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The poem moves through three emotional phases - excitement , crisis , and inspiration :
St. 1–2
Athletes arrive; crowd gathers; excitement builds
Athletes arrive; crowd gathers; excitement builds
→
St. 3
Nine determined athletes ready at the starting line
Nine determined athletes ready at the starting line
→
St. 4–5
Smallest athlete stumbles, falls; cries in anguish
Smallest athlete stumbles, falls; cries in anguish
→
St. 6
Eight runners stop, turn back, help him to his feet
Eight runners stop, turn back, help him to his feet
→
St. 7–8
All nine walk hand in hand; everyone gets a gold medal
All nine walk hand in hand; everyone gets a gold medal
