My favourite person of the Olympics so far is now Juan Martin Del Potro. Before last night I had Mo Farah as my number one, for his stunning win in the 10,000 metres.  This was made even more special after he was knocked to the ground half way through the race and then got up to win. That was something out of movieland. However last nights performance by Del Potro overtook this for me.
Delpo as he’s known, lost last night after a titanic 4 hour plus battle to Andy Murray. He came second and so got the silver medal. He had barely recovered from a stunning victory against Rafa Nadal a day earlier. However as it’s the Olympics no time to rest. So to the final with Murray last night. He played brilliantly and went for everything. He attacked Murray non-stop throughout the match, while Murray was more defensive. Finally Murray’s experience and big match record, managed to help through as he eventually wore Delpo down and got the gold medal.
More than anything for me it was the way he lost. He was so gracious in defeat. It was so much in the spirit of the games and so heart warming to watch. While so many top players who lose storm off the courts as quickly as possible Delpo hung around. He gave a massive hug and congratulations to Murray. He was smiling throughout the game even when he went match point down after a great rally between the 2 players.
This huge Argentinian completely embodied what is great about the games as it not always about the winners, but more importantly the participants and the way you give everything of yourself and the way you ultimately lose.Â
To highlight just how tough defeat must have been for Delpo, he lost in the semi-finals of London 2012 to Federer 19-17 in the final set. So his humble defeat was even more impressive. He showed no anger, no tantrums and no bad losing antics at all. He should be very proud of himself . Oh by the way well done Andy Murray!Â
