There are few, if any, sporting events that are as inspirational as the Olympic Games. Making it to the Olympics requires an athlete to possess an incredible amount of willpower and determination. This might explain why the Olympics strike a chord with so many people who would otherwise never devote weeks of their lives to watching sports. As if medal-winning, and record breaking performances aren’t inspiring enough, a number of top Olympians at this summer’s games have had to overcome life-altering obstacles in their quest for the podium. Many have these challenges take the form of health problems and conditions that are difficult enough on their own, without the added pressure of competing on a global stage. That certainly hasn’t stopped these Olympians. Here’s a look at some heroic Olympians with chronic conditions competing in Rio this year.