USA swimmer shares heartwarming homecoming after disappointment in Rio

The Olympics can offer the greatest moments of an athlete's life but they can also be cruel. Some competitors, for example, can plummet from superstar to also-ran within four years - all almost before they're even legally allowed to drink.

Case in point: USA swimmer Missy Franklin, who shared a heartwarming video Wednesday of the homecoming that awaited her after a rough Olympic run in Rio.

Franklin was one of the brightest American stars at the London games in 2012. At just 17 years old, she won four gold medals and a bronze. Observers who then forgot about her for four years expected the same in Rio. But Franklin flopped.

She won a team gold but failed to even qualify for the final in her two individual events.

"I really wish I could tell you," Franklin, who is still just 21 years old, said of her struggles. "In my mind, I made the hardest sacrifices I've ever had to make this year. I've poured myself into this every single day for the whole year and the three years leading up to that. For whatever reason, it's just not happening at this meet."

Her friends, family and fans, however, deserve a gold medal for their support.

Franklin shared a touching welcome scene Wednesday after returning home Stateside, showing handwritten notes on paper hearts dotted across her front lawn.

With folks like that behind her, we have a feeling Franklin will be just fine.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.