“You’re competing against young people in Beijing and Bangalore. You know..they’re not hanging out. They’re not getting over. They’re not playing video games. They’re not watching ‘Real Housewives’. I’m just saying, it’s a two-way street. You gotta earn success.”

President Barack Obama made those remarks recently at the 2012 National Urban League Convention, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The president’s objective was to inspire the American youth to strive for excellence within society.

As I have observed coverage of the Olympics over the past few days, I found the president’s remarks to come full circle. We have an abundance of youthful talent representing our nation. Through their stories, various lessons can be taught: work ethic, perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication to pinpoint a few.

Missy Franklin (swimming), Anthony Davis (basketball), and Jordyn Wieber (gymnastics) are three excellent role models for young Americans. The purpose here is not for every young American to now strive towards being an Olympian, but to take a value from our young Olympians stories and apply them to their lives. -SC.