And sometimes it ends with awe-inspiring greatness. 

But from those childhood dreams to the award ceremony, few people ever see the long hours and the frustration and the training and the determination. 

Talent is one thing. But hard work and desire are another. And most can’t even begin to comprehend what it takes to make the dream a reality. 

The world sees gold. But for the athletes who wear it, they know what it took to win it. 

And for all those who competed but went home without a medal–it still matters. 

The journey is everything. It’s not about gold or records. It’s about so much more. 

Somewhere out there, a third grader is dreaming away.