Yet the entirety of his performance was a stunning example of grit and power – made all the more intense by what happened when it was over. It was then that the victor and favorite to grab the gold, Grenada’s Kirani James, made his way to Pistorius. The two then hugged, and, in an Olympic first, exchanged bibs. It was a display of the best aspect of the competitive spirit — of a mutual acknowledgment of respect and admiration. Pistorius, who called running in the Olympics a “mind-blowing” “dream come true,” told NBC afterward, “As soon as we crossed the finish line, we’re friends. It was very kind of him.” And James, returning the compliment, declared that “Oscar is someone special, especially in our event. It’s a memorable moment for me to be out here performing with him.”