It makes difference.
To be a beginner, warming and arming oneself to begin a run, a journey, rearing a dream; to be at the opening slot, beginning point,
 than to be in the mid of your journey, chasing the target, furnishing and rebuilding a robust dream to put that in the exhibition,
 and further to be at the end of the race- readying to wind-up, finally to clinch the winner's cap
It makes a difference. It means a lot.
To be a challenger and to be a challenged.
Yet to perform and now ready to be examined.
Books of account to be made up and books of account now to be examined, made public and everything reported , analysed, commented upon.
With time to work and now timed out to be hunted out.
At the end , now to be at receivers end waiting for the Judge's verdict.
Wait, watch and see what you have done, got and how you are seen.
Here all will be cruel.

None with sympathy.