1956 Men’s Basketball Team
Led by Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, the 1956 U.S. Men’s Basketball Team was dominant at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games, winning each of its eight games by at least 30 points en route to winning a gold medal.
Basketball made its first introduction into the Olympics at the 1904 Games in St. Louis as a demonstration event and included as a medal event at the 1936 Olympics. Women’s basketball was debuted at the Montreal 1976 Games.
The game was invented in the United States in the late 1800s and quickly became one of the most-watched sports in the world. The United States has dominated the sport of basketball since its induction into the Olympics, with the USA men’s basketball team taking home the gold medal a record 16 times and a total of nine times by the USA women’s basketball team.
Men’s wheelchair basketball became an integral part of the Paralympic Games starting in 1960 and women’s wheelchair basketball in 1968.
Led by Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, the 1956 U.S. Men’s Basketball Team was dominant at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games, winning each of its eight games by at least 30 points en route to winning a gold medal.
Perhaps the greatest amateur basketball team ever assembled, the roster included 10 future NBA players, including the next four players to win Rookie of the Year. The team won its games by an average of 42.4 points en route to the gold medal.
Guard Jerry Shipp and forward Bill Bradley led the way as the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team won its sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The best basketball team ever assembled, the 1992 U.S. Men’s Basketball Team had 11 future Hall of Famers and won all of its games by at least 30 points in the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.
David Kiley competed at five Paralympic Games in wheelchair basketball, track and field, and alpine skiing. He won a total of 13 Paralympic medals.
David Robinson did not stand out on the basketball court until starring at the Naval Academy. He played in three Olympic Games, winning two gold medals and one bronze.
One of the greatest basketball coaches of all-time, Hank Iba guided the United States men’s basketball teams to two Olympic gold medals and one silver.
A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Lisa Leslie owns 10 U.S. Olympic records, including most points in a game (35). Leslie was a three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and two-time WNBA champion.
Pat Summitt led the U.S. women’s basketball team to Olympic gold in Los Angeles 1984. She was the first female coach to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.
After losing use of his legs in a farming accident, Randy Snow once again became an elite athlete, winning two Paralympic gold medals and one bronze.
One of the great shooters of her generation, Teresa Edwards played in five Olympic Games and led the U.S. women’s basketball team to four gold medals.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers parking in the adjacent Park Union District lot for $7.50 per-day. Metered parking is also available on Sierra Madre and Vermijo.
Olympic Marks are used under license from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. 36 U.S.C. 220506
Website development supported in part by a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office.
