The Olympic Games are where quite a few dreams are realized and memories made. The memories are often as impacting as the dreams themselves, ranging from the humorous to the absolute nerve-wrecking, as we watch amazing athletes compete for their place in Olympic history. The more alluring aspect of the Games, at least for me, are the stories behind the athletes and what it took for them to get there. In those stories you get a glimpse of what isn’t as obvious. The experiences and forces beneath the surface, that provide the context of just how remarkable many of these athletes are and unfortunately, how fragile dreams can be.

NBC News recently aired a segment that shared one such story and even though it happened over thirty years ago, the relevancy and emotion is palpable. In 1980, then President Jimmy Carter’s decision to boycott the Summer Olympics, stole the hopes and dreams of approximately 150 U.S. athletes and coaches.

Athelete’s Scars Still Evident Decades After 1980 Olympic Boycott

These were men and women who had sacrificed tremendously, dedicating their lives in pursuit of their dream. These were men and women whose hard work, skill, and unfailing focus, had earned them a position as a member of the U.S. Olympic team, and recognition as top-tier, global, elite athletes. These were men and women who deserved the opportunity to compete and realize their dream.

1980 US Olympic Gymnastics Team 30 Year Anniversary Tribute

I am unabashedly proud to say, my Uncle, Ron Galimore is part of this inspiring story. He was the first male African American gymnast to make the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team. Yes, despite the disappointment, the frustration, and the pain that remains even today, this is story that demonstrates that even when life takes an unexpected turn, your attitude determines whether you emerge in victory or defeat. You may experience setbacks, even defeat, but you can still claim the victory.

My Uncle Ron and in fact, the other three Olympians featured in the recent NBC segment, continued to pursue their dream and passion for their respective sports, just in different ways. I exchanged a few emails about this with my uncle and he had this to say, “Things don’t always go as originally planned, but many times there is a silver lining if you can refocus and look for it.”

That’s a lesson worth teaching and one worth learning: what you do when you fail, how you react when you are disappointed, whether or not you give up when you’re let down, will show you what you’re made of. You know what struck me the most in pondering all of this? Dreams may have to be altered and manifested in different ways, but you will always have them and can draw upon their inspiration to achieve much in life.