I think it's the ability to try well-chosen things about whose outcome we aren't certain that can lead to great things. (Obviously, great things can also happen when someone manages to prepare so well that they are at a different level and outcome is predictable - e.g. Michael Johnson at his best). Julia's brave effort was a perfect example of putting it on the line in a way that could have led to a spectacular success, though the risk was great. Of course, there are always folks who never put it on the line who try to make themselves feel good by criticizing someone else who does take a risk and fails. And Julia's meltdown in the last 50 was certainly stunning. But, after seeing this performance, I admire her very much - and the gutsy way she ran certainly turned this race into high drama! I suspect she has great things in her future!