Category: Athlete

Floyd Patterson

It was during his time at reform school that Floyd Patterson became interested in boxing. At 17 years old, he won an Olympic gold medal and went on to a prolific professional career.

Charley Paddock

After serving in the U.S. Army in World War I, Charley Paddock participated in three Olympic Games, winning two gold medals and two silver. He died in a plane crash while serving in World War II.

Jesse Owens

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

Al Oerter

Al Oerter overcame any obstacle in his path to win four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the discus, setting an Olympic record every time.

Parry O’Brien

After quitting his college football team, Parry O'Brien became the most dominant shotputter of his time, winning 116 consecutive meets, including two Olympic gold medals.

Dan O’Brien

Having failed to qualify for the previous two Olympic Games, Dan O'Brien took full advantage of his opportunity by winning the gold medal in the decathlon at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

John Naber

At the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games, John Naber won four gold medals: 100- and 200-meter backstroke, 4x100-meter medley relay, 4x200-meter freestyle relay -- all in world-record time.

John Morgan

A competitive swimmer, John Morgan lost his eyesight as a teenager, but eventually got back in the pool to won 15 Paralympic medals, 13 of them gold.

Billy Mills

A Native American from tiny Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Billy Mills surged down the stretch to win the 10,000-meter run at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller won five medals in the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and returned four years later to lead the United States to the team all-around gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.