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 / Updated  / Source: TODAY
By Brandon Goodwin.

The world's greatest athletes don't get to the top by pure luck.

Some are helped along by their faith, while others get support from family or draw strength from past struggles.

In chats with TODAY, several athletes who will be representing the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games shared the things they believe have kept them "strong" on the road to Rio.

Allyson Felix

Allyson Felix on why she is "strong."TODAY

Vincent Hancock

Vincent Hancock on why he's Strong.author field

Jillion Potter

Jillion Potter on why she's "strong."TODAY

Lex Gillette

Lex Gillette on why he's "strong."TODAY

Simone Biles

Simone Biles on why she's "strong."TODAY

Seth Weil

Seth Weil on why he's "strong."author field

English Gardner

English Gardner on why she's "strong."TODAY

Andy Bisek

Andy Bisek on why he's "strong."TODAY

Hailey Danisewicz

Hailey Danisewicz on why she's "strong."TODAY

Ryan Lochte

Ryan Lochte on why he's "strong."TODAY