Phil Dalhausser – Volleyball, USA

Phil Dalhausser snagged a gold medal in beach volleyball with his partner, Todd Rogers, in the 2008 Olympic games. On top of that, the two currently hold the world champion title awarded by the Federal Internationale de Volleyball. At one point, however, the future of Dalhausser’s career was uncertain…

Right before the London games in 2012, doctors approached Dalhausser with the shocking news— two blood clots had been found in his shoulder. He wasn’t allowed to practice, and doctors discouraged him from even competing in the games. He chose to press on anyway, making it to the first elimination round. Now, he’s back for the games in Rio and is showing the world how he’s overcome this potentially serious setback.