What would Baron Pierre de Coubertin have made of it all? Atlanta's Olympic flame went out last night much the same way it was lit up -- amid fanfare, fireworks and festivity.

In between the world focused on a city which has forever changed the Olympic image.

From day one, America billed these Games as the "biggest and best''.

Biggest? Undoubtedly they were with more than 10,000 athletes from 197 countries. Best? Far from it.

De Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, had something much different in mind when he encouraged nations to join together in a celebration of athletic excellence.

The Olympic spirit, which de Coubertin and his successors carefully fostered, had largely disappeared from Atlanta long before the twisted minds of terrorism attempted to blow it to smithereens.

That spirit had drowned under a tidal wave of commercialism and patriotic back-slapping.

The theme of these Games might have been: `If it isn't gold, it doesn't count; If it isn't American, it doesn't matter.' Thousands of athletes, Bermuda's small contingent included, were, of course, thrilled to be a part of the Olympics. For many the thrill of competition was just as memorable as the thrill of victory.

But that wasn't the way the Games were promoted or perceived.

A Nike billboard, illustrating man of the moment Michael Johnson, perhaps best encapsulated the crass nature of Atlanta '96: "You don't win silver, you lose gold.'' Another read: "Silver is for losers.'' And another "If I say I'm just thrilled to compete, blame my interpreter.'' The message was loud and clear: Victory, at all cost.

And Johnson, the Dream Team, Agassi, NBC et al did little to discourage such anti-Olympic rhetoric.

In a sporting world where the word amateur has long become obsolete, the top athletes cared not so much about gold medals but the riches that would follow.

Victory was simply a means to an end -- endorsements, public appearances even movie offers.

Amidst all this commercialism, there were, of course, many magic moments -- although unless they happened to involve Americans they might have gone largely unnoticed.

Muhammad Ali lighting the torch, a nice touch; Flamboyant Nigeria, against all odds, defeating both Brazil and Argentina to capture soccer's gold medal, marking the first time an African nation had won a major competition; Ireland's golden girl Michelle Smith sweeping four medals -- more than her country had garnered in total in five previous Olympics -- and handling unsubstantiated allegations of drug taking with such dignity.

And while US gymnast Kerri Strug showed admirable courage (as NBC demonstrated again, again and again!), little was said or shown of an equally deserving heroine.

Hands up if the name Gillian Rolton rings a bell.

No? Australian equestrienne Rolton was catapulted from her mount during the team cross-country, fracturing a collarbone and two ribs. But with the Aussies' hopes of gold resting on her shoulders, she refused to quit, completing the course in considerable pain and ensuring her team first place.

NBC, wearing blinkers that Rolton's horse might have found useful, missed that one, as they did so many other marvellous performances from the 196 other countries the network conveniently seemed to forget also contributed to this two-week festival.

Other Games hiccups included the much-documented communication and transportation problems, although both were irritants, and little more.

If there was a saving grace it was the army of 70,000 volunteers commandeered from all corners of the US. Their friendliness, willingness to help on any occasion, at any hour of the day or night, perhaps did most to preserve Atlanta's reputation as the headquarters of that old fashioned southern hospitality.

As for Bermuda's showing at these Games, the nine Olympians -- making up arguably the most talented Island team ever to compete at this level -- return to their respective homes today with little other than memories.

BOA president Austin Woods predicted two medals but in truth that was optimism in the extreme.

Even had triple jumper Brian Wellman rediscovered the same brilliant form that earned silver at last year's World Championships, a place on the medal podium could never be guaranteed, such is the quality in depth in his particular discipline.

While Wellman desperately wanted something tangible to take away from Olympic Stadium, sixth place in the final is an achievement of which he can be immensely proud. And his day may still come in Sydney 2000.

If it does, it's unlikely his pal Troy Douglas will be there to watch. At 33, sprinter Douglas has probably competed in his last Olympics. But what a way to bow out.

Two national records -- in both the 200m and 400m -- and a third successive appearance in an Olympic semi-final; athletes with far greater egos and reputations would be happy to match such an accomplishment.

In sailing, Peter Bromby and Lee White failed to meet their own high expectations but along with Paula Lewin further enhanced their standing as genuine world class competitors.

And cyclist Elliot Hubbard might have done the same had it not been for a heart-breaking spill so early in his event. But at 22, he's young enough to rebound, probably as an even better competitor in four years' time.

Perhaps by then the true Olympic spirit will have been rekindled, and Australia can show the world all that glitters doesn't necessarily have to be gold.

More Olympics: Pages 21-22