The loudest cheer in the Olympic stadium today was reserved for a runner who finished almost seven minutes behind the field.
Houssein Omar Hassan, 35, from Djibouti, finished the race to deafening cheers in last place in 11 minutes 23.50 seconds in the 1,500 metres heat.
He had the track to himself as he jogged his final two laps, before receiving a huge standing ovation as he crossed the line.
The long distance runner revealed after the race he hurt his ankle at the start and thought about pulling out, but was determined to finish.
He is the East African country's only competitor at the Games, but did his country proud.
His grit and determination mirrors that of former fans' favourites who have overcome the odds to successfully complete their disciplines.
Rower Hamadou Djibo Issaka, from landlocked Niger, received a rapturous reception from the Eton Dorney crowd during the summer's Olympics despite finishing last in the men's singles sculls.
The 35-year-old - nicknamed "Issaka the Otter" - finished the 2,000m stretch in just under nine minutes - coming home well behind the field.
Competing in the 100 metres freestyle in Sydney in 2000, "Eric the Eel" won the hearts of the world.
He barely managed to stay afloat as he clocked the slowest time in Olympic history.
The swimmer, from Equatorial Guinea, was the only competitor in his race after both his opponents were disqualified for false starts. He only learnt to swim eight months before the Games but battled on to earn a hero's reception.
