
Friday evening marks the start of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Despite controversy over pollution, poor organization and the threat of the Zika virus, here’s hoping that the excitement of competition will overshadow the less than ideal lead-up to the games.
The Olympics are an event unlike any other, when millions around the world are exposed to sports, athletes and stories that don’t get much attention at any other time. Yet the athletes themselves spend years training for the chance to compete in the games. Qualifying alone is a major feat.
These athletes plan their careers – their entire lives – around reaching the pinnacle of their ability at just the right time to earn the right to represent their country and compete on the Olympic stage.
There is no shortage of inspiration to be found in the accomplishments of these athletes, and in the physical achievements on display during the games. But when it comes to reaching your own career goals, there’s even more to be learned by what no one sees – the months and years of commitment and hard work required to turn athletes into Olympians.