With little fanfare, George Poage was the first black American to win an Olympic medal

After winning two bronze medals at St. Louis 1904, George Poage retreated from the spotlight and had what appears to be a relatively uneventful life.

Bonnie St. John was the first black American to medal in the Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games

A native of San Diego, Bonnie St. John enrolled at a boarding school for budding ski racers, earned admission to Harvard and shined at the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympic Winter Games, where she became the first black American -- male or female -- to medal in an Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games.

Andre Shelby was the first black U.S. Paralympic archer, winning gold at Rio 2016

The first black American archer to compete in the Paralympic Games, Andre Shelby was seeded 12th in the compound open tournament at Rio de Janeiro 2016 but captured the gold medal.

John Carlos: Not content to just plant a seed

Once ostracized for having the courage to stand for his beliefs, half a century later track star John Carlos has embraced his role as a survivor.

Tommie Smith: Using his speed to attract attention

Tommie Smith is most remembered for his protest atop the Medal Podium, but his world-record speed is not to be overlooked.

Lisa Leslie: Achieving her basketball dream

Lisa Leslie was one of the most dominant basketball players of all time, leading the U.S. to four Olympic gold medals.

Willye White

The first American woman to compete in five Olympic Games, Willye White won silver in long jump at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games and the 4x100-meter relay at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph overcame several childhood challenges -- including being told she would never walk again -- to win three track and field gold medals at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games.

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.

Sugar Ray Leonard

One of the best boxers of all-time, Sugar Ray Leonard beat each of six opponents by 5-0 scores en route to winning the light welterweight gold medal at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee won six Olympic medals (three gold), started four years on the UCLA women's basketball team and was named the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson was one of the world's best sprinters of his time, capturing four Olympic gold medals over three Olympic Games and maintaining his speed even as he aged.

Florence Griffith Joyner

Florence Griffith Joyner was one of the most flamboyant runners of all time. Known for her long hair, long fingernails and bright track suits, FloJo won three Olympic gold medals and two silvers.

Harrison Dillard

Harrison "Bones" Dillard is the only man to win Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter dash and the 110-meter hurdles. In between the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games, he served in the U.S. Army.

Gail Devers

Diagnosed with Graves' disease, sprinter Gail Devers nearly needed her feet amputated. But she recovered to win three gold medals and competed in five Olympic Games.

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Highlighting some of the men and women of Team USA and their groundbreaking achievements

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