The only female skip to go through an Olympic tournament undefeated, Canada's Jennifer Jones, who did it in 2014, is a revered figure in the curling world.
Among her ardent admirers is Japan third Chinami Yoshida, whose Loco Solare team handed Jones her first-ever Olympic defeat, 8-5 on Friday in the Beijing Games women's round robin.
Asked post-game about facing Jones and Canada, Pyeongchang Winter Olympic bronze medalist Yoshida did not hide her admiration for the 47-year-old great.
"I'm so happy to see them in the Olympics because 'Team Jones' is my favorite team," said Yoshida, with perfect timing.
Unbeknownst to the 30-year-old Japan player, Jones was at the exact moment walking behind her through the corridors of the National Aquatic Centre.
"Thank you," a beaming Jones said to the stunned Yoshida.
After a moment to process the shock, the Japanese curler told Jones, "You are my idol."
The pair then burst into laughter before sharing a warm embrace.
"We just had a moment," laughed two-time world champion Jones, who said she was honored to know other athletes looked up to her.
"If they've watched me, and I've had any influence on what they've done, and helped the sport of curling, that is to me the greatest compliment I can receive, and I'm very humbled by it," she said.
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