Am I 'the' hero?

Couple of weeks back, the role change (Job Promotion) exercise happened in the firm I work for and the list was published. It was one of the greatest shock so far in my life, to realize that my name was not in the list. It all starts 8-9 months back.
After a decent performance for that Cycle, I was well portrayed
by my manager and was categorized in the best group of workers of last year in our group. And with a good six months experience of client interaction, I was hoping I'd get the role change last time itself. As usual, Criteria for eligibility were rolled out. Only one condition I was not satisfying , i.e., I was 4 months short of required experience in years. But as common, my name was put forward as an exceptional case.
When the list was out, my name wasn't there. I was told that there were so many senior guys...duh duh duh... But the most contradicting part was all the other criteria except the total years, were breached for many other cases who got promoted. Sigh...
I was determined and didn't want to miss it again. Was pushing myself to all extent (of course that was needed, to see through that my project was done fine). And again came the role change exercise time.
This time too my name was forwarded, but with all its merits. Discussions happened. I was told that I hold a good chance...no... if I say a chance, that's a lie.... I was told, my case was sure and I'll be promoted. The results came, I didn't receive any news. I waited for hours...till the next day...no it didn't come. I got it confirmed from my senior that I am not in the list. (This time too...I told myself...).
But I wasn't ready to agree. Details given to me was, slots were limited so I was denied. All the people who got promoted was of my experience or one or two months more experienced to me. But I could say, I stood well distinct when the recent performances were considered. But no... higher officials had some other plan. You know what... I was given this information that I was rejected because they had performed better than me, 2 years before !!!!!!
Still not able to digest what had happened to me. I cant let myself down. Coz, I'm not a guy who deserves to be down. Even if not the hero, I'm among the heroics and never a zero.
But that doesn't count. People looks from some other angle. When I'm first in the queue, they
look from the tail end!!!!
I could just say, I'm 'a' hero.