How success beyond the games looks for gold medalists.

Athletes put their heart into their sport when they compete in the Olympics.

After all, it’s the only sporting event in the world where most countries compete against each other.

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For some athletes, their careers are defined by their accomplishments at the games.

But what happens once they walk away?

Simone Biles performs on the balance beam during the 2024 Paris Olympics, executing a backflip in front of a large audience

Michael Phelps at an event, smiling, wearing a light-colored suit jacket with a man bun hairstyle and beard

Michael Jordan repping the Jordan brand.

Carl Lewis in a light checkered blazer, white shirt, and brown pants at a Sports for Peace event with a blue backdrop

Larisa Latynina in an elegant floral suit holds a golden trophy, smiling at the camera.

Oscar De La Hoya, wearing a tuxedo and gold medal, smiles at an event

Shaun White, holding a torch, smiles while participating in a relay event with other runners, who also carry torches. People cheer in the background

Usain Bolt, wearing a jersey with "Jamaica" on it, holding the Jamaican flag after a race at the Rio 2016 Olympics

Three women, including Nadia Comăneci, attentively watching an event in a crowded stadium.

Mark Spitz stands smiling with hands on hips, wearing a black Laureus shirt and several gold medals around his neck

Jackie Joyner-Kersee with curly hair wears a white hoodie against a dark background. Names of people in the image are unknown

Mary Lou Retton wearing a sparkling dress with rhinestones and smiling

Shawn Johnson smiling on the red carpet, wearing a stylish off-shoulder dress and dangling earrings

Dorothy Hamill at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, wearing a plaid blazer and a satin blouse

Lance Armstrong sits on a bed, wearing a casual tracksuit and a backward cap. Nearby, there are drinks on a side table

enny Thompson wearing an Olympic medal and a laurel wreath waves while holding a bouquet of flowers at a swimming pool

Sawao Kato performing a precision move on parallel bars, wearing a white leotard featuring a red circle

Mia Hamm in a sports stadium, wearing a number 9 jersey, is clapping with the crowd visible in the background

Janet Evans speaking, wearing a white sweater with an American flag and Olympic rings

The Thorpedo with goggles and a swim cap is in a pool, adjusting his goggles. The background features signs for a sponsor and Swimming Australia. Names unknown