Held every four years since 1896, the Olympic Games are designed to foster peace among nations and celebrate the unbeatable human spirit. While medal counts dominate headlines, lesser-told stories of athletes who defy convention offer profound inspiration.

Here are three tales that embody the Olympic mindset.

1. Age is Just a Number: Kazakhstan’s Yeldos Smetov's Epic Final Stand Wins Gold in Paris

At 31 years old, Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan could have gracefully retired from judo, the sport in which he has excelled for over a decade. As a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and a seven-time gold medalist on the IJF World Tour, he had already achieved much. Most athletes in his position might have passed the torch to younger competitors, especially given that the average age of Olympic judokas is 25.

Facing France's Luka Mkheidze in the final round, Smetov weathered aggressive attacks and penalty risks. In a pivotal moment, he countered with a decisive move, securing victory and Kazakhstan's Olympic judo gold.

As Smetov sang the Kazakh National Anthem atop the podium, he exemplified the Olympic mindset - one where an athlete's prime is determined not by age, but by preparation, strategy, and determination. His story demonstrates that peak performance in sports, and indeed in life, is more about mental fortitude and adaptability than adhering to conventional timelines.

Whether in sports, career, or personal growth, we can achieve our greatest victories when we refuse to be limited by other’s expectations and instead focus on continual improvement and persistence. By cultivating this Olympic mindset, we open ourselves to the possibility of reaching new heights at any stage of our journey.       

2. From Retirement to the Olympics: Zeng Zhiying’s Rekindled Comeback at 58

Athletes worldwide compete in the Olympics, aiming to win the Gold Medal and bring honor to their country. Yet some athletes, like Zeng Zhiying, return to the Olympics to finish what they started, even if a fateful comeback may take years to happen.

Zeng made her Olympic debut in Paris 2024 at age 58. Born in China and a junior champion by 12, she was a top table tennis player by 18. Her Olympic aspirations in 1988 were derailed by a rule change that hampered her gameplay, leading to her retirement. She moved to Chile, where she coached children and later re-entered competitive play to connect with her son, who was into video games. Her return to competitive Table Tennis rekindled during the Covid pandemic, and her success in regional tournaments earned her a spot at the 2023 Pan American Games. Winning there, she qualified for the Paris Olympics.

At the Olympics, despite a spirited performance against Mariana Sahakian from Lebanon, Zeng was defeated in the preliminary rounds. Supported by her family and fans, her brief Olympic moment was celebrated. Zeng's journey— from a young hopeful table tennis player in China to an elder athlete in Paris—embodies a full circle, highlighting her resilience and dedication to the game. 

Zeng's journey—from a young hopeful table tennis player in China to an Olympian in Paris decades later—embodies more than just defying age. It's a testament to the power of rekindling a long-dormant passion. Her story reminds us that it's never too late to return to what we love, even if life has taken us on a different path. 

In our own lives, we may find ourselves setting aside dreams or hobbies due to various circumstances. But like Zeng, who seized the opportunity to reconnect with her passion for table tennis, we can remain open to revisiting and pursuing our interests, regardless of how much time has passed. Life often presents unexpected opportunities to complete unfinished chapters, and Zeng's Olympic moment shows the joy and fulfillment that can come from embracing these second chances.

3. Champion of Hope: How Ali Idow Hassan Carries Somalia's Dreams to the Olympics

Some athletes are backed by wealthy countries keen to flaunt their skills globally. Then there are those like the Refugee Olympic Team, who represent personal triumph and collective resilience. But not all athletes have the luxury of financial support or national backing, especially when their home countries are mired in instability.

Take Ali Idow Hassan, a lone competitor from Somalia, aiming for the podium in the 800m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ali has spent the last four years in Ethiopia, honing his speed and agility. Somalia, since the start of its civil war in 1991, lacks a central government. The nation faces continual threats from armed factions and pirates, compounded by recurring droughts that worsen its food shortages. This leaves the Somali athletes dependent on the International Olympic Committee for funding, with minimal local support.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Somali National Olympic Committee General Secretary, Mohamed Abdo Haji, Ali and a few other athletes received training in Ethiopia, ensuring Somalia's representation at the Olympics.

Ali, who first competed internationally at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has already made his mark by winning a bronze in the 1500m at the 2023 Arab Championship and reaching the finals at the Islamic Solidarity Games twice. His journey to the Paris Olympics is more than a tale of athletic abilities; it symbolizes the resilience and determination of an individual rising from a nation with limited resources.

Ali’s story isn't merely about sports; it's a vivid representation of carrying the hopes of a nation yearning for peace and unity. As Ali stands with athletes from around the world, waving his nation’s flag as a solo delegate, his participation becomes a beacon of Somalia's enduring spirit, inspiring us to recognize and celebrate the triumph of human spirit over limitations.

The Olympic Mindset Personified

These athletes – Smetov, Zeng, and Hassan – embody the essence of the Olympic spirit. Their stories teach us that the Olympic mindset isn't about age, circumstances, or even victory. It's about pushing boundaries, rekindling passions, and representing hope against all odds. We're reminded that the true measure of success lies in our resilience, determination, and the courage to pursue our dreams, no matter the obstacles.