31.   One prominent runner missing from the medal stand was Hicham El Guerroudj of Morocco, one of the few given a chance to upset Morceli.

32.   Our tiny teen angels were winners, and the hero had to be carried to the medal stand by big bear Karolyi.

33.   Phelps conceivably could chase Malchow all the way to the medal stand in Sydney.

34.   Punches were thrown, and there was no sign of conciliation Saturday when the teams took their places on the medal stand.

35.   Reebok passed on the chance to supply awards ceremony outfits that American athletes wear on the medal stand, Fogelson said.

36.   Shortly after his victory, he leaped onto the medal stand, breathing heavily.

37.   Strug delivered and soon Karolyi was carrying her onto the medal stand and setting her down gently, her lower left leg wrapped tightly.

38.   The beam ended up being the plank they walked directly off the medal stand.

39.   The beleaguered Olympic star turned out to be nothing but a warm-up act for the two women who shared the medal stand with her, Thursday night.

40.   The difference between a trip to the medal stand and a quiet plane ride home may be all in the mind.