Intense rivalry like the Aussies and Brits have on the track is what pushes athletes "beyond the limits we put on ourselves"

Jamie Staff muses on missing the cut in the team sprint on Wednesday, which effectively ruled the United States out of the event in London

Staff was a member of the gold-medal winning team sprint squad at the Beijing Olympics. His other accolades on the track include a keirin world title (‘04) and team sprint world titles (’02 and ’05). The 38-year-old got his start in BMX, winning a world title in that discipline in 1996 and attaining world number one status in 2000 and 2001. He will begin his tenure with USA Cycling in July.