The example he set of aesthetic adventuring has had many imitators.
The example he set of commitment, honesty, professionalism and unbridled love of his family is one that will stay with us for years to come.
But the precedent he set of blocking American prosecutors and courts as a diplomatic gift -- rather than for an important national security reason -- is one that his successors should ignore.
President Obama is on a political timetable, needing to assure a restless public and his political base that a withdrawal is on track to begin by the deadline he set of next summer and that he can show measurable success before the next election cycle.
After finishing the race in 2010 he set of to complete the Freedom Challenge, an arduous mountain bike race traversing South Africa's rugged terrain from west to east.
He turned a Swann delivery to square leg and as he set of for a run, he stepped on his wicket and was given out hit wicket, to leave India on 236-4 and two fresh batsman for the batting powerplay.
