Olympiad: 1952 Helsinki Summer Games

Milt Campbell

Milt Campbell's first-ever decathlon was at the 1952 U.S. Olympic Trials. He went on to win silver at the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games. Campbell won gold at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.

Joan Benoit had knee surgery 17 days before the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials, but finished first at the Trials and won gold in the first-ever Olympic women's marathon at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

Bob Beamon

Bob Beamon broke the previous world record in the long jump by nearly two feet as he soared 29 feet 2 1/2 inches to win a gold medal at the Mexico City 1968 Olympic Games.

Sammy Lee

Diver Sammy Lee overcame racial prejudice while growing up to become the first Asian-American man to win an Olympic gold medal.