Diving, survival, and success - Chris Mears

January 2009. Chris Mears participates in the Youth Olympic Festival in Australia. The British diver is one of the best. But as the 16th year old dives of the platform, he has no idea what is about to unfold.
 
As he hits the water, something's not right. Something is terribly wrong. He ruptures his spleen and is hurried to the hospital.

But the nightmare continues - he loses 5 pints of blood and is rushed into surgery. But a 7 hour seizure and 3 day coma follow.

His slow recovery only starts after a month long stay in a Sydney hospital. But a lot has happened in three years.

The Olympics: Gold Medals, Character, and What Really Matters

We've been glued to the screen for a few days now, at least when we can. The thousands competing in London for Olympic gold captivate our spirit.

There is something noble about the human body, the human person, straining with everything reach new records and conquer new heights for self and country. We would all like to stand tall on the platform, where that medal, watch the flag, and hear our anthem.

But only a select few make it to the Olympics and even less leave with gold. What makes the difference? Why do some end in tears, others in exultation?

For the next couple of days, I hope to write about what drives Olympic athletes and so many others to achieve true excellence.

What do you think? What is true success? How can it be achieved?