IHaveNoFiya

I will probably be downvoted for this but let me state that I am not attempting to be rude or condescending in any way. As an "average joe" I could not be more proud of the men and women that are good enough to perform in these games in the first place. It takes a very talented individual to compete with the best in the world and for that I tip my hat to you.

Now for my question. Is there a certain sense of disappointment when not winning a Gold medal as an American athlete? I would imagine that there is a sense among most American citizens that we are the "best" in the world and that we "should" win Gold in most Olympic events. Moreover, is there a sense of pressure to perform at an extremely high level being an American athlete?

As you should be. I feel that even competing at that level is an accomplishment in itself. Congratulations, again!