Olympic athletes have a lot more to their story than just a few races or meets.

1. Simone Manual - USA Swimming

First African American woman to win gold

- Both of her brothers play basketball. Her brother, Ryan, played college basketball at Southern Methodist University.

- Simone's parents put her in swimming class at the age of 4 to make sure she was safe around water.

2. Micheal Phelps - USA Swimming

Most decorated Olympian of all time

- Engaged to former Miss California, Nicole Johnson, with a three month old son, Boomer Robert.

- Boomer's middle name comes from Phelps' swim coach Bob Bowman.

3. Katie Ledecky - USA Swimming

Set the world record for the 800M Freestyle, then broke her own record later in the games

- Began swimming at the age of 6 in a summer league with her brother.

- Katie is heavy into volunteering. She serves meals to the homeless once a month, sends repaired bicycles to developing counties, and serves through the Wounded Warrior Project.

4. Simone Biles - USA Gymnastics

Her win by 2.1 points is the largest point margin in the past 40 years combined.

- Simone was adopted by her grandparents 15 years ago.

- Simone's younger sister, Adria, is also a gymnast. They are super close and consider each other their best friends.

5. Gabby Douglas - USA Gymnastics

First competed in the London Olympics in 2012 at age 16

- Gabby and her family have their own TV show on Oxygen called "Douglas Family Gold."

- Gabby's mom, Natalie Hawkins, is also her manager.

6. Michelle Carter - USA Track and Field (Shot Put)

Won the first Shot Put gold medal for Team USA

- Her dad was an Olympic silver medalist in the same event back in 1984. He also won a Superbowl ring in the same year as a player for the San Francisco 49ers.

- Michelle's nickname is "Shot Diva."

7. English Gardner - USA Track and Field

Second fastest runner in the world

- Her mother, Monica, beat stage three breast cancer and both parents were homeless for a period of time.

- After an ACL, MCL, and meniscus injury and surgery in 2008 all colleges pulled their offers except University of Oregon, where Gardner attended.

Olympic athletes are regular people who grew up like we did, feel pain and joy like we do, and live life doing what they love. But, their handwork and dedication to their sport are what set them apart and make them great. Who knows maybe you could be the next gold medalist?