The world has been mesmerised by some outstanding achievements and record-breaking results at the Beijing Olympics, but one moment beautifully summed up the whole Olympic spirit.

As war erupted between their nations, Russian Natalia Paderina and Georgian Nino Salukvadze, Olympic silver and bronze medals around their necks, embraced warmly and kissed each other on the cheek.

While the experts debated whether Michael Phelps could win an amazing eight gold medals, the two women acknowledged their long-standing friendship.

There's no doubt the Olympics are about the biggest, fastest and strongest competitors, but they're also about appreciating the effort of every sportsman who reaches such a pinnacle.

Look at the efforts of our Australian male swimmers in the relay yesterday - the team broke the world record, lead swimmer Eamonn Sullivan claimed a new individual world record, yet the Aussies walked away with bronze. The team may not hold the gold medal, but its members performed outstandingly.

The other quality that shines through the Games is determination - the guts to never give up. Our Hockeyroos were a perfect example of that spirit, coming from three goals down to beat Korea 5-4. We all love happy endings and gold medals, but there is something special about the Olympic spirit.