While there is an understandable focus on taking home medals, a simple exchange at the downhill slopes Saturday underscored how sometimes, just showing up as an Olympian carries a whole lot of weight.

U.S. skier Bryce Bennett completed the final downhill run of his Olympic career Saturday, finishing with the 13th-best time of the group.

But it wasn't the result that made him emotional in an ensuing interview.

Bennett was simply content to be in Milan Cortina competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

"The Olympics are obviously something special to be a part of and I think a lot of times, it gets overshadowed by winning medals and that's what everyone here probably has the intention to do, myself included," Bennett said in an interview with NBC's Heather Cox. "But there's also a piece of the Olympics that's super important and it's about bringing your best performances.

"And today, yeah, the time wasn't there, but I honestly skied the way I wanted to. A few things probably didn't line up exactly, which is tough. And you're trying to do that. But I brought honestly my best skiing and I'm pretty proud of it."

Bennett is competing in his first Olympics as a father.

He and his wife, Kelley, welcomed their daughter, Kate, less than a year ago.

Kelley and Kate moved to Austria and rented an apartment so they could be closer to Bryce while he trained and competed.

He thought about all of that as he answered Cox's follow-up question and let the emotions pour out.

"My wife sent me a text [Friday] afternoon that made me cry," said Bennett, fighting off tears. "Just a lot of emotion, obviously. You put your life into it. And the sacrifice that they make is just tough. Super happy."

As Bennett wraps up his third trip to the Olympics with Team USA, he is keeping the big picture at the forefront of his mind.