Adding Fuel to Winter Olympics Flame: What Would Manning Do?

In keeping with the spirit of the Winter Games, let's add a little fuel to the flame.

After watching a mechanical glitch threaten to put a damper on the opening ceremonies in Vancouver Friday night, exposing four of Canada's greatest athletic legends to a precarious situation, the question begs:

What would Peyton Manning do?

Much has been discussed about the Indianapolis Colts quarterback and his reaction following the 31-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Feb. 7, in Super Bowl XLIV, at Sun Life Stadium, in Miami.

The future Hall-of-Famer, who threw a critical fourth-quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown by cornerback Tracy Porter, attracted both criticism and understanding after running off the field immediately following the defeat without offering congratulations to any of the Saints, in particular, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

So, based on his Super Bowl adios, what would Manning do, as a final torch bearer, if left to audible inside the vast domed stadium after one column failed to emerge from the BC Place floor?

Perhaps?

He could drop his torch, look for his father, Archie, seated in one of the luxury suites, take his cue, and head for the exits.

Perhaps?

He could throw what has become a customary fit when his ego isn't properly massaged by endearing Colts fans, take a seat in the stands, blame it on Matt Stover for missing a 51 yard-field goal a week earlier, and pout until the missing cauldron was elevated.

Perhaps?

He could stare down show producers and frown in disgust, belittling backup mechanics who failed to prevent unforseen breakdowns weeks ago during warm-ups and keep the ceremonies "perfect."

Perhaps?

He could put his Colts baseball cap on, grab his torch, hop into an awaiting SUV, and ignite the outdoor flame city blocks away and then call organizing officials to congratulate them on a job well done.

Perhaps?

He could have smiled, stood proudly and taken his cue from hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash, and alpine skier Nancy Greene Raine, who together sparked the three available columns to light the temporary cauldron housing the Olympic flame, while a fourth torch bearer, speed skater Catriona Lemay Doan, waited patiently alongside.

Perhaps?

A lesson in defeat could be worth its weight in gold.