Karoly Takacs is an Olympic hero that most people have not heard of. However, his story is one of the greatest Olympic stories.

In 1938, Karoly was the top pistol shooter in the world. He was expected to easily win gold in the 1940 Tokyo Olympics.

One day, however, everything changed for Karoly. As he was training with his army squad, a hand grenade exploded and his right hand, his shooting hand, was blown off.

Karoly spent a month in hospital. He was depressed and did not know what to do. He then decided he would do the impossible.

Karoly believed that if he was the best shooter with his right hand, he could become the best shooter with his left hand.

For months, Karoly practiced by himself to develop his shooting ability with his left hand.

In Spring 1939, Karoly attended the Hungarian National Pistol Shooting Championships. People complimented him for being brave and attending. However, when he told them that he was competing, they were shocked. When he won, they were amazed.

The Second World War caused the 1940 and 1944 Olympics to be cancelled. However, when the 1948 London Olympics came around, Karoly achieved his dream of winning Gold in pistol shooting, with his left hand. He also set a new world record. Karoly also went on to win Gold in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

When we are faced with setbacks, it is very easy to give up and to feel self-pity about the situation. However, the next time you face a setback, remember the story of Karoly Takacs.