It took a photograph to confirm that Kriukov won the gold by inches. The Associated Press wrote: “They collapsed in a heap together, whooping it up, then smiled as they awaited the judge’s review. When the winner was announced, Kriukov and Panzhinskiy grabbed a flag to celebrate the race they had dominated together. They held the flag between them, trotting down the track-side stands in triumph, their skis and poles held high on either side.’’

In the post-race interview, silver medalist Panzhinskiy said that while the ending was bittersweet, he was “very, very happy with silver.’’ He added, “It was really unbelievable. Nikita is my roommate and we’ve trained together many years. It really is a dream for us to be together on the podium.’’

Even the third place finisher and bronze medalist who finished 9.2 seconds later, Norway’s Petter Northug, said, “I have to be happy. . .I have a medal.’’

My silver for true Olympic spirit goes to racers in the women’s downhill and super combined downhill and slalom. On Wednesday, Lindsey Vonn and the most famous injured leg in the Western Hemisphere beat long-time rival Julia Mancuso by .56 of a second in the downhill. After the race, Mancuso said of her fellow American and an expected superstar of the Games, “I thought it was really cool that Lindsey had all this pressure, and for her to come through with a great race with all the expectations is really inspiring. . .we’re proud to be here together.’’

The next day, Mancuso won another silver in the super combined. Vonn, who crashed out of contention, returned the sentiments. “No one really expected her to do anything,’’ Vonn said of Mancuso. “I’m psyched for her. She’s doing an awesome job and it’s great to see the American flag up there on the podium.’’

Another nice flag moment, one that gets my bronze, was provided by American speedskaters Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick. In the 2006 Games in Turin, Italy, Davis and Hedrick feuded so much that one headline called them the “Divas of Disrespect.’’ Hedrick claimed to be “betrayed’’ by Davis’s lack of interest in the team pursuit event and asked out loud, “Is he my teammate?’’ Davis, miffed that Hedrick did not shake his hand after Davis won the gold medal in the 1,000 meters, said, “It would have been nice if. . .he could have been a good teammate.’’

In Vancouver, Davis won the 1,000 meters gold again, becoming the first repeat champion in the event. Hedrick took the bronze. This time, with four years of maturity under their skates, Davis took the American flag and offered an end of it to Hedrick. They carried it together on the podium. This time, Davis said of Hedrick, “There’s a different energy this time. The tables are turning in a positive way. . .It feels super nice.’’

In turn, Hedrick said of Davis, “Hats off to Shani. He’s just untouchable in the 1,000. We’re both so excited to have two Americans on that podium.’’ Hedrick added, “We’re living our dream. We worked four years for this, and we’re not going to let anything silly ruin it.’’

As impressive as their athletic feats are, it is just as inspiring to see young men and women who have lived most of their lives for scant moments of athletic glory not become so self-absorbed that they forget to take their hats off to their competitors. Is a certain coach of the New England Patriots watching?