Sportsmen tend to view a gold medal as the ultimate glory at the Olympic Games, but only one of perhaps hundreds of athletes win one. While the winners enjoy enough applause and admiration on the podium, some of those who fail look at the games in a light-hearted way. Our reporter Shuang Feng has more.

Reporter:

19-year-old Queen Harrison is still a college sophomore from the United States. The 400m hurdler seemed quite relaxed as she walked off the track. Although she was disqualified for the next round, she was happy, with a courage that came from her inexperience and airs of youth.

"This is such a great opportunity, such a blessing to even be able to come this far. So I am not gonna cut my losses. I am actually gonna think about what I am grateful for in being able to come this far at such a young age."

Queen's mother and two sisters - who came to see her running - were clearly a bit disappointed with the result. But Queen was happy that she gained more experience, it being her first Olympics.

"I came in sixth so I didn't advance to the finals this year, but definitely next year you'd better watch out for me. World championships. I am going for the gold next Olympics. I am low under the radar. I haven't performed this competition level, but get a few world championships and overseas trips under my belt, and I will be fine. I am only 19. I have a lot more years in me."

Similarly, Amr Seoud of Egypt was knocked out in the second round of the 200m sprint. However, running with the fastest man in the world Usain Bolt has challenged the 22-year-old to train still harder.

"I did my best in the quarterfinal. I didn't get into the semifinal but I am good. To run with the fastest man, it feels better when you try to beat him. Now I get an experience to run with the fastest man in the world. The next, I am trying to work hard to get closer. He works hard, and he has the first ability to get the gold medal."

Sure, a gold medal is a symbol of honor, but it's not everything in life. Youcef Abdi is an Australian athlete in 3000m steeplechase. He finished in sixth place in the final, but it was his best personal time.

Youcef says he is going to take part in more competitions in Europe, and will not have time to relax until the end of September. To him, there is much more in life than the medal.

"I cannot ask any more from my body. You just have to be satisfied you know. Today I did everything I could out there and finished sixth. I would take that. I am a happy man. You know what important in life is good family, good friends, and your health. I've got all these three. Anything outside that is just a bonus."

Shuang Feng, CRI news.