His passion for the sport has helped in his battle to overcome the traumatic events that visited him at such a tender age.

CNN: Songezo Jim: From the townships to the Tour de France

It was just 3 friends, all triathletes with a passion for the sport and the knowledge that it has the power to change lives.

WHITEHOUSE: Champions of Change Blog

Robinson's athletic honors may not have brought her the fame and fortune her modern-day equivalents enjoy, but it did not diminish her passion for the sport she had left such an indelible footprint on.

CNN: Golden girl: The first Olympic speed queen

"For as long as I've known Jason Collins he has been defined by three things: his passion for the sport he loves, his unwavering integrity, and the biggest heart you will ever find, " Kennedy said.

CNN: NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay

Despite his success and the boyish good looks that landed him in Cosmopolitan magazine as "Bachelor of the Year" in 2008, the down-to-earth Montana native has always had a greater purpose: To use his passion for the sport to help young adults with cancer.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS