The Greatest SUMMER OLYMPIC MOMENTS of All Time

AS THE 2024 GAMES BEGIN, CLOSER RECALLS SOME OF THE SPORT EVENT’S GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENTS

MARY LOU RETTON

At the LA Games in 1984, Mary Lou became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics. Her historic win thanks to a perfect 10 on the vault - also landed her photo on a Wheaties box.

BRUCE JENNER

Now known as Caitlyn, this decathlete won fame as a gold medalist at the '76 Games in Montreal, yet knew the biggest challenge was ahead. "I was an Olympic champion, the greatest athlete in the world," Bruce said. "But I was still the same old person with all the same old issues."

MUHAMMAD ALI

Before being "The Greatest," a then Cassius Clay went to Rome in 1960 and won the light heavyweight gold medal. But when the boxer returned home and still faced the weight of prejudice, he reportedly threw it in the Ohio River thinking, "It ain't worth nothing."

DREAM TEAM

In '92, Michael Jordan led NBA legends to Barcelona and to gold-causing a sensation that grew the sport to what it is today. "It was," said coach Chuck Daly, "like Elvis and the Beatles put together."

FLORENCE GRIFFITH JOYNER