They cover themselves in red, white and blue, carrying their national colors into the world's largest athletic competition.
Some will be draped in gold after the 2016 Rio Olympics. Others, in silver or bronze. Many will take as their reward the experience of being among the greats.
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No matter what happens at Rio, they took part. Athletes spend their lives to reach this point, to compete before the eyes of billions in international competition. We might never hear their names again. Or, one might be the next cover image on a cereal box.
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