What It Takes to Be an Olympic Athlete

Three female Olympic-level athletes talk about how they prepare for Olympic competition. Skeleton slider Katie Uhlaender, cyclist Kristin Armstrong, and Junior Olympian gymnast Shawn Johnson.

By Lindsey Reu

Olympic Dreams

Between now and February 26, we'll be glued to our television set watching as almost 2,500 athletes from around the world skate, ski, and slide their way toward an Olympic medal in Turin, Italy. If you're like us, you're marveling at the hard work, dedication, and pure athletic ability on display at this year's Games.

We had to know what it takes to get there, so we took a moment to talk with three female athletes -- two Olympians and one aspiring Olympian -- to find out how they trained, what they ate, and when they slept as they prepared for the Games. (Suddenly, working out three times a week doesn't seem like such a sacrifice anymore.) Read on to learn more about the training regimens of skeleton slider Katie Uhlaender, who makes her Olympic debut in Turin on Thursday, Summer Olympic veteran in cycling Kristin Armstrong, and 2008 Olympic hopeful in gymnastics Shawn Johnson.