Against All Odds: Top 8 Most Inspiring Athletes of the 2012 Olympic Games

Sure, I enjoy the competition, the sweat, and the motivation to get up off the couch and go for a run -- but it's the stories that truly make the Olympics special for me.

These are the tales of personal sacrifice, of overcoming obstacles, of achieving dreams through not just great genetics, but through hours of hard work. When the media calls these stories "Cinderella stories," I always find that a little off-putting. Cinderella, essentially, did nothing but have luck and a fairy godmother. Cinderella couldn't even keep her shoes on! Hard work. Not letting anything stop you. Not letting people tell you, "you can't do that." These are the stories to tell our children, don't you think?

Take a look at these eight most inspiring Olympic athletes from all over the world. In a field crowded with talent and impossible dedication, these men and women stand out as truly inspirational human beings.


- By Joslyn Gray
Follow Joslyn at Babble

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