After the Games Are Over: 10 Canadian Olympians Who Made It Happen

Millions of us are happily watching the London 2012 Olympic Games, excited to cheer on Team Canada, and see some of the best athletes in the world.

For these amazing amateurs, there has been years of blood, sweat and tears to get to this prestigious competition.

But what happens when you stop being an athlete? Do you fade away into the past or can it help you become a successful entrepreneur?

For these Canadians, their time as an Olympian put them on a path for continued success as adults.

Click through the photos to see those who've gone the distance to stay in the spotlight and stay connected to the sports world that made them who they are.

SLIDESHOW: CANADIAN OLYMPIANS STILL CONTRIBUTING

1. Nancy Greene - Olympic and World Cup champion, this skiier made her mark in the 1960s, but its laid the groundwork for her continued success. Greene first worked in the development of Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort and is currently the Director of Skiing at Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, British Columbia as well as became chancellor for Thompson Rivers University in 2009. She was named Canada's female athlete of the century and encourages young skiers through the Nancy Greene Ski League.

2. Steve Podborksi - Olympic bronze medal winner from the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, this skiier made his mark on the slopes as one of the members of the famed Crazy Canucks, and then became a broadcaster for US television working on three winter Olympics previous to Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Podborski was part of the organizing committee for the Vancouver Olympics and will be Chef de Mission for Sochi Olympics 2014 for Team Canada.

3. Clara Hughes - the only athlete in the world to win multiple medals in both the summer and winter Olympics, Hughes is well known as a cyclist as well as a speed skater. Involved with sports charity Right to Play and inner city school progam Take a Hike, Hughes donated $10,000 of personal savings to both programs. Hughes is now spokesperson for Bell Canada's Mental Health initiative, Let's Talk and is competing in the London 2012 Olympics.

4. Alex Baumann - Olympic gold medal winner for swimming at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Baumann is one of Canada's best known swimmers, winning at the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and 1986. Baumann spent years as a successful coach in Australia, was Chief Executive Officer of Canada's Own the Podium program, before becoming head of High Performance Sport New Zealand in January 2012.

5. Silken Laumann - multiple Olympic medal winner from three Olympic Games in rowing, Laumann has taken her own determination and spirit to become a sought-after international inspirational speaker and author of Child's Play. Laumann was chosen as Canadian Press Athlete of the Year twice and by the Women Executive Network as one of Canada's most powerful women.

6. Donovan Bailey - one of Canada's most successful sprinters, Bailey was a World Record holder, Olympic gold medal winner, and multiple champion at the Pan Am Games, Goodwill Games and Commonwealth Games. Since retiring from track and field, Bailey preceeded his awards with a successful career in finance and is a sought-after motivational speaker.

7. Hayley Wickenheiser - four time medal winner for Canada in hockey at four winter Olympics, Wickenheiser is one of the most successful female hockey players. Off the ice, Wickenheiser oversees the annual Wickenheiser International Women's Hockey Festival and is attending the University of Calgary in pursuit of attending medical school.

8. Mark Tewksbury - Multiple medal winner for swimming, including Gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and Silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the current Chef de Mission for the London 2012 Olympics for Team Canada is a well-known motivational speaker, sports broadcaster and supporter of gay rights.

9. Sylvie Frechette - Medal winner at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games for synchronized swimming, Frechette was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a swimming and design consultant for Cirque du Soleil water-based stage production O as well as a motivational speaker.

10. Marnie McBean - The winner of 12 World and Olympic medals, this decorated rower has been a mentor for the past three Team Canada athletes as a Specialist in Olympic Athlete Preparation. Working as a motivational speaker, McBean recently published The Power of More: How Small Steps can help you achieve Big Goals.