Countless athletic disciplines, almost every country defined by borders and participants from every walk of life are taking part in the Olympics. Much like every edition, there are at least a handful of athletes who emerge from obscurity grabbing all awards and headlines thanks to their unbelievable feats. But what of the ones whose participation itself is extrordinary?

Here are a few such competitors who are talented, motivated and utterly inspirational. They've overcome tremendous odds to get to where they have!