What makes an Olympian? While there is no consistent formula, there are several attributes that, when combined, can produce a champion.

Some say it’s in the genes. Three of the children Kathy and Randy Gregg are either participating in Vancouver or training for the next Games. Kathy, a speed skater in two Olympics, met former Edmonton Oiler Randy while both were competing at Lake Placid in 1980. Although Kathy knows a thing or two about being a top competitor, she also takes care not to pressure her children.

That special spark is also a component of an Olympian. When top skier Warren Shouldice was a little boy, he delighted in daredevil tactics such as bungee jumping from a back yard tree. He started playing hockey, then began gymnastics and finally turned to his first big jump on a pair of skis. He hasn’t looked back ever since.

There is no doubt that a superhuman work ethic contributes to the formula, both on the part of the athlete and his or her family. The parents of ski jumper Trevor Morrice recall countless of hours of engaging in fundraisers, as well as helping tend to the jump at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park. The jump is actually cared for by parents of athletes, as they clear and pack down the snow. Ski jumping is not the best-funded sport, and annual expenses run into the thousands. Thinking that the sport would be less expensive than hockey for their son, Brent and Terri Morrice are now able to laugh about their misperception.

Support from family and friends is critical. Despite the best conditioning and training, the unthinkable can happen. Such was the case with Drew Neilson, who in 2006 was seriously injured. His mother and stepfather tried to do all they could. They are currently hoping Drew will get his chance at a medal in Vancouver.

Bobsleigh pilot Lyndon Rush seldom gets to celebrate his November birthday with his family, as he is typically gone for weeks training for the Canadian team. Krysta Rush, his wife, manages the household and cares for their two little girls. She says it is not easy, but is glad of her husband’s success.

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