Boarded up

Olympian Lindsey Jacobellis downplays her disappointment to her own detriment | Mark Bergin

Associated Press/Photo by Mark J. Terrill

At the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, as the United States rose to its collective feet to celebrate a gold medal, Lindsey Jacobellis promptly soured the moment. The talented snowboarder forfeited her massive lead in the woman's snow cross event when she attempted an ill-advised trick off one of the final jumps of the race. She fell, allowing Switzerland's Tanja Frieden to cruise past for the victory.

Fast forward four years to the Vancouver games, and an opportunity for redemption. Named among the favorites to win, Jacobellis seemed poised to deliver a real-life drama on par with the best Disney has ever offered. Instead, she skidded out in the semifinals and never got the chance to race for gold.

Such is the life of an Olympic athlete. The infrequency of the games precludes the sort of repeat chances afforded stars of more prominent sports. A pitcher who blows a save will try again mere days later. A quarterback whose poor play ends a playoff run will have another go the following season.