Top 15 Most Inspirational Olympic Moments

Top 15 Most Inspirational Olympic Moments

What makes for an inspiring Olympic moment? Is it the years of hard work and sacrifice that culminate in a gold medal? Is it competing because you love your sport, even though it's unlikely you'll ever win? Is it suffering an injury but finishing the race? Is it overcoming a stereotype and proving something to the world? All these factors and more play a part in the great moments of Olympic history.

As we stand at the threshold of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, what will be the inspiring moments to come? Perhaps it will be Dara Torres, the oldest competitive female swimmer in history, who is vying for a comeback. Or China's Liu Xiang, who hopes to bring a gold medal in hurdles to honor his home country.

As we await the starting trumpet, Beliefnet looks back at the most inspiring Olympic moments ever. Some names you'll know, some will jog your memory, and some may even surprise you.

Text by Dilshad D. Ali and Lilit Marcus

#15 Most Inspirational Olympic Moment: Jamaican Bobsled Team