“Surely not! Surely not! They would have to pick up from where they left off. Have I got that right? I don’t see how they can. I don’t see how they can.” His voice trailed off.

Fellow commentator Robin Cousins, obviously flummoxed, was slow to respond.

“I’m speechless actually because I can’t believe that does not hurt to the point where she can’t perform. This is a skater that has a career ahead of her that could risk further damage by performing on it [knee].”

But this was the Olympics and you don’t walk away from an Olympic dream. The pair did literally pick up from where they left off and as their music restarted the audience erupted with applause for this plucky skater.

The rest of the programme went without any major hitches including the second of their compulsory throw jumps. Xhang continued to hide the pain she must have been experiencing. When the pair finished skating the audience were on their feet. While Xhang and Xhang awaited their scores she finally received first-aid treatment. The knee was strapped and more of that ice that had been her downfall minutes ago was applied. Fortunately, although she was limping around the Olympic village the following day, Xhang is expected to make a full recovery.

Xhang and Xhang took silver behind the Russian pair, Totomanina and Marinin, knocking team-mates Shen and Zhao into third place and knocking team-mates Pang and Tong out of the medals altogether.

Nothing worthwhile is easy. You’ve got to aim high. You will make mistakes but when you fall (as opposed to “fail”) get up, brush yourself off and try again. The bounty is great for those with the courage and perseverance to see things through to the end. Also, don’t let your emotions get in the way. Despite her pain Xhang remained composed and focused. She kept her eye firmly on the prize and she and her partner were duly awarded the silver medal. And, what’s more remarkable about this tale is that a few weeks ago the pair hadn’t even been thinking of being at the Olympics. Persevere; you are but a moment away from greatness.

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