectations set for them. Despite this, the text argues that failing to secure a gold medal does not define their success or career. It raises philosophical questions about what constitutes greatness in sports, suggesting that an athlete's worth is not solely based on Olympic victories but also on their overall contributions to their sport.

Moreover, the piece explores how the perception of success shifts when an athlete wins a medal that is not gold. It questions the value of achievements and whether a silver medal diminishes the accolades that a competitor has earned leading up to the Olympics. The author emphasizes that each athlete's journey is unique, and the path to success can be filled with challenges that extend beyond podium placements.

Lastly, the discussion illustrates how the pressure of Olympic competition can lead to premature judgments about an athlete's future. The piece suggests that the legacies of these athletes should not be reduced to their performance in a single event and that resilience in the face of disappointment is also a hallmark of a successful career. There is more to an athlete's story beyond their Olympic results, contributing to the larger narrative of their sports journey.