Like almost every talented, driven gymnast, Sophia Campana grew up with Olympic ambitions. “Gosh, I was obsessed with the Olympics,” Campana says. “My thinking was I’ll make it to the Olympics and win the gold medal and then everyone will love me.”

So, when she failed to qualify with the gymnastics team for the 2012 Olympics it was a major blow. But in the 13 years since, Campana has made a great career for herself in gymnastics and has become a hero to young fans in Italy and America.