I have fond memories of running around outside kicking a soccer ball with classmates and friends as a kid. Sometimes we got bloody noses, other times, scratches. We really didn't stop playing, though, until we saw bone and blood at the same time.

In recent world championship tournaments like the FIFA World Cup a common practice has developed. So much so, that nearly all players do it at some point. Call it diving, falling, flopping or flailing-wildly-on-your-back-while-your-teammates-make-the-plays-happen. It doesn't matter what name it has, because in the end, all that matters is that it proves a single point: weakness.

True athletes push themselves beyond all, above all, through all, into the wild blue. True athletes grit their teeth, get up, then briefly wipe the blood, sweat and grime off their bodies. True athletes don't let anyone or anything get in their way in achieving a clean biomechanical movement or a personal record.

True athletes just get up and keep going to overcome their opponents.

No. Matter. What.

What does a true athlete mean to you?