Remember when the United States women’s 4x100m relay team smashed the world record, on their way to winning the gold? After seeing Morgan Uceny fall, Shannon Rowbury get outkicked and the men’s 4x400m relay come up just short, the women’s relay victory seems like a million years ago.

This is the emotional roller coaster Olympic track and field fans are taken through day after day. On Wednesday, Americans were delighted and inspired by the one-hour whirlwind of greatness that took place in Olympic Stadium, where Team USA took home an astounding seven medals, including three golds.

Thursday started much the same way, with Christian Taylor and Will Claye going 1-2 in the triple jump, followed by an incredible showing by Duane Solomon and Nick Symmonds in the men’s 800m dash. Despite not winning a medal, the two ran the second and third fastest times in United States’ history.

Then, just when you think Team USA has all the momentum, Jamaica charged to the finish of the men’s 200m dash, sweeping 1-3 and showing their dominance once again. While it was fun watching Usain Bolt earn greatest sprinter of all-time status, it was a reminder that the American male sprint contingent came away with zero medals in the 200m and 400m, where a mere four years ago they won five of the six available medals.

Just when you might be down, Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee rose up and inspired once again, proving they were the top two all-around athletes in the world with their gold and silver finishes.

The life of an American track and field fan, especially during the Olympics, is both a thrill and heartbreaking. Your stomach takes a beating, twisting in knots during close races, tears stream down cheeks as you feel for athletes that just miss bringing home a medal, while losing your voice cheering at the top of your lungs as you jump up and down and hug your friends as an athlete performs the most amazing performance you’ve ever seen.

This is the Olympics. This is what makes them great.