Being together for so long, they know each other well. If you watch them during competition time you'll notice they give each other a lot of space, seeming to know when to be there and when not. For them the relationship really works.

When asked if it made it easier because they both competed, they said yes. "We understand the ups and downs and that just helps."

In the three-day competition, their significance was important. As the two veterans they were joined by two riders that had never competed in anything of this caliber. But both Nina Fout and Linden Wiesman brought an enthusiasm and freshness to the Games that was inspiring in a different way. They brought that view of looking at something for the first time. Karen and David brought the experience that comes from having been there and done that. In their case most of those memories, were ones they've shared.

They also understand that with this sport comes commitment. "We recognize how important it is to be totally committed to your sport, and doing it together makes it easier to handle that commitment." Karen and David have been together for 14 years and married for seven of those years. Their commitment to each other has only reinforced their commitment to the sport that they love.