Victoria Pendletons eyes welled with tears just talking about Anna Meares.So it was no surprise that two of track cyclings fiercest rivals were a sobbing mess as they embraced after Meares last ride at the Rio Olympics.For all the fierceness of their epic rivalry, a deep-seated respect also developed between two of track cyclings all-time greatest competitors.That rivalry came to end at the London Olympics, where the Great Britain ace won the keirin and then retired after losing to Meares in the sprint final.Pendleton is now a jumps jockey and is covering the cycling for BBC Radio.She sent Meares messages of support during the Olympics and the Australian publicly thanked Pendleton, saying she was one of the very few people who would truly know what she was feeling.We had the same career, the same experiences ... we really moved the sport on as a pairing and as a rivalry that really captured a lot of peoples imagination, Pendleton told AAP.I dont think I could really appreciate that until now.Just looking at her, she just didnt look like herself out there.You could see shes struggling and thats sad ... I would have really liked to see her win here - thats the honest truth.Well before that emotional hug, Pendletons eyes had welled up with emotion as she discussed Meares.And like everyone else at the Rio Velodrome, Pendleton has a sense that Meares below-par performance in the sprint means the end of an era.Pendleton felt for Meares, even when she won her historic bronze medal in the keirin.It makes me feel really sad, just to see how disappointed she was with the result in the keirin - on the podium, I just thought she wanted to be on the top, she said.Things dont always turn out the way you want.Im not going to judge a lifetime of success by a maybe less-than-perfect performance at the end.Pendleton hopes Meares can at least continue competing until the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.I would very much hope she continues to at least do that, Pendleton said.Her home crowd would be a much more fitting send-off for such a huge champion. Cheap MLB Jerseys . 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"No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Now more than ever, Carolina Panthers players are being forced to confront the omnipresent dangers of repeated hits to the head amid a rash of concussions to key players.Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly was carted off the field with a head injury last Thursday night, a disturbing sight as the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year stared blankly ahead as he wept uncontrollably while heading to the locker room. It was a scary moment some teammates -- as well players across the league -- likely wont soon forget.Left tackle Michael Oher still hasnt returned to practice nearly two months after sustaining a concussion. Even reigning league MVP Cam Newton, with his seemingly invincible 6-foot-5, 245-pound muscular physique, missed a game with a concussion and later talked about his concern over long-term effects.In all, seven Carolina players have found their way into the leagues concussion protocol since the start of the preseason.When you see it, it always comes across your mind that it could be you one day, Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short said.Short acknowledged the violent nature of some hits is a scary to watch.Its like a car crash, Short said. You never know what the outcome may be. You hope for the best and pray that those guys come back.Kuechly did not practice Monday and Panthers coach Ron Rivera offered no update on his status, just reiterating he remains in the NFLs concussion protocol. He said there is no timetable for Kuechlys return.Still, the Panthers (4-6) must forge on and play six more games without their top defensive player beginning Sunday at Oakland.One of those trying to move on is safety Colin Jones.He missed Carolinas 23-20 win Thursday night over New Orleans with a concussion -- the second of his career.We are trained since we are young to fight through anything... but with a head injury its just a different situation because 70 percent isnt good enough, Jones said. Because if there are any side effects at all then you can just really hurt yourself down the roaad if you come back too quick.ddddddddddddBut Jones said when he does get back on the field it wont change the way he plays.Hes not alone.Cornerback Leonard Johnson said Monday he was taken the hospital after the Saints game when he had trouble breathing after taking a cleat to his sternum. He said you cant go into a game thinking about not getting hurt.I dont think it changes the way you play, it just brings more awareness to the game from a physicality standpoint, Johnson said of concussions. Once you roll the ball out there you forget all about the injuries and the possibility that (a concussion) can happen. When people focus more on those things they play timid and thats when injuries do happen.Kuechly missed 34 days and three games last season with a concussion.Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said A.J. Klein, another player who missed Thursday nights game with a concussion, would start if Kuechly cant play. Klein returned to practice Monday, but he also remains in the concussion protocol. Third-string linebacker David Mayo would make his first NFL start if Kuechly and Klein cant start.McDermott said while he has plenty of confidence in Kleins ability, losing Kuechly would be difficult because hes the glue on defense that connects the defensive front end to the secondary.Lets face it, you are never going to be able to replace a player of Lukes caliber, McDermott said. I wouldnt expect anybody in this locker room to do that. You want those guys to do what they do, do what they did in college and up to this point, and we will be fine.Panthers safety Coleman said he believes Kuechly is in good hands with the teams medical staff.Ultimately, all I care about is Luke the person, not Luke the player, Coleman said. I want him to be as healthy as he can be, not just playing for us, but later in life.---AP NFL website: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '