It’s easy to find yourself completely absorbed in the magic of the Olympics. So absorbed, in fact, that you feel personally connected to Team U.S.A. and all of the athletes. What is it that is so compelling about these athletes? I think it has something to do with the passion that encompasses their lives. For many, this passion first ignited at a young age and continued to burn as they grew older. The passion reveals itself when they descend from the ski lift at the top of the mountain or place their skates on the ice rink or stand at the top of the bobsledding track. As I watch them all perform at a level that seems superhuman, I can’t help but recognize all of the hard work and sacrifices that have contributed to the making of this moment: the countless hours of hard practice and competition worldwide. They all have experienced defeat, disappointment, and dismay, just like us, but these hurdles have only made their Olympic performances more significant.

The rewards represent the most satisfying part of the whole Olympic experience, and by “reward” I do not mean the acquisition of a medal: simply appearing in Sochi portrays the many years of training and determination that these athletes have endured. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if the Americans come home empty-handed or overflowing with gold, silver, and bronze medals. Either way, the Olympic athletes have impacted the world with inspiration created by their dedication and performance. Not all of us will become Olympic champions, but we can all find Olympic level passions. And the extent to which we chose to act on these passions illustrates the potential Olympian in all of us.