" I was playing little league baseball when Bruce Jenner was winning the gold, but I don’t think I was really paying attention at that time. It wasn’t until 1980 – I think I was 12 years old – that I thought, ‘Wow that’s what I want to do. I want to be on the Olympic team.’ "
- Dan O'Brien

In this passage, Dan O'Brien reflects on his journey towards becoming an Olympic athlete. He explains that although he was aware of Bruce Jenner's gold medal victory earlier, it wasn't until he turned twelve years old and witnessed Jenner’s achievement again that he realized his dream of representing the United States in the Olympics.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote highlights the profound impact that role models can have on young individuals. O'Brien emphasizes how a significant personal milestone—turning 12 years old—became the catalyst for recognizing what he truly wanted to achieve. This underscores the idea that sometimes it takes reaching a certain stage in life or experiencing specific events to understand our aspirations and goals clearly.

Dan O'Brien is an American former decathlete who participated in several Olympic Games, winning gold medals and establishing himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in his sport. His reflection on this pivotal moment showcases how influential figures can inspire others to set ambitious career goals and work towards achieving them with dedication and perseverance.