Every two years, the Olympic games bring the worlds' fiercest competitors together, to vie for two things — gold and glory. This year's Rio games have gifted its fans with an exceptional roster of athletes, each motivated by their own unique passions. Whether they swim pool lengths, swing golf clubs, or flip along the balance beam, these Olympians devote their lives to perfecting their talents, sacrificing time and time again for their shots at making history. Below is a list of 21 particularly gifted athletes, each beautiful from the inside and out, who've completely inspired us to continue working toward our dreams. Keep scrolling through our gallery to learn all about these remarkable athletes, and how their strong spirits continue carrying them along their paths to victory. What do you think of these Olympians that landed on this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Please SHARE these Olympians' stories with other sports fans in your life.
1. Anouk Vergé-Dépré
24-year-old, Anouk Vergé-Dépré of Switzerland burst onto the Rio de Janeiro beach volleyball courts, ready to dominate. While she and her doubles partner, Isabelle Forrer, will not be taking home any Olympic medals from Rio, they've each certainly solidified their spots as beach volleyball athletes-to-watch.
2. Allyson Felix
American track and field runner, and California-native, Allyson Felix, began realizing her remarkable athletic potential in the ninth grade. Now, at age 30, she's seized her opportunity for Olympic greatness – winning silver in the 400 m race.
3. Team USA's Women's Gymnastics Team
Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Biles have absolutely stolen viewers' hearts with both their exceptional talents and unwavering support for one another. After Rio, these beautiful young women will tour the country, inspiring other little girls and boys to keep reaching for their dreams.
4. Pita Taufatofua
Pita Taufatofua, the Tongan taekwondo Olympian, caught our eye during the Rio games' opening ceremonies, decked out in traditional Tongan garb. Of the experience, he wrote on Facebook, "When I was chosen as the flag bearer I wanted to wear something very special to me, the ngatu I wore is a design called Manu Lua and is from Ha'apai, the kafa is from my Aunty who passed away."
This self-funded athlete continues sharing his inspiring legacy, writing on Instagram, "My dream was to become a Taekwondo Olympian. I now live that dream! We Can Change the World!"
5. Simone Manuel
20-year-old USA swimmer, Simone Manuel, of Sugar Land, Texas's inspiring drive and diligent training have won her four medals in these Rio games – gold in both the 100m freestyle and 4X100m relay, and silver in the 50m freestyle and 4X100m freestyle relay. This is likely not the last we'll see of the exceptionally talented Manuel.
6. Howard Shu
Badminton player, Californian, and 2016 USA Olympian, Howard Shu began playing the sport at age 10, following in his father's footsteps.
7. Carlos Balderas
USA Boxer, Carlos Balderas of California's career is a family affair. He trains for glory with his father and uncle.
8. Samuel Mikulak
Rio is USA gymnast, Samuel Mikulak's second Olympic games. He is also a seven-time NCAA champion gymnast.
9. Brenda Martinez
When she's not training for the Olympics, USA track and field star, Brenda Martinez runs a running clinic for young girls – inspiring and motivating the next generation to run their dreams into realities.
10. Rickie Fowler
USA golfer, Rickie Fowler was named Rookie of the Year in 2010 at the PGA Tour.
11. Venus and Serena Williams
Legendary sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, are each well decorated tennis veterans. While Rio marks Serena's fourth Olympic games, it's Venus's fifth.
12. David Boudia
After winning gold and bronze at the 2012 London games, USA diver, David Boudia returned to Rio, hungry for more hardware. Luckily, that drive paid off. He and his synchronized diving partner, Steele Johnson claimed silver for their beloved country.
13. Foluke Akinradewo
Rio marks USA indoor volleyball team member, Foluke Akinradewo's second Olympic games. Akinradewo played on the Standford University team before embarking on her professional career.
14. Federica Pellegrini
Italian swimmer, Federica Pellegrini has been competing in the Olympics since 2004, when she won silver in Athens. The freestyler continues sharing her talent and love for the sport with fans worldwide.
15. Deajah Stevens
USA track and field star, Deajah Stevens finished in second during the 200m race while qualifying for the 2016 Olympic team at the University of Oregon. This sprinter's gorgeous spirit certainly shines through, out on the track.
16. Kassidy Cook
Since 2012, USA diving Olympian, Kassidy Cook had been competing for her country on the United States national diving team. This Texas-native currently studies at Stanford University.
17. Katie Ledecky
19-year-old USA swimmer, Katie Ledecky, has certainly made a name for herself at these 2016 Rio games. Guided by her competitive nature and deep focus, she claimed four gold medals and a silver, marking her as a swimmer to watch.
18. Natasha Hastings
The 2016 Rio games are Hasting's second appearance on the Olympic stage. This exceptional track and field athlete competed and won gold in Beijing eight years ago.
19. Elena Delle Donne
When she's not competing on the USA's Olympic women's basketball team, Elena Delle Donne plays for the WNBA's Chicago Sky. She burst onto the WNBA scene in 2013 winning Rookie of the Year, is a three-time WNBA All-Star, and 2015's WNBA MVP.
20. Jeff Porter
USA track and field star, Jeff Porter's smile certainly shines bright. This two-time Olympian runs hurdles like no other.
21. Michael Phelps
Five-time Olympian, Michael Phelps, is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He's won a record 28 medals – 23 of those, gold. As a team captain at this years' games, Phelps not only leads by example, but constantly encourages and supports each of his teammates, proving himself a true champion in and out of the water.
