However, for another group, those have likewise completed their duties with aplomb and efficiency, there is no such elation.

They are unnoticed, they receive no applause, in a dignified manner they depart the arena, the job well done.

Salute the officials, a group of people we too often take for granted; salute Werner Thury and his team of umpires and referees.

Tokyo 2020 had its moments of high drama but not when officialdom was concerned, the whole tournament was conducted with an outstanding level of efficiency and professionalism.

Let us not forget that inherently, umpires and referees are volunteers, they are present because of their interest and their desire for the sport to succeed. It is a dedicated group, an homogeneous group, most especially a group of friends.

Just as for the players it is an exacting task; it is the same for umpires. They must be focused from start to finish; players may make mistakes, that privilege is not afforded to umpires.

Moreover, all on duty in Tokyo have progressed through the ranks from gaining local, national and international qualifications; the umpires at the Olympic Games being proud owners of the prestigious blue badge.

Pride and that is the key word; just as for a player from a country making a first appearance in an Olympic Games to China’s Ma Long and Chen Meng securing the respective men’s singles and women’s singles titles, so the umpires have a great sense of pride but in a different manner.

They are proud to have officiated in the world’s greatest sporting gathering. The opportunity is afforded to the very few, it may only come once in a lifetime.

All are proud to tell their families and friends they umpired at the Olympic Games, they are even more proud if selected to officiate in a medal match.

It is the top step of the podium, the gold medal, the supreme accolade.