CBC's Andrew Chang in Rio: Rosie MacLennan's journey to Olympic gold

Jane and John MacLennan arrived early to makesure they got to their seats in time to watch their daughter, Rosie MacLennan, defend her Olympic gold medal in trampoline.

Or at least, that's how some of themedia billed it.

But for the MacLennans, it wasn't about the medal. Reducing their daughter's achievements, hard work, and perseverance to something you wear around your neck no, that wasn't what this day was about.

• CBC'sAndrew Chang shares his Rio experiences

They had witnessed first-handthe rollercoaster ride of Rosie'spast few years: overcoming a devastating concussion, grappling with a new training regimenand recognizing that despite the confidence of everyone who said, without hesitation, "Rosie's got this" on this day, her competition just might get the better of her.

The trampoline competition

During the qualifications, 16 competitors performed two routines.

The first oneis full of basic, but compulsory, elements.The second is completely up to the athlete andit's the one that is usually packed with the most difficult skills, so each athlete can differentiate themselves from the competition.

It's also the routinecompetitors usually perform in the final.

After qualifications, Rosiewas third. It was enough to secure a spot in the finalbut would it be enough to win gold?

Rosie's mom, Jane, confided in me that she sometimes thinks, "it's harder to be the parent than it is to be the athlete."

She would know.The MacLennans are a family full of athletes, well-versed in the trials and tribulations of elite competition.

And I'm willing to bet that every time Rosiesoars into the air, twisting and somersaulting 20 feet off the ground,her mother's heart does the same.

I asked Jane about the pressure she and her daughter must be feeling. After all,Canada won just one gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and that wasRosie's gold in trampoline.

People expected her to winand to defend, not just her title as Olympic champion, but also Canada's national pride.

But Jane, with the infinite wisdom of a mother, says"She [Rosie]won gold in London andnobody can take that away. No matter what happens here, no one can take that away."

Golden girl

She also hinted at how Rosie herselfhad learned to let go of the expectations.

"Don't get me wrong, she wants to win but Rosie will be the first person to tell you, she'd love to see another golden girl up on that podium."

Let me explain: there's a mutual respect between Rosie MacLennan and some of the other athletes that goes well beyond the competition of the day.

She is27 years old. She's been competing internationally since she was 11against some of the very same people who are competing with her today in Rio.

I believe Rosie's mom when she suggests her daughter would gladly share the spotlightor hand it over altogether.

The way things worked outRosie was third last to compete on Friday.

That meant sweating it out as her two rivals who had posted stronger scores than her performed their final routines.

But the wait was worth it.

In the end, the competition fell short and any thought of there possibly being another 'golden girl' at least for now were cast aside.

Rosieis it.