There are 10,5000 people competing in the London Olympics. Less than a quarter of them will medal. Far fewer will come home to endorsement contracts and magazine covers. Indeed, for most Olympic athletes, the Games is their 15 minutes—or, really, 15 seconds—of fame and after closing ceremonies, reality sets back in.We talked to three former Olympians to find out what happens when you’ve trained for something your whole life…and then, like that, it’s Game Over.Click through to read their tales of dedication, perseverence and triumph.MORE: Mushrooms For Muscle Endurance