The Men's Handball Gold medal matchup between France and Iceland was a crushing of sorts, but there was a hidden meaning behind the game. No one really expected Iceland to come out with Olympic Gold, yet no one really expected them to be playing for the chance to medal either. In order to get there, France beat Croatia and Iceland beat Spain in the semifinals.

Team Iceland was definitely the biggest shocker of the tournament. The country of Iceland had previously won three other medals since their inception to the summer Olympics. A Silver medal in Athletics, and a Bronze medal in Judo and Athletics. But get this, the Silver medal was won back in 1956. This story was unbelievable. In recent competitions, the Iceland men's team came in 9th at the Olympics in Athens, 8th at the 2007 World Handball Championships, and 11th at the 2008 European Championships. 

After their loss to France, their heads were held low and their coach were disappointed in their performance. But soon after the medal ceremony, when all of team Iceland was standing at the podium, tears of absolute joy ran from their faces. These medals mean so much to not only the players themselves, but for the country. It really is symbolic. 

I am so glad that I could experience this interaction first hand. Athletes train for the Olympics for four years so they can put on their best performance possible. This Olympics was no different. We saw triumph and we saw defeat. I can only look forward for the next coming Olympics and see how teams jumble around and who emerges top of the Handball world.