Category: Spotlight

Joe Frazier took advantage of his chance to win Olympic gold

Originally an alternate for the Games, Frazier knocked out his first three opponents then won the gold-medal bout despite a broken thumb

She might have been underestimated, but Wyomia Tyus made a habit to finish first

The first person to repeat as an Olympic champion in the 100 meters, she felt strongly about her role as an activist.

Before he was a Hall of Fame coach, Larry Brown won Olympic gold as a player

The only coach to guide teams to NBA and NCAA championships, the point guard helped Team USA win gold at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.

Paralympic champion Ron Stein is more commonly remembered for his life outside athletics

An integral part of his community in Illinois, he would have been the last person to talk about his 11 gold medals.

Two-time Paralympian Tyler Carter looks forward to showcasing the Museum

An alpine skier who has competed in slalom and giant slalom, he is a member of the Museum's Guest Experience Team.

Upon arriving in Illinois, Brad Hedrick told a friend he had found ‘Disneyland for wheelchairs’

Nearly 150 students from the University of Illinois have competed in the Paralympic Games.

Swimmer Rowdy Gaines remembers ‘every single detail’swi

A swimmer on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team and an Olympic broadcaster in 2020, Rowdy Gaines said the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was "apples and oranges" compared to the 1980 U.S. boycott.

Field hockey captain Julie Staver went to veterinary school then returned to co-captain the team in 1984

Moscow 1980 was the first time that women's field hockey was contested in the Olympics; four years later Julie Staver helped Team USA win the bronze medal.

Beijing 2008: Great Olympic Moments

Michael Phelps, Carli Lloyd and Kobe Bryant were among the heroes as Team USA led the medal count.

Presidential delegation to Sochi sent message

The group was seen as a rebuke to Russia's anti-gay laws and propaganda.