Whether you are relieved that the Olympics are over or are now experiencing Team USA withdrawal symptoms, you should have been inspired by the 2012 Summer Olympics – the thrilling athletic events, highly organized support staff, massive media coverage and global viewership, and of course, the awe-inspiring athletes.

I admit to getting a bit choked up watching the Olympians' national flags raised and anthems playing while receiving their gold medals. We could not only see but actually feel their genuine appreciation of a dream fully realized.