AALTONEN Paavo (1919-1962) Finland
This gymnast dominated the 1948 London games. His outstanding performances in the vaulting
and the pommel horse events, brought him two gold medals. He went on to win the Olympic team
title alongside fellow gymnast Heikki Savolainen, aged 44.
AAMODT André Kjetil (1971) Norway
This Norwegian skier became a national hero when he won the super G at the 1992 Albertville
winter games. A few days later, he won a second medal for third place in the giant
slalom.However, two years later at the Lillehammer games, André Kjetil gave a disappointing
performance before his own supporters. He managed a mere second place in the downhill, and
Alpine combined events. Later in the year, he got over this failure by winning the world cup.
ABBAGNALE Guiseppe (1959) Carmine (1962) and Agostino (1966) Italy
In Italian rowing, these three brothers are a legend in themselves. The two older brothers,
Guisseppe and Carmine, in the two-man category, won the world championships no less than
seven times, and were Olympic champions twice, in Los Angeles in 1984, and in the 1988 games in
Seoul. They only narrowly missed the hat trick at Barcelona, beaten by the British team. Italian
television dedicated a three-hour documentary to them.For his part, Agostino, the youngest of the
three, has carried on the tradition and won the family two gold medals. He won one in the pairs at
the Atlanta Games before winning another gold medal in Sydney in the paired four.
ABBOTT Margaret (1878-1955) United States
The first American woman Olympic champion dominated the golf event at the Paris games in 1900.
Since this time, golf has not been included in Olympic competitions. From the city of Chicago,
Margaret Abbott was travelling with her novelist mother to Paris. On her way, she stopped off at
Compiègne to participate in the Olympic tournament, and won hands down.
ABDUVALIEV Andrej (1966) Tadzhikistan
With his hammer throw reaching just beyond 82 m at the 1992 games in Barcelona, Andrej
Abduvaliev was a long way from the Olympic record. Nonetheless, he won the gold medal, and
went on to consolidate his position by winning the world championship in 1993 and 1995.
ABERA Gezahgne (1978) Ethiopia
Ethiopian long-distance runners had the wind in their sails at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, with
victories by Gebresselassie in the men's and Tulu in the women's 10,000 metre race, Wolde in the
5000 metres and Abera in the marathon. He beat Kenya's Eric Wainana, who had already won a
bronze medal in Atlanta.The rightful heir to Abebe Bikila, the 1960 and 1964 Olympic champion,
Abera is still young enough to aim for a career comparable to his predecessor.
ABORIGINE
When Australian athlete Cathy Freeman was invited to light the Olympic bowl of the Sydney 2000
Olympic Games, she opened the door to a reconciliation between her Aboriginal community and the
white majority in Australia. The emotions she aroused around the world stress the suffering of
Australia's original inhabitants, who are today confined to the red earth of the country's interior,
scorned, despoiled and despised.Other gestures have marked the start of reconciliation. Aborigines
were permitted to demonstrate at the arrival of sporting delegations in Sydney, the flag of the
community was allowed to be flown inside the stadium and it was with an Aboriginal ritual that the
flame for the Paralympic Games was lit before its passage across the country from Canberra to
Sydney.
ABRAHAMS Harold (1899 - 1978) Great Britain
Made famous by the film « The Chariots of Fire », which tells his story and that of his fellow
countryman Eric Lidell, Harold Abrahams, then a young British student, won the 1924 Olympic title
in Paris for the 100 m. He narrowly missed winning a second gold medal in the 4x100 m relay,
having to settle for the silver. Abrahams, who came from a Jewish family, worked hard to win a
gold medal at the Paris Games. As is shown in the film, he hired a professional coach, Sam
Mussabini, to achieve his aims. Mussabini had previously been the mentor of Reggie Walker, who
won the 100 metres at the 1908 Olympics in London.It is worth remembering that until his death,
Abrahams dined in Paris every year on the anniversary of his victory with New Zealander Poritt,
who finished third in the race.
ACADEMY, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC
Created in 1961, the International Olympic Academy was established near the ancient stadium of
Olympia. Its goal is to study and teach the history of the Olympic Games to young people, sent
there by the various national committees.
ACKERMANN Rose - Marie (1952) Germany
Olympic high-jump champion in 1976 at Montreal, Marie-Rose Ackermann was one of the first
women to clear the 2 m mark.
ADISSON Franck (1969) - FORGUES Wilfrid (1969) France
Having won a bronze medal in the canoe slalom at the Barcelona games, and narrowly missing first
place at the world championships in 1993 and 1995, the two French canoeists, bound together in
pain and toil, finally showed their prowess in the rapids at Atlanta. They won the gold medal for the
slalom. A world title has been added to their list of achievements. The pairing had poor luck at the
Sydney Games. Although they were in the lead in the first round, they missed a gate and finished
7th in the final.
ADLERZ Erik (1892-1975) Sweden
This Swedish diver dominated the events in this speciality at the 1912 Stockholm games. He won
two gold medals in springboard and high-diving.
ADVERTISING
Without advertising, without advertisers, and indirectly without their main medium, television, the
Olympic Games would probably never have become as popular as they have today. The time when
athletes were banned if they showed the brand names of their equipment in front of television
cameras is long gone.Today the brands that provide considerable revenue for international sport
are household names for television viewers.Still, the Olympic compounds remain free of any
advertising. These must be the last places in which the name of the host city and flower beds take
the place of the usual advertising banners.
AFRICA, SOUTH
Just before the 1964 Tokyo games, this country was excluded from the Olympic movement,
because of its apartheid policy, and only returned for the 1992 games in Barcelona. For this
occasion, South Africa presented a multiracial team and its President, Nelson Mandela, was the
guest of honour at the opening ceremony. At the time, South Africa rejected their nickname «
Springboks », which was in itself a symbol of apartheid. During the games, the long distance
runner Helena Meyer, sprang into the limelight by coming second in the 10,000 m behind Ethiopia's
Tulu. The picture of their lap of honour, with their countries' flags entwined, made world-wide
headlines.It is worth mentioning the South African athlete, Zola Budd, considered to be the best
over long distances, and who was allowed to take part in the 1984 games at Los Angeles as part of
the British team. She failed to bring home a medal.
AGASSI Andre (1970) United States
Having won all the major tennis tournaments of the professional tour, most of them several times
(French Open, Flushing Meadow, Wimbledon, Australian Open), Andre Agassi could not fail in his
quest to add an Olympic title to his record of achievements. He did just this at the 1996 Atlanta
games winning the final against the Spaniard Sergi Bruguera. He dedicated his victory to his father
who, as a boxer, had taken part in the 1948 and 1952 games with the Iranian team.Considered to
be one of the best players in the world, Andre Agassi remains at the top of his league. At nearly 30
years old, he continues to dominate the major professional tournaments and ranks n° 1 in the
world. The American would have liked to defend his title in Sydney, but when his mother and sister
fell gravely ill, he preferred to remain at their sides and support them.
AIHARA Nobuyuki (1934) Japan
Silver-medallist in Melbourne in 1956, the Japanese gymnast demonstrated his art at the Rome
games, four years later, winning two gold medals for floor exercises and as part of his team.
AKII - BUA John ( 1949-1996) Uganda
Unable to take part in the 1976 games in Montreal because of the African countries' boycott, John
Akii-Bua was never able to defend his 400 m hurdle title, which he had won four years earlier at
the Munich games. The title went to Edwin Moses. Akii-Bua, long-time holder of the world record,
would confuse his opponents with his technique. Indeed, he could jump a hurdle taking off on
either his right or left leg.
ALBERTVILLE France
This sub-prefecture in Savoie (Alps) hosted the 1992 winter games, which probably dashed Paris'
hopes to host the summer games the same year. Their prime objective was to put Savoie on the
world map.A second objective was to keep financial investment in check and limit ecological
damage. Savoie achieved these objectives beyond all expectations.The opening ceremony, directed
by choreographer Philippe Decouflé, was breathtaking. It became the talk of the world. During the
ceremony, the French President took part in the « ola wave » along with the 34,000 spectators
present. The German skaters and the Norwegian skiers brought home the largest number of
medals. The French, on their home ground, managed to win nine medals.
ALBRITLON David Etats-Unis
Despite his failure to become an Olympic champion, having to settle for silver in the high jump at
the 1936 Berlin games, his name nonetheless goes down in history as being the pioneer of the
straddle technique. This style remained popular until the early 1970s, when Dick Fosbury, 1968
gold medallist at Mexico, revolutionised high jumping with the what became known as the Fosbury
flop.
ALEXANDRE Marc (1959) France
Judo Olympic champion at Seoul in 1988, having won the bronze four years earlier in Los Angeles,
runner-up in the world championships, Marc Alexandre was finally rewarded for his domination in
the under 71kg category. He went on to become the technical counsellor for the French Judo
Federation, and currently nurtures young talent in this sport, for which France has won many
medals..
ALEXEIEV Vassili ( 1942) Russia
A mining engineer and a major in the Red Army, the Russian Vassili Alexeiev is a reference in world
weightlifting. During the Munich games in 1972, he lifted 640 kg in all three categories, which at
the time put him well and truly into the record books.Throughout his career, this 1.86 m and 160
kg giant managed to total 79 world records winning 9 world titles: which in itself is a record!In
Montreal in 1976, he managed to hold on to his Munich title. During all his years of domination, his
rivals never posed a serious threat to him.
ALIBERT Gaston (1883-1917) France
He was the first French gold-medallist in the épée fencing event, at the 1908 London games,
winning all 21 bouts. He went on to lead the French team to victory, alongside Lippmann and
Olivier, respectively silver and bronze medallists in the individual competition.
ALLAIS Emile ( born 1912) France
He was the first Frenchman to win a medal in skiing, when he took the bronze in the combined
event at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936. However this result was a disappointment for Allais who
the following year, went on to become the best skier, winning three gold medals, in the combined,
downhill, and slalom events in the world championships.
ALLEN Richard (born 1902) India
He was the goalkeeper of the great Indian grass hockey team which won three consecutive games
from 1928 to 1936, and also included Dhyan Chand, three times Olympic champion.
ALPS
The winter Olympic Games have been held nine times in the Alps: three times in France (Chamonix
- 1924, Grenoble - 1968, and Albertville - 1992), twice in Switzerland (Saint Moritz - 1928 and
1948), twice in Austria (Innsbruck -1964 and 1976). Italy hosted the 1956 games at Cortina
d'Ampezzo, in the Dolomite region, and Germany organised the 1936 games at GarmischPartenkirchen in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Admittedly, the alpine mountains in which the
Nagano Games were held in 1998 have little in common with their predecessors, because those
were the "Japanese Alps" on the island of Honshu, north of Tokyo.
AMANAR Simona (1979) Romania
Simona Amanar had tried for many years to win the overall gymnastics title when fate handed her
victory in the competition at the Sydney 2000 games. Although she finished second in the event,
she walked away with the gold medal a few days later when her team-mate, Andrea Raducan, was
convicted of doping. Raducan had taken cold medicine based on ephedrine, a substance banned by
the competition rules.This gold medal won out of competition was to be Simona Amanar's third,
having won the team event in Sydney together with compatriots Raducan and Olaru, and the
vaulting horse event in Atlanta in 1996.These three Olympic golds come on top of many silver and
bronze medals as well as numerous top placings at world championships. She remains one of the
best gymnasts of her generation.
AMAT Jean Pierre (1962) France
Jean Pierre Amat is a rifle marksman, and a familiar figure in all the big team and individual rifle
shooting events. Despite winning the world championships several times, he didn't make the
podium at the Barcelona games. However in the 1996 Atlanta games, he twice managed a place on
the podium. He got the bronze for the rifle category at 10 m, and won the three position event.
After a shaky start to this competition, he went on to win 11 clear rounds and picked up the gold.
In Sydney he was in such poor form that he failed to reach the final stages of the competition.
AMERICAN WOMENS' FOOTBALL TEAM
Women's football only made its appearance at the Atlanta Olympic Games in '96. In Sanford
Stadium in Athens, the American women made it their duty to win the first Olympic title. They beat
the Chinese women in the final, showing that women's football can be attractive and
spectacular.Their success wasn't down to luck, but was the fruit of patient preparation. During the
women's World Cup, the American team again reached the final, once again against the Chinese,
and were victorious once more. They reached the final again in Sydney in 2000, but where beaten
by the Norwegians, who now look like dominating the world stage.
AMPHETAMINES
Amphetamines have a stimulating effect on the body. One of the drug's characteristics is its ability
to provide an artificial substitute for adrenaline, which is produced naturally by the body when
under stress. The first athletes to use amphetamines did so as early as the 19th century. However,
it is in the mid-20th century that use of this drug became commonplace among professional
cyclists. Today, use of this artificial substitute in professional sporting circles has been overtaken
by steroids, anabolic steroids or erythropoietin (EPO)
AMSTERDAM - Holland
During the 1928 games, the Olympic movement revived the ancient tradition of the Olympic flame.
Many athletes joined in the relay to bring the flame from Olympia. The flame blazed in the stadium
until the end of the games. It is at Amsterdam that the Germans, who were held responsible for
the 1914 - 1918 war, were allowed to join in the games, having been excluded for the two previous
competitions. The Dutch Parliament disapproved of the event, and the threat of cancellation hung
over the games. It was the Dutch citizens' enthusiasm for hosting the games which saved the day,
by paying the travelling expenses for each delegation, and thus avoiding cancellation.It should also
be noted that the Amsterdam games were the first to include women. Pierre de Coubertin, founder
of the games, was opposed to women's participation, and due to ill health did not attend the
Amsterdam games. Women nonetheless took part in the athletic events.
ANDERSON Paul (1932) United States
This American weight-lifter is the first to lift 500 kg in both the clean and jerk, and the snatch
category, during the 1956 Melbourne games. He beat the Italian Silvetti, who also lifted 500 kg,
but who was the heavier man, and in weightlifting, the rules are such that the lighter man wins.
Paul Anderson won the world championships twice
ANDERSSEN Hjalmar - Norway
Anderssen must have considered the 1952 Oslo games as a dream come true. Having been beaten
in the 500 m speed skating event, he made up for it in the 1500 m, the 5000 m and 10.000 m, by
winning three gold medals. At the time, speed skating comprised just four events.
ANDIEV Soslan (1952) Russia
The Russian all-in wrestling champion was the best in his category at the end of the 1970s. Three
times European and world champion, he defeated Hungary's Josef Balla twice to win the Olympic
gold medal in the 100 kg category in 1976 and 1980.
ANDRADE Jose Leandro ( 1898-1954) Uruguay
Before becoming world champion with the Uruguayan football team, this footballer won two
Olympic titles with his national team in 1924 and 1928.An outstanding dribbler despite his height,
he was the playmaker of the Uruguayan side and became popular by performing an acrobatic
summersault after each goal he scored.
ANDRIANOV Nicolaï (1952) Russia
Adrianov was the leading gymnast of the then USSR when he took the Olympic oath in the giant
Lenin stadium for the opening of the Moscow games in 1980. His outstanding record of close to 40
medals, includes 15 Olympic medals 8 of which were gold.At Moscow, he lost the all-round title to
fellow-Russian Ditjatin, and had to settle for gold for the floor exercise and vaulting, which he had
already won four years earlier at Montreal.
ANDRIEUX Michel (1968) ROLLAND Jean Claude (1972) France
Having already won a bronze medal in Atlanta, ten years of hard work paid off for this French
coxless pairs team on the waters of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.Even so, the French rowers were
only in fourth place at the halfway stage of the final. It was then they moved up a gear, passing
each and every one of their opponents to win on the line.It was France's first rowing victory in 48
years. The two hydraulic engineers certainly won't complain about that.
ANKE Hannelore (1957) Germany
This German swimmer came up against little competition in the 200 m breast stroke at the 1976
games. A year prior to the games, she became the world champion in this event. She was part of
the East German 4x100 m medley relay swimming team which won the gold at the Montreal
games..
ANTTILA "Kalle" Kaarle (1887 - 1975) Finland
This Finnish wrestler was still a young man when he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling,
lightweight division, at the Antwerp games of 1920. For years later he had changed division and
style, winning the Greco-Roman event in the featherweight division.
ANTWERP - Belgium
Count de Baillet-Latour, Coubertin's successor at the head of the Olympic movement pushed for
the games to be held in this large Belgian town, in 1920, just after the first world war. Despite
heavy bombardment suffered by the port of Escaut, the rich diamond and naval merchants brought
the necessary support, enabling the games to take place. The Germans and Austrians were
excluded from the Olympic movement. The Russians declined the invitation. However, 29 countries
came with their athletes. The Olympic flag was hoisted for the first time in the stadium. Designed
by Coubertin, the flag is white with 5 intertwined coloured rings. On the sporting side of things, the
majority of medals were won by the Americans and the Swedes, being two of the countries the
least involved with the recent war.
AOUITA Saïd (1959 ) Morocco
Aouita is without doubt the most outstanding runner of the 1980s. He took the bronze in the 800 m
medium distance event at the 1988 Seoul games, having won the gold at Los Angeles, four years
earlier for the 5000 m long distance event. During this time, he notched up several world records.
He went on to train young hopefuls for the Moroccan team, such as Boutayeb or Skah, both
Olympic champions at Seoul and Barcelona.
ARCHERY
Archery is one of the oldest hunting techniques invented by man. The bow and arrow is an
efficient, silent and fast weapon that reached its greatest importance during the middle
ages.Although archery had been demonstrated several times at the Olympic Games it was not
admitted as a full event until 1972. America and Asian countries have so far won most of the titles,
both in the men's and women's events, and at the Sydney games South Korea walked away with
three of the four gold medals on offer.The finals of Olympic archery contests, which demand nerves
of steel, have recently been changed in order to make the sport more exciting for spectators.
Contestants compete by direct elimination, so suspense is kept right to the end of the tournament.
ARTYOMOV Vladimir (1964) Russia
Considered for a long time as an eternal runner-up, the Russian gymnast finally made it to the top
when, to everyone's surprise, he won the all-round competition at the 1988 Seoul games,
defeating fellow-countryman Bilozertchev, the undisputed favourite. He also won on three
apparatus, bringing his total to four gold medals, and one silver for the floor exercises. He also won
three world titles for parallel bars, his speciality.
ASHFORD Evelyn (1957) United States
This American athlete ran in her first Olympic 100 m final at Montreal in 1976. She did not take
part in the Moscow games, which were boycotted by the United States, but at the 1984 Los
Angeles games was rewarded with her first gold medal for the 100 m while also joining the
American relay team on the top step of the podium. Four years later at Seoul, she won the silver
medal on the same distance and a gold medal for the 4x100 m relay.At the Barcelona games, at
the age of 35, she was still a member of the American team and won her third Olympic title in
succession in the 4x100 m.
ASLOUM Brahim (1979) France
This small French boxer got his name in the news by winning the 48kg (light flyweight) category at
the Sydney 2000 Games. It's been 64 years since his country last won a gold medal in this event.
He quickly became a national hero, especially since he dyed his hair in the colours of the French
flag for the final.It was there that Asloum beat the reigning Olympic champion, Spaniard LozanoMunoz, after overcoming the American world champion in the semi-final.Having started as a
football- and handball-player before discovering the sport through educational boxing (which
consists of touching without being touched), Asloum has helped bring the work of his coach,
Dominique Nato, into the spotlight. The day before, fellow countryman Jerome Thomas got himself
on the third place on the podium in the 51kg category.
ASTAKHOVA Polina (1936) Russia
10 medals, of which 5 were gold, are a testament to the fabulous sporting career of this Russian
gymnast, that lasted from the Melbourne games in '56 until the Tokyo games in 64.Two times gold
medallist on the parallel bars in Rome and Tokyo where she beat the great Larissa Latynina, this
champion also won the in overall team competition three times. She also won two silver medals for
the floor exercises and was twice bronze medallist in the individual overall competition.
ASTYLOS Greece
He was one of the best runners of the Ancient games, winning eight times over twelve years
between 488 and 476 B.C..Astylos was from Crotona, just like the famous fighter Milon.
ATHENA NIKE
She was the Greek goddess of victory, and appears more often than anyone else on the back of the
Olympic medals.
ATHENS - Greece
Chosen to host the very first Modern games in 1896, Athens hoped to organise the centennial
games in 1996. Unfortunately, the IOC chose the American town of Atlanta. However, the Greek
capital succeeded in its bid to host the 2004 games. Since then the organisers have been racing
against the clock. A new underground railway has been opened and a new airport is under
construction. Despite local opposition, the Greek government has even decided to triple the budget
for hosting the Games from the $11bn initially set at $35bn.During the 1896 games, the Americans
reaped three in every four medals. It was a Greek however, Spiridon Louys, who was the star of
these games, after he triumphed in the first marathon race.At that time, a mere 311 athletes, from
Europe, America, and the West Indies, took part in the games. The King of Greece was the first to
be given the privilege of reading the Olympic speech in a U-shaped stadium.It should be noted that
Athens wanted to organise the games twice in every four years, in alternating with other towns of
the world. However, financially, this was not a feasible project for the Greeks, and they have
hosted the games only once in 1906.
ATHLETICS
Athletics is the king of all the sporting events in the Olympic Games. The term athletics comprises
all stadium events, including running, throwing and jumping, not forgetting walking, which is an
event in its own right.The very first athletic events date back to the Ancient games in 776 BC. At
this time, the sporting events being practised by the athletes were sprinting, long-distance, high
jump and two throwing events: the discus and the javelin.Nevertheless, it is with the advent of the
modern Olympic Games that athletics really came into its own, as it remains today the sport which
attracts the greatest number of participants, is the most popular, and enjoys the greatest number
of spectators.
ATLANTA - United States
The capital of the state of Georgia, famous for being the home of the Coca-Cola company, were the
organisers of the centennial games in 1996. The close relationship between the soda company and
the IOC apparently tipped the balance in favour of the American town, competing with Athens.
Atlanta is also the base of CNN, one of the biggest American television channels. Three new
sporting events were introduced at the Atlanta games: mountain biking, beach-volley and women's
soccer.The Atlanta games went down in history for a very high profile media coverage, and the
Olympic spirit suffered somewhat because of this. The games were marred by a terrorist attack
that the United States were unable to prevent.
ATTACK, TERRORIST
During the 1996 Atlanta games, a so-called home-made bomb killed two people and injured onehundred other people. The bomb exploded in an area of the town where a celebration was
underway in honour of the games. Just as in Munich in 1972, the games organisers did not want to
see the celebrations spoilt, and decreed that the games should continue.No-one has ever claimed
responsibility for this attack, and is thought to have been carried out by a mentally unstable
person.
AUSTIN Charles (1972) United States
Before the 1996 Atlanta games, the American high-jumper had not yet proved his worth. But it was
his sheer determination to become an Olympic champion which led him to take the greatest risks.
He failed at the lower level jumps, before attempting 2,39 m. This time, his determination paid off,
and challenged Sotomayor, the Brazilian title holder.The Americans had not dominated in the high
jump for almost 20 years, when Fosbury had pioneered the technique which led Austin to his
victory.
AUSTRALIA
The host of the 1956 Melbourne games, Australia hosted the Millennium Games held in Sydney in
2000. The organisers placed great emphasis on protecting the environment. Sydney wanted to be a
model for all future host cities, and the bet completely paid off. The building of new sites, and
transportation structures adhered to a very rigourous environmntal protection charter. The warm
reception visitors received and the perfect organisation were praised by the Olympic bodies.It
should be noted that in 1956 Melbourne was the first town in the southern hemisphere to organise
the games.The Australian athletes excelled themselves at the swimming events. The women
swimmers were among the best in the world between 1956 and 1972, with Dawn Fraser, four
times Olympic champion, then Shane Gould and Bevery Whitefield, both champions at the Munich
games in 1972.
AUSTRIA
Austria excelled in the alpine skiing events, in particular with skilled champions such as Toni Sailer
or Anne-Marie Moser-Proell. Austria also boasts excellent down-hill skiers.Austria has twice hosted
the winter games at Innsbruck in the Tyrol region, in 1964 and 1976. For the 1976 games, Austria
stood in at the last minute as host, when the American town of Denver backed down.In 1964,
military convoys were used to ship in the snow necessary for the events. This was the first time the
luge event was introduced to the games.Figure skating was included for the first time in 1976 in
the skating competition. Finally, Austria - the ultimate mountainous country - made the headlines
in Sydney by walking away with two gold medals in an event in which it wasn't expected to do
well: sailing. Austrians won the Tornado and windsurfing competitions.
AVEROFF Georges - Greece
This wealthy Greek patron saved the first games at Athens in 1896. King Constantine had most
certainly made generous financial contributions to organise the Olympic Games, but his
contribution was insufficient. So, Georges Averoff funded the renovation work to Athens' ancient
Panathanaic Olympic stadium. He was preoccupied with the details of the renovation work to the
extent of having white marble columns installed. The grateful Greek people, and Olympic
organisers, put up a statue in his honour at the centre of the stadium.
AZARYAN Albert (1929) Armenia
Inventor of a gymnastic movement on the rings named the Olympic cross which is a variation on
the famous iron cross, this Armenian has one of the most impressive medal hauls in international
gymnastics. Twice Olympic champion on the rings in 1956 at the Melbourne games and four years
later in Rome, he was also gold medallist and silver medallist in the overall team competition in
Melbourne and Rome respectively.The movement that he invented was established for the first
time during a competition in Russia. After one of the judges had indicated to him that he had not
held his iron cross for 3 seconds as the rules state, he turned toward each of the referees in each
of the four corners and asked each of them if he had held it for long enough. And thus the Olympic
cross was born.
BABASHOFF Shirley (1957) Australia
Shirley Babashoff was one of the world's best swimmers during the 1970s, with two gold medals
and six silver medals to her name. She won the 4x100 m free-style at both Munich and Montreal.
She would most certainly have done better had it not been for German rival Cornelien Ender, the
best woman swimmer at the time.
BABY CHAMPIONS
Noel Vandernotte was only 12 years old when he climbed on to the podium at the 1936 Berlin
games. He won two bronze medals for rowing, which made him the youngest sports person ever to
win a medal.Staying with rowing, Bernard Malivoire won a gold medal at the youthful age of 14
during the 1952 Helsinki games. He was helmsman aboard the French boat with Raymond Salles
and Gaston Mercier.The youngest ever Olympic gold medal winner is a German, Klaus Zelta. At 13,
he won the gold for rowing at the Rome games. The tender age of these medal winners in rowing is
explained by restrictions imposed by the sport's regulations, which state that a helmsman must not
weigh more than 50 kg.The 1980s witnessed more champion baby exploits, especially in
swimming, diving, and gymnastics.
BACK CRAWL
This stroke is the only one in which the competitors do not start on the starting blocks. Already in
the water, the swimmers kick off with their feet, propelling themselves backwards and letting go of
the pool wall. They swim on their backs powering themselves with alternative circular strokes of
their arms, whilst kicking in turn with their legs.In Olympic competition, the back crawl, or
backstroke, takes place over distances of 100 and 200 m as well as in relay medley.
BADMINTON
Badminton originated in Asia. The game, played with a shuttle cock and a racket, is reminiscent of
an Indian ritual game called «poona». British officers invented badminton in the XIXth century in
recollection of this game. The game was named badminton in memory of the proprietor of the land
on which the first game took place. In modern competitions, either two players or two teams play
matches on a court which measures 13 m long by 6 m wide. Badminton was introduced in to the
Olympics in 1988, and Indonesia, South Korea and China are the world's top nations.
BAILEY Donovan (1968) Canada
Having won the world title for the 100 m in 1995, Bailey made history during the 1996 Atlanta
games when he not only won the gold for the 100 m, but set a new world record with 9" 84. He
beat Namibian Frankie Fredericks, who had kindly given him the benefit of his advice when he had
first arrived on the international athletic circuit. Bailey, a Jamaican by birth, obviously put it to
good use! The Canadian went on to a double victory at the Atlanta games, winning the 4x100 m
relay alongside fellow countryman Bruni Surin, who had also been a 100 m finalist.Having just
recovered from a serious Achilles tendon injury which kept him away from the tracks for several
months, Bailey has recently made a remarkable recovery back to the top of his form. He has just
made the second best time on record for the 100 m in 2000. Even so, he did not succeed at the
Sydney Games, failing even to reach the Olympic finals.
BAILLET-LATOUR (de) Henri (1876-1942) - Belgium
Baillet-Latour took over from de Courbertin at the head of the Olympic movement in 1925, and
continued defending the Olympic ideals established by his predecessor, founder of the games.
Count Baillet-Latour, a Belgian, succeeded in his quest to have the VIIth Olympic Games hosted by
the town of Antwerp. Throughout his 17 year presidency, he made every effort to protect sport
from commercialisation.
BAIUL Oksana (1977) Ukraine
At the tender age of 16, Oksana Baiul was the youngest figure skater to become Olympic
champion, a feat which only Sonja Henje, Olympic champion from 1928 to 1936 had achieved. She
won the gold at Lillehammer just one year after having won the world championship title. In spite
of a knee injury, she gave a superb performance.
BALAS Yolanda (1936) Roumania
This expert in the high jump used to like saying, «I'm 86 cm tall and my legs mesure 1 m». With a
physique such as hers, she won the event twice, at Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964.Adopting the
scissor technique, she achieved 13 world records between 1956 and 1961. She remained
undefeated for almost a decade and 140 competitions. After training to be a physical education
teacher, she became the president of the Romanian Athletics Federation after the revolution of
1989.
BALBOSHIN Nicolaï (1949) Russia
From 1973 to 1979, the Russian wrestler was world champion five time over in the 100 kg category
in the Greco-Roman event and went on to win the Olympic title in his category during the 1976
games at Montreal. It took him a mere 17 minutes to eliminate his five opponents in the qualifying
rounds.
BALCZO Andras (1938) Hungary
Already twice a team gold medallist in Rome in 1960 and in Mexico in 1968, this Hungarian
pentathlete only just missed out on an individual gold medal in the Mexico games. He was beaten
by the Swede Ferm in the very last of the cross-country events. He finally got his revenge in
devastating fashion ate the games in Munich at the age of 34 having already added five world
championship successes to his roll of honour. With this title under his belt he became the greatest
pentathlete of all time.It should be noted that during these events in Munich, 14 competitors used
tranquillisers banned by the international federation to help them win the shooting event. None of
them were disqualified since IOC rules do not prohibit this product.
BALDINI Ercole (1933) Italy
One of the greatest professional cyclists of the 1950s, with a highly impressive record of
achievements. An expert on the track, he beat the world record twice in 1954 and 1956. It was in
1956 that he took part in the games and won the road racing event.After this Olympic triumph,
Ercole Baldini won the world championships in 1958, and in the same year was victorious in the
Giro, the Italian Tour.
BALLANGER Félicia (1971) France
Having largely dominated the Sydney Games, where she picked up two more gold medals in the
sprint event and the 500 metre time trials (in which she held the world record), the French indoor
cycling champion decided to end her career. She had an impressive list of victories, collecting
prizes and world championship titles. She will remain a living cycling legend for many years to
come.It was in the United States at the Atlanta Games that the public at large first discovered this
physically impressive champion capable of starts that stunned her opponents. Having already won
the world title for track cycling, the French woman outclassed herself at the Atlanta games in 1996.
She won the track event having eliminated the Estonian Salumaee in the heats, who was the
holder of two Olympic titles in this event.
BALLANGRUD Ivar (1904-1969) Norway
He was one of the greatest speed skaters of the winter Olympics. In 1928 he won the gold for the
first time at Saint Moritz, before almost winning the grand slam at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936
winning three out of four Olympic events. Victorious in the 500, 5000 and 10,000 m, he had to
settle for bronze in the 1,500 m.He brought his Olympic career to an end at the age of 33, with a
total of 7 medals, four of which were gold.
BALTIC STATES
Following the break up of the Soviet Union most of the ex Soviet states went to Barcelona as a
united team under the CIS flag. The Baltic states however chose to go it alone and appeared under
their true new identities.This is when Lithuania won its very first medal, in basketball. Estonia got a
gold medal thanks to the woman cyclist Salumae, and only Latvia returned empty handed.
BAMBUCK Roger (1945) France
He was one of the best sprinters of his time, and the only Frenchman to have reached an Olympic
final, coming fifth in both the 100 and 200 m finals at the Mexico games in 1968. In the final, he
contributed to the French team's bronze medalOn retiring from his sporting career, he became
involved in politics and was for a brief period sports minister in 1988.
BANACH Edward (1957) Louis (1957) United States
These twin brother American wrestlers were both Olympic champions in Los Angeles in 1984.
Whilst Ed won gold in the middleweight division, Lou emulated this feat two days later in the 100
kg+ heavyweight division.
BARCELONA - Spain
Having been a hopeful candidate for the 1936 games, the Catalonian capital had to wait until 1992
for a similar opportunity, with the support of IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, a native of
Barcelona.The 1992 games were marked by the return of the Republic of South Africa and unified
Germany's participation under a common flag. The countries from what has become the ex- Soviet
Union had not yet re-organised themselves and they were represented under the CIS colours. The
team proved to be the strongest and finished up with a total of 91 gold medals.The bright red team
colours of past years were discarded.The hero of the games had to be the Belo-Russian Vitali
Scherbo, who was personally accountable for 6 gold medals. One of the most memorable moments
of these games for spectators and television viewers alike was surely the handicapped athlete
lighting the Olympic flame with an arrow. On a less positive note, there was also the wave of mass
protest against the Iraqi, Koweiti and Libyan delegations, who were booed for having men only
teams.
BARS, HORIZONTAL
This discipline is one of six Olympic gymnastic events performed by men. Continuous swinging
motions are required, and the gymnasts perform changes of direction, pirouettes and large
swinging tours around the bar.During a routine, the gymnast must let go of the bar at least once,
although a gymnast will effectively do this several times during a routine, which of course makes
this discipline one of the most spectacular. Dismounting and landing involve a high level of risktaking.
BARS, PARALLEL
In the parallel bars discipline, the gymnast must perform swinging and balancing movements and
manoeuvres requiring great strength. Parallel bar work enables the gymnast to perform wide
circles and somersaults and acrobatic dismounts. This apparatus demands great control over body
positioning.
BARS, UNEVEN
One of the most spectacular disciplines, the uneven bars are the women's equivalent to the men's
horizontal bar. The gymnasts must perform a routine which includes a minimum of ten
movements, balancing, suspension, or free movements in a continuous swing motion. Dismounting
and landing are also part of the overall judgement.
BARTHEL Joseph (1927-1992) Luxemburg
The Luxemburger Josy Bartel received his gold medal in floods of tears, having won the 1500 m
race at the Helsinki games in 1952. Four years earlier he had finished in 9th place, and this expert
in middle distances found it hard to believe that he was the first citizen from the Grand Duchy to
have been responsible for the Luxemburg colours being hoisted on an Olympic flagpole.
BARTKO Robert (Germany)
Thanks to his powerful physique, German cyclist Robert Bartko became the Olympic pursuit
champion at the Sydney 2000 Games.But his most extraordinary performance was the one he gave
in the team final accompanied by team-mates Fulst, Becke and, of course, Lehmann, who finished
second in the individual pursuit. Not only did the Germans eliminate the French squad, the
defending Olympic champions, in the semi-finals. They also beat the world record.They confirmed
the result in the finals, where they were pitted against the Ukrainians, and set yet another record,
for the first time ever finishing in under four minutes.
BASEBALL
A very popular sport in the United States and in Asia, base-ball's first introduction to the Olympic
Games was as a demonstration event in Seoul in 1988. It was included in the Barcelona games in
1992 as an official Olympic event where the Cuban team won the gold medal, winning it again at
the Atlanta games. The Cubans reached the finals again in Sydney in 2000, but this time it was the
Americans and their line-up of professional players, who took revenge.
BASILIO Enriqueta - Mexico
In 1968, this Mexican athlete was the first woman in the history of the games to light the Olympic
flame. Dressed in white, with the whole world watching, she climbed the 90 steps up to the
Olympic cauldron.The same year, France chose a woman, the swimmer Christine Caron, as
representative for their delegation. Four years earlier she had won the silver medal at Tokyo.
BASKET- BALL
Doctor James Naismith, from Springfield College in Massachusetts, invented basketball and set
down the rules of the game in 1891. The popularity of this sport became widespread amongst
American students. The game took three years to cross the Atlantic to Europe.This spectacular
sport, which arouses fervent support from the spectators present in the halls where matches take
place, nevertheless had to wait until 1936 to be included as an Olympic sport. From this date
onwards, the Americans have practically always won the basketball titles, except for the 1980
games, when Yugoslavia took the gold medal; although this was only logical, as the Americans
boycotted these games to protest against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. In 1992, the
first professional team was invited to take part. The team was named «The Dream Team». Two of
the NBA's ( the North American professional league) biggest stars, Magic Johnson and Michael
Jordan led the team to victory. Since then the Americans have picked up more Olympic titles by
fielding teams of NBA professionals.
BASZANOWSKI Waldemar (1935) Poland
One of the greatest weight-lifters of his time and considered a true gentleman by the sport's
authorities. Baszanowski twice became an Olympic champion in the 70 kg category, once in 1964
and again in 1968. He also won the world championships three times.
BAUMANN Alex (1964) Canada
This all-round swimmer, of Czech origin, won two Olympic gold medals, for the 200 and 400
medley, at the 1984 Los Angeles games. As a child, his parents fled Czechoslovakia when the
Russians invaded Prague. They first emigrated to New Zealand, and later went to Canada, a
country he was proud to represent. There is an amusing anecdote about Baumann, although this
kind of occurrence is fairly common in sporting circles: having won his first medal at Los Angeles,
Baumann had a small problem. He could not provide enough urine to carry out the anti-doping
test. He had to wait several hours and drink a number of beers in order to «perform» satisfactorily.
BAUMGARTNER Bruce (1960) United States
Baumgartner did not have too much trouble winning his first Olympic title in wrestling at the 1984
Los Angeles games. His opponent in the final, the Canadian Robert Molle, had recently undergone
surgery. Eight years later at the Barcelona games, his second title is far more commendable. Just
after celebrating his 32nd birthday, Baumgartner triumphed in the super heavy-weight category.
The pathway to the gold was laid open to him after his semi-final win against a Georgian giant.
BAXTER Irwing (1876-1957) United States
During the 1900 Paris games, this American Indian ignored religious traditions which prevented
several of his fellow countrymen from participating in Olympic events held on a Sunday. He took
advantage of this situation and went on to win the high jump and the pole vault, and won a silver
medal in the standing high jump event. He continued to perform brilliantly in international athletic
meetings after the games, thus proving that his success in Paris was entirely justified.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
A popular summer sport, this game is based on traditional volleyball and has all the necessary
ingredients to attract a young audience. It is played in the sand by two opposing teams of two
players, one attacker and one defender. It was first introduced to the games as a competitive sport
at the 1996 Atlanta games, having been a demonstration event in Barcelona in 1992. First played
on Brazil's Ipanema Beach in the early Eighties, the sport takes place at a "rede": a Brazilian word
describing the net, playing area and the club where the regulars hang out. Having become a
national institution, the world's best male and female players all stem from Ipanema Beach. They
include Sandra Pires and Jacqueline Silva, the Olympic champions in Atlanta and bronze medalwinners in Sydney.
BEAM
Exercises on the beam is one of the four gymnastic sports for women in the Olympics. The
gymnasts have a maximum time limit of 90 seconds in which to perform a programme of
acrobatics and balancing exercises on a beam 10 cm wide and 5 m long. Each movement must link
up with the next one and they must form a coherent choreographic whole. The way in which the
gymnast leaves the beam and lands on the ground is also taken into account when awarding
points.
BEAMON Bob (1946) United States
The American long jumper's feat on October 18th 1968 at the Mexico games has gone down in
history as being one of the most amazing achievements of this century. Reaching the 8.90 m mark
in the long jump, he added 55 cm on to the world record.It was what could be called a winning
jump in more ways than one!When the judges started to measure Beamon's jump, their instrument
was too short. Beamon himself did not fully appreciate the extent of his achievement, as he was
not familiar with the metric system. He started jumping for joy only when a conversion to imperial
measurements had been calculated, and the moment he stopped jumping to kiss the ground, the
storm which had been boiling up overhead for sometime, finally broke.His record was only broken
in the 1993 world championships by the American Mike Powell, who jumped 8.93 m. Orphaned at a
very young age, Beamon eventually went on to profit from his success. He became rich and
famous. But he was to squander his fortune. After a career as a travelling salesman, he devoted his
life to teaching poor children in New York, the city of his youth.
BECKER Elisabeth (1903-1989) United States
Having become the 1924 Olympic champion in fancy diving, this American diver won the gold
medal once more at the 1928 Amsterdam games, though this time in the high springboard
category. At this time, she dived as Becker-Pinkston, having just married a member of the
American men's swimming team. This husband and wife "team" brought home seven Olympic
medals.
BEERBAUM Ludger (1963) Germany
This German horseman had already won a gold medal in the team event at the 1988 Seoul games.
At the Barcelona games, he won the individual title for show jumping, thanks to his strong nerves
and great skills. He chose to jump the most difficult obstacles at the beginning of his course,
leaving the easy obstacles until last. He also made a clear round. The man who began riding on the
back of a donkey was to snatch two more Olympic titles in Atlanta in 1996 and in Sydney in 2000,
where he won the Olympic show-jumping competition as part of the German team.Rich and
satisfied with his success, he now intends to concentrate on running his stud farm.
BEHAR Adriana (1969) Brazil
Unbeaten in 15 competitions together with countrywoman Shelda Bede, this beautiful Brazilian
launched herself at her Olympic encounters at the Sydney 2000 Games as the world number one
beach volleyball-player.Determined to wipe out their non-selection for the Atlanta Games in favour
of the players who went on to contest the Olympic final in Georgia, Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede
came up against Australians Cook and Pottharst in the final. Having been invincible up to that
point, they had to content themselves with the silver medal.
BEIJING - China
Beijing has won the race to stage the 2008 Olympics. The Chinese capital have beat four other
bidding cities, including Toronto and Paris, to secure the country's first-ever Olympics. It only took
one more round for Beijing to be confirmed as the preferred host. The announcement, read out by
outgoing Olympic president Juan Antonio Samaranch, was greeted with wild scenes of jubilation
from the Chinese delegation in Moscow, and with fireworks in Beijing itself. Beijing had lost the
race for the 2000 Games by just two votes to Sydney - but there were no such dramas this time
round. To secure the Games, Beijing and the Chinese government had agreed a substantial budget
of more than US$14bn. There are few venues that are currently up to standard, so the centre of
the Games will be a giant Olympic Park on the northern outskirts of the city, and on an axis with
some of Beijing's notable landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
BELLUTI Antonella - Italy
This Italian rider was already well-accustomed to standing on the world's cycling podiums when she
excelled at the Atlanta Games, winning the pursuit gold medal ahead of Frenchwoman Marion
Clignet.She was still in the running at the Sydney 2000 Games, where she won the track cycling
points competition. She put on a performance that put her ahead of Dutch swimmer Leontien Van
Moorsel, who was very much in form in Australia and won three gold medals at these Olympics.
BELMONDO Stéphania - Italy
Pushed in to the limelight at the 1992 Albertville games, whilst fellow team member and leader Di
Centa was getting over a broken heart, this Italian skier did her utmost to give the Scandinavians a
run for their money in the women's cross country skiing. She won the 30 km event and took two
other medals, the silver and bronze. Two years later at Lillehammer, she won two more bronze
medals. She won the silver in the 30 km event at the Nagano games.
BELOGLAZOV Sergueï (1956) Ukraine
The brother of Anatoly Beloglazov, who won the gold medal for wrestling in the 52 kg category in
1980, Ukraine's Sergueï Beloglazov came first in the 57 kg category the same year. But, unlike his
brother, Sergueï won a second Olympic title eight years later in Seoul, and, between 1981 and
1987, he won 5 world championships.
BELOVA - NIVIKOVA Elena (1947) Russia
At the age of just 21 and competing under her maiden name, this young Russian foilist won her
first title in Mexico in 1968. It was to be the only Olympic individual gold, though she won a bronze
medal in Montreal. In the following years she was three times Olympic team champion, in 1968,
1972 and 1976.Still in the running at the Moscow Games, the veteran she had become failed to win
the team final against France, walking off with a silver medal nonetheless. But in front of the
Muscovite crowd, this defeat looked very much like failure.
BENNET Brooke (1978) United States
Having already become the Olympic 800 metre freestyle champion in Atlanta in 1996, the
American swimmer collected two more gold medals at Sydney 2000, where she successfully
defended her 800 metres title and won the 400 metre distance too.Because neither of her
performances resulted in a new world record, her efforts attracted less media interest than those of
Australians Thorpe and Hackett, who won men's long-distance events.
BENOIT Joan (1957) United States
She won the first woman's Olympic marathon, in Los Angeles in 1984, after having lead a solitary
breakaway over more than 30 km. After she broke away in the fifth kilometre, her opponents never
again caught sight of her number or famous white baseball cap. It should be said that she usually
runs 200 kilometres - alone - every week.
BENVENUTTI Nino (1938) Italy
Italian boxer Nino Benvenutti was remarkable in the art of dodging, and was heralded a national
hero when he won the Olympic title in Rome in 1960, in the welterweight category. His long reach
helped him to hit whilst avoiding punches.He later became world champion in the middleweight
category against American Emil Griffith but was eventually defeated by Argentina's Carlos Monzon.
BERESFORD Jack (1899 - 1977) England
This English oarsman, son of Julius Beresford, who won a silver medal at the 1912 Stockholm
games, reigned over the waterways between the two world wars. At the 1920 Antwerp games he
won his first medal, a silver. However, at the 1924 Paris games he finally took the gold, and he
repeated this performance in 1932 at the Los Angeles games, and went on to take the gold for a
third time at the 1936 Berlin games, in the skiff, the double scull, coxless four and even the eight.
Devoid of financial concerns because his father had made his fortune in furniture, Beresford
devoted his time to training, even wanting to take part in the 1940 Games in Tokyo. However, the
Second World War robbed him of the chance to win his sixth medal.
BERGHMANS Ingrid (1961) Belgium
Unfortunately, her only gold medal was awarded at the 1988 Seoul games, when women's judo
was merely a demonstration event. Indeed, this champion's track record is one of the most
impressive in judo: she was European champion six times over, and also held the world
championship title six times. She certainly deserved an official Olympic title.
BERLIN - Germany
Although the 1936 games were initially planned to be hosted in Barcelona, they were finally held in
Berlin, thus celebrating the rise of the Nazi movement. Germany even managed to host the winter
games in the same year at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Only a handful of politicians were concerned
by the disturbing nature of this monopoly. The French politician, Pierre Mendès-France, opposed
the vote for a subsidy to enable the French team to go to Berlin. He was quite right!The Olympic
stadium in Berlin was guarded by the SA, and swastikas adorned the Olympic rings. During the
parade, the German Olympic team saluted Hitler, in Nazi style.It is ironical that the hero of the
games was Jesse Owens, a black American, who won four gold medals. The Nazis nicknamed him
America's black mercenary. The fürher had to salute him, and therefore found it difficult to prove
the superiority of the Aryan race. It is worth mentioning that the Berlin games saw the introduction
of canoeing and basket ball as Olympic sports. Dr. Naismith, basketball's inventor, was Germany's
guest on this occasion.Today Berlin is once again the capital city of a unified Germany. The city
was a candidate for hosting the 2000 Millenium games.
BESSON Colette (1946) France
In 1968, this champion was one of the most unexpected gold medallists at the time. She won the
400 m. Before winning the title at the Mexico games, she ranked only fifteenth in the
world.However, by becoming the world record holder for the 400 m and the 4x400 m relay the
following year, Colette Besson proved that her Olympic title was no coincidence. And in the words
of France's president, General de Gaulle, she was, "the only woman to have brought me to tears".
BEYAERT José (1925) France
This cyclist became a surprise Olympic champion on the road event in London at the 1948 games.
He took the gold thanks to a sudden surge during the last kilometre of the race, leaving his
opponents standing. After having won the Colombian Tour three years later, this son of a Belgian
immigrant settled in South America, and became an expert in precious stones.
BIANCHETTO Sergio (1939) Italy
The best tandem rider in the world at the beginning of the sixties, this Italian cyclist was twice gold
medallist in the Rome games along with countryman Guisseppe Beghetto, and in the Tokyo games
in 64, this time with Angelo Damanio.However, in the games in the country of the rising sun,
Bianchetto also came second in the sprint event. He lost in the final to his countryman Petenella
having beaten the young French man Daniel Morelon in the semi-finals, the latter who went on to
dominate the discipline for ten years.
BIATHLON
Unheard of until recent years, this sport became highly popular at the 1992 Albertville games.
Comprising the events of Nordic skiing and rifle shooting, the biathlon is practised by men and
women over distances of 10, 15 and 20 km, and in a relay. During the 20 km event, skiers must
shoot four times, alternating between a prone and upright position. The ex-Soviet Union countries
dominate this discipline, once known as the military patrol race, and which became an Olympic
sport at Squaw Valley in 1960.
BIG RED TEAM (Russia)
This is the nickname given to the Soviet ice hockey team, who were Olympic champions two times
running at the 1984 Sarajevo and 1988 Calgary games. During the Canadian games, the Soviets
wiped the Canadians and Swedes off the board in the heats, before confronting Finland and their
goalkeeper Tammi in the final.The Soviets have enjoyed a long reign in Olympic ice hockey,
winning 8 of the 12 last Olympic competitions from 1956 to 1992. However, Sweden, winner of the
1994 Olympic title and the Czech Republic, who won at Nagano, now seriously challenge their
superiority.
BIKILA Abebe (1932 - 1973) Ethiopia
This marathon runner from the high plateaux of Ethiopia won the event at the 1960 Rome games,
barefoot. His achievement went down in history. His exploits continued four years later in Tokyo,
but this time he wore shoes. To this day, he and the Polish runner Cierpinski are the only two
athletes to have managed to win this trying event twice in a row. His victories won him glory,
money and respect in Ethiopia. Emperor Haile Selassie, whom he served as a member of the royal
guard, promoted him to the rank of lieutenant and granted him a lifetime pension.Bikila was
seriously injured in a car accident a few tears later, which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his
life. Paralysed, he took part in the archery events in the Paralympic Games.He died in 1973 from a
brain haemorrhage. The Emperor declared a state of national mourning for this Ethiopian hero.
BILOZERCHEV Dimitri (1966) Russia
Bilozerchev's reign began at the 1983 world gymnastic championships in Budapest, when he
narrowly missed the almost impossible full marks of 60 out of 60. At only 16 years old, he was
astounding. Unfortunately, he was forced to abandon this discipline for almost two years, following
a car accident: a number of operations were necessary to avoid the amputation of one of his legs,
then a premature return to training meant a new operation was required.He worked his way back
to the top of his form for the world championships, which were held just before the 1988 Seoul
games.The Korean capital saw him win two golds, for the pommel horse and the rings. He had to
settle for the bronze all-around medal.
BIONDI Matt (1965) United States
The first swimmer to drop below the 49 second mark in the 100 m free-style, this American is as
affable in life as he is merciless in the pool. At the 1988 Seoul games, he almost repeated fellowcountryman Mark Spitz's exploit at the 1972 Munich games.Biondi also brought home 7 medals,
but "only" five of them were gold!This researcher in political economics had the edge over his
opponents with his free-flowing powerful movements in the pool. He says that he is inspired by
dolphins.Four years later at the Barcelona games, he had to settle for the silver medal in the 50 m
free-style, but won a gold medal with the American 4x400 m relay team.
BLACK POWER
When Tommie Smith, winner of the 200 m at the 1968 Mexico games, climbed up on to the podium
alongside fellow countryman John Carlos, they caused a scandal during the American National
Anthem. They raised their clenched, gloved fists to the sky, and bowed their heads. Smith and
Carlos in fact wanted to show the world that they belonged to Black Power, an American movement
against racism and segregation.Despite their exclusion from the Olympic Games, the two sprinters
inspired others to follow their example. A few days later, other black American athletes lined up at
the starting lines of their events wearing black socks. Beamon, surprise winner of the long jump,
was one such sympathiser.
BLACKSTAFFE Harry (1858 - 1951) Great Britain
Blackstaffe committed what could be construed as high treason when he won the skiff event in the
rowing competition at the 1908 London games. A butcher by trade, Blackstaffe faced opponents
who were mostly young students from Oxford and Cambridge. Contrary to the customary
regulations in other disciplines, in this case, amateurs were allowed to participate and face the
sport's student specialists. So, at the age of 41, Blackstaffe was a more competitive than his young
opponents.
BLAIR Bonnie (1964) United States
Champion speed skater over short distances, Bonnie Blair has won five Olympic titles at the
Calgary, Albertville and Lillehammer games from 1988 to 1994. She also has several world cup
speed skating wins to her credit.
BLANKERS-KOEN Fanny (1918) Netherlands
Nicknamed "the flying Dutchwoman", this athlete was competing alongside France's Michèle
Ostermayer, star of the 1948 London games.Whilst the French girl won shot put and discus events,
the Dutch girl took four gold medals in the 100 m, 200 m, the 4x400 m relay and the 80 m
hurdles. It is worth noting that Fanny Blankers-Koen should never have taken part in this last
event, having been programmed at the same time as the long jump, for which she already held the
current world title. However, her choice turned out to be a profitable one even if the winners of the
long-jump and high-jump, the two specialities in which she held the world record, jumped nothing
like the height or distance she normally did.
BLASCO Miriam (1964) Spain
This highly popular Spanish judoka captured the spectators hearts when she walked on to the
tatami at the Barcelona games, and won the event in the 56 kg category. She was already holder
of the world championship title in this category, and this Olympic win confirmed her superiority at
this time.On her retirement from her sporting career, this first ever Spanish Olympic champion
went in to politics and became a senator.
BLATNICK Jeffrey (1957) United States
This American giant won the gold medal for the 130 kg category in the wrestling event at the 1984
Los Angeles games. Before accomplishing this feat, he first had to fight a terrible battle against
cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove his spleen. However, on the
Californian Olympic podium, his thoughts were with his brother, who had died in a motorbike
accident a few years earlier, and to whom, with tears in his eyes, his hands joined and his eyes
turned towards the sky, he dedicated his medal.
BLEIBTREY Ethelda (1902 - 1978) United States
This American swimmer was the heroine of the 1920 Antwerp games. She won three gold medals,
breaking three records in the process for the 100 m, 300 m and 4x100 m free-style. Her Olympic
success went a long way to restoring her good name in the eyes of the American public, who had
criticised her for being arrested a few months prior to the games.She had been accused of
swimming naked in a swimming pool ...when in fact she had done nothing more than take off her
stockings!
BLEUS, LES (THE BLUES)
The nickname given to the French Olympic football team, who won the competition at the 1984 Los
Angeles games. In the final, the French defeated the much feared Brazilian team 2-0, three days
after having had to play a marathon semi-final which went into extra time. The players, trained by
Henri Michel, to mention just a few were Rust, Thouvenel, Ayache, Bijotat , Zanon, Xuereb, Brisson
and José Touré.During the Los Angeles tournament, Les Bleus were so happy with their victory that
they started to imitate a Brazilian dance on the pitch, before the referee had blown the final
whistle.
BLUHM Kai (1968) and GUTSCHE Torsten (1968) Germany
The two German canoeists are inseparable. They won two Olympic titles at the 1992 Barcelona
games on the still water course in the C2 category over 500 m and 1000 m. Both canoeists have
almost ten world championship titles to their names.
BOARDMAN Christopher (1968) Great Britain
Before he turned professional and wore the maillot jaune (yellow jersey) in the Tour de France,
British cyclist Chris Boardman won an Olympic title for track racing at the 1992 Barcelona
games.He is at his best on the solitary pursuit events, and became world champion in the 1994
time trials.
BOAT, POWER
The only mechanical sport to have been included in the Olympic programme. One such event took
place in London at the 1908 games, on the river Thames. The competition was organised into three
events and three different boat categories. Only one boat successfully finished all three events.
BOBSLEIGH
Unlike the luge event, which was only introduced to the Olympics in 1964, bobsleigh has been part
of the programme since the first winter games were held in 1924. The sport required a team of 4,
although today, 2-men teams are also commonplace. Traditionally, bobsleigh racers were very
religious people, who insisted upon having priests or vicars on hand at the race.It is a highly
dangerous sport, and the sleigh travels at over 120 km/h along an icy gully. Bobsleigh racers are
usually of a heavy build, to ensure greater stability for the sleigh, and also to help them to stand
up to all the bumps and blows their bodies sustain, an inevitable part of this sport.
BOCCIA
First played by the ancient Greeks, this sport was made fashionable again by the Italians in the
16th Century. They gave it the name "boccia". Because the sport can be played by people suffering
from cerebral paralysis, it was adapted and adopted by the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in
1992.It is a game involving precision and strategy which consists of trying to place balls as near as
possible to a target. It can be played individually or in teams.
BOGINSKAIA Svetlana (1973) Russia
In spite of her overwhelming domination of world gymnastics between 1985 and 1992, this Russian
gymnast never won the all-around Olympic title. She came third in 1988 and only managed fifth
place in 1992.Having made quite a collection of silver and bronze medals for apparatus events, she
finally won a gold medal for the vaulting event in 1988.She also won a second Olympic title for the
team competition at the 1992 Barcelona games.
BOGONG
The Bogong is a kind of moth which usually migrates towards southern Australia in early October.
During the Sydney 2000 Games, they became the stars of evening athletics events in the Olympic
Stadium. Mild weather encouraged them to move south earlier than in other years and head for
Sydney, attracted by the stadium lights and projectors. They really kept athletes and spectators
busy trying to chase them by whirling their arms.
BOIS DE BOULOGNE France
During the 1900 Paris games, due to the lack of an approved venue, the athletics events took place
in the Bois de Boulogne, where the 'Racing Club de France' were proprietors of some land and
buildings. These improvised venues became famous during the hammer and discus events. A tree
hindered the athletes' throws. Only a small number of athletes managed to avoid hitting the tree.
Such improvisation in today's competitive games would be unheard of.
BOISSE Philippe (1955) France
This French doctor and fencer won a total of two gold medals in his Olympic career. He won an
individual gold medal at Los Angeles, having already won a gold alongside his team four years
earlier at Moscow. He narrowly missed a third title, having to settle for the silver medal in the epee
event at the Los Angeles games.
BOITANO Brian (1963) United States
Boitano's skating performance was so spectacular at the 1988 Calgary games, that none of his
opponents posed him a serious threat. He was then the only skater capable of performing a triple
lutz with arm extended, and therefore won a well-deserved gold medal.
BOITEUX Jean (1933 ) France
To this day, he is the only French Olympic swimming champion. He won the title for the 400 m
free-style event at the 1952 Helsinki games. Immediately after his victory, Jean Boiteux's father,
jumped fully-dressed into the pool, to the delight of the photographers and reporters, who sent the
picture all over the world.
BOLAND John (1870-1956) Ireland
A student of Mythology, at Oxford University, this young Irishman went to the 1896 Athens games
out of curiosity. He entered the tennis tournament as a mere enthusiast, and, far from regretting
it, he won a gold for the singles and a second gold for the doubles alongside the German Traun.
BONDARCHUK Anatoly ( 1940) Russia
Considered as one of the world's best hammer throwers during the 1970s, Bondarchuk won the
Olympic title at the Munich games. However, four years later, he had to settle for the bronze.
BONLIEU François (1937 - 1973) France
This 26 year-old skier was rewarded in 1964 when he won the gold medal at the 1964 Innsbruck
games for the giant slalom. Throughout the Junior competition, he was already showing signs of an
above-average talent, by finishing second in the world championships.After his victory at
Innsbruck, he was picked up and carried by his fellow team members, a rare occurrence, as
François Bonlieu was a reserved person, and was often excluded by the group.He was to meet a
grisly end. He became a down-and-out and was murdered on the côte d'Azur only ten years after
his Olympic triumph.
BORG Arne (born in 1901) Sweden
This Swedish swimmer's speciality was long-distance free-style. He made the Olympic podium on
several occasions at the Paris and Amsterdam games in 1924 and 1928, but reached the highest
spot just the once, after the 1500 m event.He was something of a hero in his country, having been
imprisoned for ignoring his summons to do his military service.
BORZOV Valery (1949 ) Ukraine
Valery Borzov was the third European runner to win the 100 m dash at the Olympic Games, an
event very much dominated by the Americans. He followed the example of British runner
Abrahams, in 1924, and the German, Armin Hary, in 1960. During the 1972 Munich games, Borzov
also won the 200 m event, thus proving that he was undoubtedly the best sprinter at this time.
Dogged by a series of injuries, he couldn't do any better than finish third in the 100 metres at the
Montreal Games.He went on to become president of the Ukranian Olympic committee, and a
member of the I.O.C. He is married to ex-gymnast Ludmilla Touricheva, who won a total of 14
Olympic medals.
BOSTON Ralph (1939) United States
This American athlete was the first to beat Jesse Owens' long jump record, achieving 8.21 m. This
exploit took place in 1961, twenty-five years after Jesse Owens' victory.One year earlier, at the
1960 Rome games, he won the Olympic title. At the Tokyo games, he won the silver, and managed
the third place at the Mexico games, eight years later. That year the winner was none other than
Bob Beamon, who didn't give his opponents a chance.
BOUIN Jean (1888 - 1914) France
Despite his small size, this runner from Marseille was blessed with an impressive ribcage and a
respiratory capacity to match. He was by far the favourite for the 5000 m at the 1912 Stockholm
games, but was narrowly beaten in the last 10 m by the Finnish runner, Kolehmainen. Jean Bouin,
whose name today adorns many a French stadium, will always be remembered for his peculiar
habit of always running with a matchstick stuck between his teeth. The champion died on the
battle fields in 1914.
BOUKHALOV Nicolaï Bulgaria
One of the best canoeists of his generation. He won two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona games
in the C1 category over 500 m and 1000 m. He won the world championships five times the
following year.
BOULMERKA Hassiba (1968) Algeria
Having won the world championship in Tokyo a year prior to the 1992 games, this Algerian athlete
had no trouble winning the 1500 m in Barcelona in 1992. Thus she offered Algeria its first gold
medal. She was given a rapturous reception on her return home.In Algeria's current climate of
religious unrest from the threat of Islamic fundamentalists, the Olympic champion from Belcourt
dedicated her victory to president Boudiaf, assassinated by Islamic fanatics a few months earlier.
In 1995 she was again able to prove her strength by winning the world championships. It was also
claimed Islamists had threatened to kill her. In 1999 she received more recognition when she was
elected a member of the IOC.
BOURAS Djamel (1972) France
This French judoka's talents continued flourishing, culminating with his arrival on the Olympic
scene at the 1996 Atlanta games.With achievements such as European vice-champion, and his
third place in the world championships a year prior to the games, Bouras gave an unforgettable
demonstration of his force against Japan's Koga, the current Olympic title holder for the 78 kg
category, in the final. Bouras became an Olympic champion.His career after this Olympic victory
has proved to be somewhat problematic, having endured a year's suspension after a positive
substance control, which he has always contested. In Sydney he wasn't able to win another medal,
undoubtedly the victim of bad refereeing.
BOUTAYEB Brahim ( 1967) Morocco
One of Said Aouita's pupils, Boutayeb won the 10.000 m at the 1988 Seoul games, a performance
repeated four years later at the Barcelona games by another of Aouita's charges, Rhalid Skah.
Boutayeb also won a world championship title for this distance in 1991.
BOWS and ARROWS
In order to hit a target measuring 10cm at a distance of 70 metres, archers who take part in
Olympic competitions must use materials that are powerful, hard-wearing and very light. That is
why competition bows now weigh under 2.5 kilograms.Only the grip is still made of wood. All the
other parts - the sight, limbs and stabilisers - are made of carbon fibre or aluminium.As for the
arrows, they are minor technological gems directly inspired by the space industry. In order to be
able to hit their target at 250km/h, the piles (tips) are fusoid in shape, that is, they taper at both
ends. This makes them less sensitive to the torsion produced when the arrow is released.
BOXING
Boxing is one of the Olympic movement's oldest sports, along with wrestling and pancratium,
which is an Ancient Greek acrobatic mixture of the other two disciplines. In Olympia, boxing was
known as pugilismToday, several different types of boxing are practised, but the Olympic
programme includes English boxing. Competitors are all amateurs, and so bouts last for four
rounds of three minutes. In the ring, opponents use their fists to bring each other down, the first
one to fall has a total of ten seconds in which to get up, otherwise the other fighter is declared the
winner. Boxers in the Olympic competition wear head protective equipment and a shirt, which is
not the case for the professional boxers. The obligatory weighing-in session before a fight
determines the category in which each fighter falls.As with the judo event in the Olympic Games,
the two semi-finalists receive a bronze medal.Boxing was for some time threatened with exclusion
from the games, due to the numerous disagreements caused by refereeing disputes, and owes its
survival wholly to the introduction of a machine which counts the number of points. This machine
was first used at the 1992 Barcelona games. Nonetheless, certain decisions are still surprising, and
video cameras watch the referees to look for any eventual subjectivity.After having largely
dominated Olympic boxing with champions like Cassius Clay, George Foreman and Sugar Ray
Leonard, the United States have now been replaced by Cuba, which has produced the greatest
Olympic champions of recent years, including Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon. Both have been
Olympic champion three times in the heavyweight and super-heavyweight categories.
BOYCOTT
Incidences of Olympic boycotts date back further than we tend to imagine. The very first boycott
occurred at the 1956 Melbourne games. The Swiss, Spanish and Dutch teams refused to participate
in the games in protestation over the Soviet invasion of Hungary.At the 1976 Montreal games, the
African nations withdrew their participation because of the presence of the New-Zealand team at
the games. This country was highly criticised for allowing their rugby team, the All Blacks, to play
against the South Africans, a country with an apartheid regime. In 1980, president Jimmy Carter
asked the American delegation not to go to Moscow, in protest of Russia's invasion of Afghanistan.
Four years later, and without any valid explanation, the Eastern nations, with the exception of
Rumania, refused to participate in the Los Angeles games. The most recent boycott dates back to
the 1988 Seoul games, when North Korea withdrew its participation, due to a political conflict with
South Korea. On this occasion, Albania, Cuba and Ethiopia followed in North Korea's wake.
BRAGLIA Alberto (1883 - 1954) Italy
At the beginning of the century, Braglia won three gold medals for gymnastics, two in the
individual competition, and one with his team, during the 1908 and 1912 games, a time when
gymnastics was far less popular than it is today.By then, the apparatus events had been dispensed
with, and the gymnasts were left with the all-around competition only. This was unfortunate for
Braglia, who could have won a string of medals.At the end of his sporting career, he became a
trapeze artist in a circus. He had already developed this skill, between Olympic Games, without
losing his amateur status, unlike Jim Thorpe and other athletes at the time. Even so, they won a
fortune for the time.Braglia attempted a comeback to competition in 1928 at the age of almost 45,
but he failed, moving instead to coaching the Italian squad which won four gold medals at the 1932
games.
BRASHER Christopher (1928) Great Britain
Perpetually taking second place, he often had to be the pacemaker for the other athletes. Brasher
had his hour of glory at the Melbourne games, when he won the 3000 m steeple chase. However,
the judges wanted to relegate him, on the basis of a pushing incident for which they held him
responsible. Fortunately, Norwegian runner-up Larssen, backed him up in a fair-play gesture, and
Brasher's gold medal was restored to him.
BRASSARD Jean Luc (1972) Canada
Beaten at the 1992 Albertville games by Edgar Grospiron, this Canadian skier became a master of
mogul skiing, a relatively new event on the Olympic programme, which entails hurtling down a
snow-covered piste, which is covered in hard bumps, and performing two spectacular jumps halfway down.At Lillehammer two years later, he managed to beat the master, Grospiron.
BREASTSTROKE
The breaststroke, considered to be the slowest of all the strokes, is made up of two movements.
The first is placing the shoulders parallel to the surface of the water, whilst the legs remain curled
up. During the second movement, the swimmer stretches his body along the surface of the water.
And so on.For the Olympic Games, breaststroke is swum on 100 m, 200 m and in the medley relay
race.
BRETJENS Bart (1974) Holland
Bretjens won the first Olympic mountain bike competition in Atlanta in 1996, and is still in the top
league of this sport, on the eve of the Sydney games. He came third in the 2000 world
championship behind Frenchman Miguel Martinez who had taken bronze at Atlanta.Mountain biking
encompasses three events: downhill, scrambling, and cross country, but only the latter is included
in the Olympic programme.
BRIAND BOUTHIAUX Anne (1968) France
In France, there were only nine registered women biathlon athletes when Véronique Claudel,
Corrine Niogret, and Anne Briand won the gold medal for biathlon as a team at the 1992 Albertville
games. They then went on to win the world championship.Two years later at Lillehammer, Anne
Briand took the silver on 15 km, in the individual competition. She won a total of 8 Olympic and
world medals until she retired from competition.
BRIETZKE Siegfried (1952) Germany
This powerful athlete was one of the most outstanding oarsmen during the 1970s. He achieved the
feat of winning three gold medals in three different Olympic Games. He came first in the coxless 2man event in the 1972 Munich games, and then won the 4-man event with East Germany in
Montreal and Moscow.
BRISCOE-HOOKS Valerie (1960) United States
Excelling in long-distance sprints, Valerie Briscoe-Hooks was one of the stars of the 1984 Los
Angeles games where she won the 200 m, 400 m and 4x400 m relay races.Up until the 1996
Atlanta games, she was the only athlete to have won on both 200 m and 400 m. Since then,
Frenchwoman Marie-José Pérec not only equalled but outclassed her Olympic track record.
BROOKES William Great Britain
Last century, Dr. William Brookes was the founder of an Olympic association based in the small
English town of Much Wenloch, thus giving the county's inhabitants access to outdoor sporting
activities. These rather unorthodox Olympics were extremely popular among the locals.It is worth
mentioning that Pierre de Coubertin and Doctor Brookes had met, and kept up a longstanding
correspondence. It can therefore be presumed that Dr. Brookes had contributed to the revival of
the Olympic movement.
BROUSNIKINA Olga / KISSELEVA Maria (1980) Russia
These two pretty Russian swimmers impressed the crowds at the Aquatic Center by winning both
the synchronised swimming events at the Sydney 2000 Games. An almost perfect programme
earned the Russian duo the gold medal with the maximum score of 100/100.Not content with that
triumph, they subsequently led their six team-mates in the Russian squad to the Olympic ballet
title. Here too the spectacle was an impressive show of class and beauty. It was a reminder of the
specialists of the purest tradition of the Bolshoi.
BRUMEL Valery (1942) Russia
Olympic champion in the high jump at the 1964 Tokyo games, and silver medal winner four years
earlier, Valery Brumel broke the world record six times in this event. He pushed the bar up to 2.28
m. A year after winning this title, Brumel was involved in a motorbike accident and almost had to
have a leg amputated. He underwent six operations and walked on crutches for three years before
returning to competition and the high-jump. But he never managed to clear the bar at a height of
more than 2.10m.
BRUNDAGE Avery (1887 - 1972) United States
A firm believer and supporter of amateur sport, was criticised by a few athletes during the 1960s
and 1970s, for his uncompromising stance on this subject, at a time when an increasing number of
athletes were turning professional. Throughout his twenty years at the head of the I.O.C., he
remained an unflinching advocate of the Olympic cause.A former president of the athletic union,
Brundage took part in the pentathlon at the 1912 Stockholm games. He came fifth in this
event.During this period, he founded a building company and built a number of skyscrapers in the
Chicago area.A few months before his death, Brundage handed over the I.O.C. presidency to the
Irishman Killanin, after the 1972 Munich games. The international press had been highly critical of
his decision to have allowed the games to continue in the wake of an anti-Israeli terrorist attack on
the Olympic village.
BRUNET Pierre (1902-1991) JOLY Andrée (1901-1993) France
Excellent figure skaters in their own right, Pierre Brunet and Andrée Joly met in 1924. Their
partnership led them to the podium for the bronze in this year at the Chamonix gamesFour years
later in St. Moritz, they were unbeatable. Having married and had a child, they came back to the
Olympic arena, and climbed to the highest step on the podium at the 1932 Lake Placid games.At
this point in their career, they moved to the United States and became trainers, devoting their time
to nurturing great American champions, one of whom was Mary Lou Retton.
BRUNNER Mike (1956) United States
At the 1976 Montreal games, this American swimmer won the gold for the 200 m butterfly. He
stood on the podium alongside team mates John Naber and Jim Montgomery to receive a second
gold medal for their victory in the 4x200 m relay.
BRYANT Philip (1878-1938) United States
This archer dominated the four Olympic events at the 1904 Saint Louis games, along with fellow
countryman Lida Scott Howel. Bryant took two gold medals, and Howel won the remaining events.
BUBKA Sergueï (1963) Ukraine
Sergueï Bubka Holds over thirty world records for the pole vault. His record jump of more than 6
metres stood unbroken for many years. Olympic champion at the 1988 Seoul games, he was the
hot favourite for the Barcelona games four years later. Unfortunately, the wind, and lack of
motivation prevented him from making the 5,75 m starting height he had set himself. Spectators
at Montjuich stadium booed him as he left.Things went from bad to worse for him at the 1996
Atlanta games. Suffering from a mysterious pain in the Achilles tendon, he abandoned the
competition at the vault box. He had recovered in time for Sydney 2000, but didn't reached the
final. But the trip was worth it. The athletes chose him as their representative on the Athletes'
Commission. He got the highest number of votes of the eight members elected.If his path to the
Games largely appeared strewn with obstacles, Bubka had the consolation of knowing he was the
six-fold world champion at six attempts. Some people will say he was just as good at managing his
millions as clearing pole-vault bars.The greatest pole vaulter of all time will now be able to stop
competing and devote himself to his new tasks.
BUHAN Jehan (1912) France
This French fencer's example helped to pave the way for this sport to become one in which France
excels, and wins numerous medals at each Olympic game.Jehan Buhan set the example for all
those training in the arms room. His achievements include an Olympic title for the foil in the 1948
games, and two other gold medals with his team in 1948 and 1952.
BULGARIA
Considered to be the world experts in weight-lifting, Bulgaria has recently come back into the
limelight, after having been scrutinised by anti-doping controls since the 1988 Seoul games. This
scrutiny has relaxed again in recent years, with the result that two medal-winning Bulgarian
athletes at the Sydney 2000 Games being stripped for doping.Nevertheless, the Bulgarians
dominated this sport during the 1970s, even managing to outclass the Russians, who up until then,
had reigned supreme in this discipline. The Bulgarians proved their talents at the 1980 Moscow
games, when they swept away eight gold medals. Finally, it was a Bulgarian athlete who won the
first Olympic women's weightlifting title. Isabel Dragneva won the title in Sydney in 2000 in the
48kg class.As well as the weightlifting, Bulgaria excells in gymnastics, shooting and athletics where
- following in the footsteps of high-jumper Kostadinova - the country won a gold medal in Sydney
thanks to the efforts of young triple-jumper Tereza Marinova.
BULLMANN Maik (1967) Germany
This sportsman from Frankfurt-on-Oder became the 1989 world champion in Greco-Roman
wrestling, at a time when East and West Germany became unified.This powerful, muscular
champion therefore had no trouble winning at the 1992 Barcelona games in the 90 kg
category.Notice that his first name, Maik, probably a derivative of Mike, is not listed on any
registers throughout the world; but was probably the result of an East German civil servant who
refused to accept the Anglo-Saxon Christian name chosen by the parents.
BURIC Mirsada - Bosnia Herzegovina
When she took part in the 1992 Barcelona games, this athlete from Bosnia knew that she stood no
chance of winning a medal. Indeed, she came last in the 3000 m. But her courage remains
unequalled.In order to come to the games, Mirsada Buric had to escape from a Muslim
concentration camp, dodge sniper bullets and get back to Sarajevo.More than anybody, she
appreciates the meaning of the popular saying, "it's not the winning, but the taking part that
counts".
BURKE Thomas (1875 - 1929) United States
The American athlete, Thomas Burke, was the first modern 100 m Olympic champion. He caused
general hilarity throughout the Athens stadium when he put his hands down to the ground to give
him a faster starting position. He went on to prove that this technique had its advantages and won
the event in 12 seconds, the timing of course being recorded manually.A few days later, no-one
dared laugh at him when he picked up another gold medal for the 400 m!
BURNELL Charles (1876) Richard (1917) Great Britain
Born into a well-to-do British family, Charles Burnell went into business after a brilliant spell at
Oxford University. He spearheaded the rowing eight that won all its boat-races against Cambridge
and took part without success in the 1898 Games in Athens before winning gold in London in 1908
as part of the British eight dubbed "The Old Men Eight".His son, Richard, a trained journalist, took
part in the 1948 Olympics in London, where he won the gold medal in the double scull. He went on
to write several book on the sport. In one of these he recalls how his father refused allow him to
learn to row until he had seen his son swim across the River Thames fully-clothed and in shoes.
BURTON Michael (1947) United States
Despite running a fever just a few hours before the final of the 400 m free-style at the 1948 Mexico
games, the American swimmer won the race, whilst breaking the Olympic record.A few days later,
he repeated this performance for the 1500 m.He was to hold on to this title until the Munich
games, four years later.
BUSNEL Robert (1914-1991) France
He was the big man of French basketball, who led the French team to the Olympic final at the 1948
London games. Unbeaten up to this point in the tournament, the French team lost to the Americans
by 42 points, the final score stood at 65 to 23. So they had to settle for the silver medal.Later on,
Busnel became an exceptional trainer, before being put at the head of the French Basketball
Federation from 1965 to 1980. On his death, the federation established the Robert Busnel cup, also
known as the French cup.
BUTTERFLY Stroke
This stroke was the last to be adopted in the Olympic Games at the time of the Melbourne games
in 1956.The stroke consists in propelling both arms out of the water and forward at the same time,
while the body undulates as it is propelled by kicking. The butterfly stroke is competed in 100 and
200 m lengths and in relays of four swimmers.
BUTTON Dick (1929) - United States
This American was the greatest skater in the post-war period. He was also something of a child
prodigy, winning his first national title at the tender age of 16.Three years later, he won the 1948
Olympic title at St. Moritz. He held on to it four years later at Oslo, adding a new element to his
programme: the triple jump.A doctor of law, and a lawyer by trade, Button also won five world
championships.
CACHO RUIZ Firmin (1969) Spain
A football player, the Catalan sportsman waited until late adolescence before concentrating on
athletics. But it was a wise choice. Six years later in front of the home crowd, he beat Algerian
favourite Morcelli in the 1500 metres to everyone's surprise.The Algerian learnt his lesson well and
dominated his opponent in the following years, notably at the Atlanta Games, where Cacho only
finished second, but won another medal.Injury forced him to missed the Sydney Olympics.
CALGARY - Canada
Having already been a candidate for the 1968 winter games, the English-speaking Canadian town
of Calgary in Alberta, hosted the games in 1988.To ensure ideal conditions for the events, the
organisers went so far as to place the ice skating in a covered building. It was the first time this
had been done. However, the climatic conditions at Calgary are very changeable. For example,
during the games, temperatures varied between -22°C and +28°C, mainly due to a wind named
the Chinook by the Indians.Many events had to be postponed.On a sporting note, these games saw
Frenchman Franck Picard rewarded with the gold medal in the Super G, and a bronze for the
downhill event, and the Italian Tomba with a gold for the slalom. Katarina Witt was still the Ice
Queen. As for the host country, Canada did not manage to win a single medal.
CALMAT Alain (1940) France
This Frenchman was the most popular skater of his generation during the1960s. He won a bronze
medal at the 1964 Innsbruck games before going on to become world champion the following
year.He had the honour of lighting the Olympic flame at the 1968 Grenoble games.Alain Calmat
later became a surgeon and went into politics. He was elected as an MP, and was nominated junior
minister for youth and sports from 1984 to 1986.
CAMEROON
Just like their elder brothers, who are known as "the untameable lions" and have won the African
Cup of Nations on several occasions, the football team which won the tournament at the Sydney
2000 Olympics has adopted the name "the untameable lion cubs".Thanks to these footballers, the
African continent has been able to retain the Olympic title won by Nigeria in Atlanta. The victory
was attained on penalties against Spain. The team's hero is goalkeeper Kameni, who is just 17
years old.
CANADA
Canada is one of the leading Olympic nations. Always well represented during the winter
competitions, its athletes perform particularly well in ice hockey and curling, both of which were
invented in Canada, along with canoe-kayak.There are also a number of summer sport champions
in Canada, capable of winning major events. We shall not dwell on Ben Johnson's case, as he won
the 100 m in 1988 in Seoul but was later disqualified. Donovan Bailey, on the other hand, won the
Olympic title on 100 m at the 1996 Atlanta games, as did the Canadian 4x100 m relay
team.Canada hosted two Olympic Games: summer games in Montreal in 1976, and winter
Olympics in Calgary twelve years later.
CANOE - KAYAK
Invented in Canada, this sport encompasses three events.Sprint canoeing on still water, and white
water races including slalom and white water descent.White water races disappeared from the
Olympic programme after having been demonstrated at the 1972 Munich games. This discipline
returned to the games in 1992 in Barcelona. In the slalom race, the canoeist must negotiate at
least 25 gates. In the white water descent, which is not an Olympic event, speed is all-important.In
sprint canoeing, competitors adopt what would seem to be an uncomfortable position with one
knee on the ground, and the other leg extended.Canoeing events are classified as C1, C2, C4,
according to the number of competitors on board. The same applies to kayak events, which are
named C1, C2, C4.It is easy to differentiate between a canoe and a kayak. Canoeists use a single
bladed paddle, whereas kayakers use a double bladed paddle.
CAPRIATI Jennifer (1976) Etats-Unis
The American tennis player won her first important tournament at the 1992 Barcelona games. At
only sixteen years old, she prevented the German player, Steffi Graf from winning her third
consecutive title. Her will to win did not last very long. Capriati's career hit rock bottom before
coming back to competitive tennis in 1995, and making it to a major tournament final in 2000.
CARD, IDENTITY AND PASS
Each competitor taking part in the games is presented with an Olympic identity card. This
document, in conjunction with the athlete's passport and travel ticket, enables the competitor to
reside in the Olympic village. The identity card also gives the athletes the right to a pass card,
which allows the competitors access to the Olympic venues. The degree of access is specific to
each individual.
CARIOU Jean - France
Three medals were added to this excellent horseman's list of achievements in the show jumping
event, for which he won the gold medal, at the 1912 Stockholm games. Over the next few days, he
led the French team to become Olympic vice-champion, and went on to take the bronze medal in
the dressage event.
CARLBERG Vilhelm (1880 - 1970) and Eric (1880 - 1963) Sweden
These Swedish twins were the first brothers to win an Olympic gold medal. Their exploit took place
at the 1912 Stockholm games, when Eric won the rifle shooting competition twice, and the revolver
event once, whilst Vilhelm also won events with these same weapons, but in different categories.
The two brothers continued in the same vein, this time winning silver medals.
CARON Christine (1948) France
This sixteen year olds' pretty face earned her the nickname of "France's darling". However,
Christine Caron's greatest moment was at the 1964 Tokyo games, when she finished second in the
100 m backstroke. The French girl was not only the most popular swimmer of her generation, but
twice held the world record. She was the obvious choice as representative for France to light the
Olympic flame at the Mexico games four years later
CARON Stéphane (1966) France
Stéphane Caron is, just like his namesake, a champion swimmer. He has swum in three Olympic
finals in the competition's top attraction: the 100 m freestyle. His first final was in Los Angeles, and
despite the fact that he finished in seventh place, he nonetheless broke the French record. At the
Seoul games, he won the third place on the podium. Four years later at Barcelona, he once again
took the bronze, having narrowly missed the silver.
CARREGA Michel (1934) France
This cool-headed Corsican used to train in the scrub land before going on to become one of the
best Olympic trapshooters.At the Munich games, he hit 198 out of 200 traps... but was beaten by
an Italian, and thus had to settle for the silver. He went on to win four world championships, and
retired from Olympic competitions at the Los Angeles games. He was 50 years old..
CARTER Vince (1977) United States
Compared with Michael Jordan in terms of explosive thrust and speed of execution, this American
basketball winger led a team of NBA players to Olympic victory at the Sydney 2000 Games. The US
side beat France 85:75 in the final.Another similarity with "Air" Jordan is that Carter also studied at
the University of North Carolina and in 1999 earned the title of best rookie of the season.Carter
also holds a number of records in various aspects of his chosen sport. He's the best dunker, scored
the highest number of points in a single match (51) and is an excellent defender. He's the mascot
of the NBA Championships together with those who accompanied him on the podium in Sydney:
Alonzo Mourning, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd and captain Gary Payton, who already won an Olympic
gold in Atlanta in 1996.
CASLAVSKA Vera (1942) Czech Republic
Having been triumphant at the 1964 Tokyo games winning three gold medals, one for the allaround competition, one for vaulting and one for the beam, success stayed with her four years
later at the Mexico games. This radiant gymnast, whose physique was somewhat different from
that of today's baby champions, collected four individual gold medals, one of which was for the allaround competition. She would have won the Grand Slam, but a fault she committed on the beam
exercise prevented her from winning a fifth gold medal. During these games, she married fellow
countryman and athlete Odlozil, who won the silver medal in the 1500 m. She went on to collect
European and world titles, winning more than 35 medals throughout her career. Having trained in
ice dancing and in ballet at the opera in Prague, Caslavska - whose nickname is "the divine" - is
considered the greatest gymnast of all time. On retirement, Vera Caslavska-Odlozil became
president of the Czech Olympic committee.
CAULKINS Tracy (1963) United States
This American swimmer's brilliant career reached a climax at the 1984 Los Angeles games when
she won the 200m, and 400 m medley. She successfully continued in her quest for gold with the
American 4x100 m medley relay team, and was considered among the best women athletes at the
Los Angeles games.
CERAR Miroslav (1939) Slovenia
This Slovenian gymnast followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Leon Stukelj, and brought
home two gold medals from the 1964 Tokyo games and 1968 Mexico games. On both occasions,
he won the pommel horse event. Together with Stulelj, he remains the only gold medal winner
from this small country, which was formerly part of Yugoslavia.
CEREMONY, OPENING AND CLOSING
The Olympic Games are heralded by an opening ceremony and brought to an end by a closing
ceremony. It was Pierre de Coubertin who wanted these ceremonies to set the Olympic Games
apart from other international competitions.During the opening ceremony, all the Olympic creeds
are conveyed. The Olympic flag is first to enter the stadium, and precedes the arrival of all the
delegations. Next, the Olympic flame arrives, and an athlete uses it to light the Olympic cauldron.
The flame must remain lit throughout the games. After the flame, comes the Olympic speech,
which is followed by the athletes' oath, who, "swear to compete for the glory of sport and the
honour of their country".The opening ceremony continues with a pageantry directed by a renowned
choreographer.The closing ceremony is generally a more sober affair.The Olympic flame is
extinguished, and a much smaller parade of the participating nations' athletes is organised. The
closing show is usually a more restrained event.This ceremony reaches its climax when the current
hosts and the organisers of the next Olympic Games gather together, and the Olympic flag is
handed over. The name of the future town to host the games blazes in letters of fire in the
stadium.
CERIONI Stefano (1964) Italy
Having already won the world championships several times for the foil, the Italian's efforts were
rewarded by his victory in the individual event at the 1988 Seoul games. He had previously won a
gold medal as a member of the Italian team at the 1984 Los Angeles tournament.
CHAKLIN Boris (1932) Russia
Somewhat overshadowed by fellow countryman and gymnast Chukarin's string of titles, Chaklin
nonetheless remains one of the best gymnasts of his time, between the 1952 Helsinki games and
the 1956 Melbourne games. Never really hitting the headlines, but always giving consistent
performances, he worked his way up to be counted among the greatest Olympic champions of all
times. He won 7 gold and 6 silver medals. Chaklin's winning streak continued with the world
championships when, up to the mid-1960s, he collected no less than ten world titles.
CHAMONIX - France
The very first winter games were organised in 1924 on the initiative of Count Clary, president of
the French Olympic committee. The games were held in France, at the foot of the Mont Blanc.The
Chamonix games were dominated by the well-trained Scandinavian sportsmen and women. Up
until this time, the Scandinavians had always organised the Nordic games, predecessor of the
winter Olympic Games. They swept the board, winning all the Nordic skiing events.Another star in
these games was skater Gillis Grafström, who won a second Olympic title after having won the first
at the Antwerp summer games four years earlier.Clas Thunberg enjoyed an overwhelming victory
in the speed skating event. It is interesting to note that the biathlon was still known as the military
patrol race. On the Eve of the winter games, the organisers feared a thaw, but as if by magic, the
climatic conditions described by Coubertin, present on this auspicious occasion, were "intensely
cold and calm".
CHAND Dhyan (1905-1979) India
He is the captain of the famous Indian grass hockey team, which won three times at the Olympic
Games from 1928 to 1936. This exceptional goal-scorer was this historical team's leader, who later
went on to become their trainer.
CHARPENTIER Robert (1906 - 1966) France
The best cyclist of the 1936 Berlin games owes his three gold medals more to his team mates than
to his own talents. Having won both the track event and the road race as part of the French team,
he was also victorious in the individual road race. However, to achieve this, he needed the support
of team mate Guy Lapebie, who was leading the sprint. The unconfirmed story of this race was that
Charpentier grabbed Lapebie's jersey, thus holding him back so that he could cross the finishing
line before his team mate. Fortunately, to avoid France being penalised in any way, Lapebie made
no complaint about the incident. Charpentier, who began his cycling career delivering meat by
bicycle, later became a professional rider. He never achieved any convincing results.
CHARTER, OLYMPIC
The charter is a set of rules and regulations governing the organisation of the Olympic movement.
The I.O.C. is responsible for the charter's enforcement.
CHEATING
The Canadian Ben Johnson remains the most flagrant Olympic cheat in the eyes of the world after
he tested positive to drugs after winning the 100 m at the Seoul games and shattered the world
record.But many others, whether or not they use drugs, infringe the ethical rule of sport that states
that every athlete have an equal chance with rivals. A programme was set up in 1999 to combat
the use of illegal drugs and to clean up the games.Other cheats before Johnson have been shown
up during the games.Fred Lorz, who came first in the marathon in Paris in 1900, was denounced
and eliminated for doing part of the course in a car. On the other hand the American Thomas
Hicks, who won it four years later in Saint Louis and had used drugs was declared the winner
anyway.Another case was that of a Soviet pentathlete who adjusted the electronics on his weapon
in a fencing event so that the light would switch on even if he did not touch his opponent according
to the rules. He was instantly disqualified.Cheats existed even in classical times. Athletes caught in
the act or who attempted to bribe judges at Olympia used to be flogged in public!
CHEMERKIN Andrei (1972) Russia
Known as the "strongest man in the world" yesteryear, Chermerkin is now only the most stocky
weightlifter in the world. With each appearance he gains weight and is now heavier than 160 kg.A
clear favoutite in Sydney, he failed in the + 105 kg category in which the Iranian Rezazadeh won
the gold.However, the policeman was well set to become a weightlifting legend like his countrymen
Kurlovith and Aleixeiev after his gold in Atlanta in 1996 and his 4 world championship titles.
CHERYAZOVA Lina (1968) Ouzbékistan
CHEVALLIER Bernard (1912) France
One of the very first horsemen to win an Olympic gold medal. Riding on Aiglonne, he won the
three-day event at the 1948 London games.
CHINA
China took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in London in 1948, four years before the
other leading communist country, the USSR.The Chinese rank among the best in the world in
gymnastics and swimming. The Chinese women's swimming team, trained by former East-German
coaches, proved this during the 1992 Barcelona games. However, a wave of doping suspicion blew
over their performances.China has used sport as a means to emerge from diplomatic isolation.
Beijing was indeed in the running to host the 2000 games. Sydney was chosen, largely because of
the human-rights issue in China. Beijing has presented its candidacy for the 2008 games. It's for
this reason that the country has embarked on a major anti-doping campaign. Before the Sydney
Games, 37 athletes were thrown out of the national squad after failing drugs tests. But that didn't
prevent China finishing third in the unofficial league table of nations with 28 gold medals collected
in sports such as badminton, diving, gymnastics, judo, shooting, table tennis and weightlifting. In
each, China is nearing sporting excellence.
CHRISTIE Lindford (1960) Great Britain
This Jamaican-born British athlete achieved a veritable feat at the Barcelona games, when he won
the 100 m sprint star event, beating all the American athletes who had been so carefully handpicked during the American national championships. Having finished fifth, defending Olympic
champion Carl Lewis was thus eliminated from the team selection.A year later, Christie proved that
his Olympic win was no fluke when he became world champion over this distance.The British
athlete made it to the 100 m final at the Atlanta games. However, he was eliminated before the
race even got underway, after having caused two false starts. What followed was less glorious.
After testing positive for nandrolone, he was suspended for two years and could not go to Sydney
with the athletes he now trains.
CHRONOMETER
Whereas in the past, time measurement was carried out by hand, today's electronic chronometers
are extremely accurate and have always been a peaceful judge at the Olympic Games. Indeed, the
most renowned manufacturers fight to be associated with the Olympic movement. At the Sydney
2000 Games, the Swiss Swatch group - the official timekeeper of the Olympics - issued marathon
runners, cyclists and triathletes with microchips which allowed their position to be determined to
within a second. Transmitters weighing just five grams fitted into runners' shoelaces and cyclists'
race numbers relayed information to electronic display boards.At the same time, yachtsmen were
issued with a black box and GPS satellite navigation system with which their position could be
calculated to the nearest metre.Finally, the cameras traditionally used for photo finishes were
replaced by digital devices that enabled high-quality images to be viewed on giant screens, on
television and the Internet.The stop-watches are generally accurate and reliable. However it has
been known for them to fail. This happened at the 1992 Barcelona games during the 100 m
freestyle final. An electronic fault led Stephane Caron to believe he had won the silver medal. In
fact he had to settle for the bronze.Another incident occurred at the Munich games when the
Swedish swimmer Larsson and the American McKee touched the side of the pool at the same time
after the 400 m medley. Larsson was declared the winner, but only after the judges had had to
measure the swimmers' times to a thousandth of a second, where usually a hundredth of a second
is sufficient.
CHUCHUNOVA Elena (1969) Russia
This petite Russian gymnast's impressive track record included her two gold medals, one silver and
one bronze at the 1988 Seoul games. Despite her small frame, she was in fact 19 years old when
she faced the Rumanian baby champions for the floor exercises.Chouchounova had achieved the
same number of 10s as her Rumanian opponent, but the judges awarded the gold medal to
Chouchounova.
CHUKARIN Viktor (1921) Russia
Eleven Olympic medals including seven gold rewarded the career of the best gymnast of the 1950s.
Chukarin won the general competition in 1952 in Helsinki and in 1956 in Melbourne. He also won in
the team competition at the parallel bars, the pommel horse and the vaulting horse.Chukarin's
performance is even more impressive than his list of victories suggests.As a conscript in the Red
Army, he was taken prisoner and deported, and only freed at the end of the Second World War.
When he left the Nazi concentrations camps Chukarin weighed only 40 kg, a mere shadow of the
champion he had been and was to become again in 1952, when at the age of thirty-one he won his
first four gold medals.
CIERPINSKI Waldemar (1950) Germany
He won the marathon event twice, in 1976 and 1980. It has been suggested that this German
athlete benefited from the absence of the African runners for his first win and the Western world
for his second victory. However, one thing is quite certain: he came, he saw and he
conquered...Cierpinski remains to this day the only athlete alongside the Ethiopian Bikila to have
won this gruelling event twice.
CLARKE Ron (1937) Australia
Ron Clarke was one of the most famous athletes of the 1960s. Throughout his career, he broke 18
long-distance records.However, his Olympic Games record is not quite so impressive, with the
exception of one bronze medal for the 5000 m at the 1960 Rome games. As a very young athlete,
he was selected to light the Olympic flame at Melbourne's Cricket ground for the 1956 games. He
somehow managed to bungle this task by slightly burning his arm in the process.
CLARY Justinien de (1860-1933) France
This former Olympic rifle shooter, who took part in the 1900 Paris games and won a bronze medal,
went on to become president of the French Olympic committee. He pushed for the creation of the
winter games, thus going against Swedish Colonel Balk's wishes, who until then, had been the
organiser of the Nordic games.Being one of Coubertin's friends, Balk thought he would be able to
have the project scrapped. However, his stubborn refusal to allow the figure skating event to take
place for the 1912 Stockholm games irritated some of the I.O.C. members. He naturally wanted to
protect the interests of the Nordic games.War then hit Europe, but this incident was not
forgotten.It was during an I.O.C. meeting in 1921 that Count Clary put the creation of a week-long
international winter sports games to the vote. This was to be the prelude to the 1924 Chamonix
winter Olympic Games.From this time on, the Nordic games ceased to exist
CLAUDIUS Leslie - GENTLE Randhir - Udham SINGH - Balbir SINGH - India
These four players were part of the famous Indian grass hockey team, which won the Olympic title
three times between 1948 and 1956. During the 1952 final at Helsinki, Balbir Singh, a policeman
from the Punjab area, scored 9 of the 13 goals in the final tournament.
CLAY Cassius or MOHAMMED ALI (1942) United States
Well before he became the greatest boxer of his time and changed his name to Mohammed Ali,
Cassius Clay won the Olympic title in the middle-weight category at the 1960 Rome games. Being
of a provocative nature, he was the first boxer to use television to gain recognition and he thought
that on his return to the United States he would be flattered, and at the very least, respected for
his achievement. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In a Kentucky town, he was
refused admission to a bar reserved for whites. Greatly aggrieved by this incident, he threw the
gold medal he was wearing around his neck into the Ohio river. It was never recovered.When he
won the world championship in 1965, he was stripped of his title for having refused to do his
military service. He won the world title back in 1974 and held on to it for six years, having
defended it 22 timesLittle is heard of Mohammed Ali now. He has Parkinson's disease.Nevertheless
he was the star guest at the Atlanta opening ceremony in 1996. On this occasion, he was invited to
light the Olympic cauldron. He was presented with a new gold medal, to replace his lost first one.
COE Sebastian (1956) Great Britain
World expert in middle-distance running during the 1980s, Sebastian Coe broke all the records for
this discipline and became Olympic champion in the 1500 m at the 1980 Moscow games. He
remained unbeaten at this distance for four years, and managed to hold on to his title at the 1984
Los Angeles games. However, Coe had to endure opponent and fellow-countryman Steve Ovett's
superiority for the 800 m, when Ovett beat him in Moscow. After becoming a businessman and
Member of the British Parliament, Sebastian Coe is now a political advisor.
COFFEE
Travelling to the Olympic Games in pre-war times was a costly affair, so the Brazilian delegation
sold coffee, one of Brazil's main export products, in order to finance the journey to Los Angeles in
1932. Unfortunately, coffee prices were falling dramatically, and only around twenty Brazilian
athletes were able to go to Los Angeles.Today coffee is still a very popular drink with sportsmen
and women. However, athletes should be very careful as to the quantity they consume, as coffee is
considered a stimulant for the nervous system. If high quantities of coffee have been absorbed, the
athlete will test positive, if controlled.
COHEN Tiffany (1966) United States
The young American swimmer enjoyed a comfortable lead and went on to win the middle-distance
events at the 1984 Los Angeles games. She won the 400 m and 800 m free-style.
COLO Zeno (1920 - 1993) Italy
Nicknamed the "crazy skier" for having clocked up 160 km/h on the slopes at Mont Cervin, the
Italian Zeno Colo won the gold for the downhill event at the 1952 Oslo games. He was 32 at the
time, and had been chasing a victory such as this for some time, having already won three world
titles in downhill and slalom. A good all-round skier, Zeno Colo undoubtedly defined modern skiing
as we know it
COMANECI Nadia (1962) Roumania
Undoubtedly one of the gymnastic world's greatest stars. She was discovered at the 1976 Montreal
games, at the tender age of 14. The little Rumanian girl attained the top score of 10, seven times
over, a hitherto unheard of achievement. She won 4 gold medals.Four years later in Moscow, she
won the gold medal for both the floor exercises and the beam. Daring to execute movements noone else had ever tried, Nadia Comaneci completely dominated women's gymnastics and became
darling of spectators and the media.Having been a privileged member of Ceaucescu's regime, she
had to flee her country in 1991 when the Ceaucescu's reign came to an end. She found sanctuary
in the United States, and today, she is a representative for world gymnastics.
COMBINATION, NORDIC
Comprises the Olympic events of the 70 m normal hill ski jumping, and 15 km cross-country race.
This sport has always been dominated by the Nordic countries and Germany. However, during the
1992 Albertville games, two French skiers from the Jura region, Fabrice Guy and Sylvain
Guillaumen imposed their superiority over their opponents. Their success brought in a much wider
audience, and popularised this little-known sport.
COMMANDO
At the 1972 Munich games, a Palestinian commando group took athletes and Israeli team
executives hostage, having made their way in to the Olympic village. Their aim was to draw
attention to the Palestinian cause. After lengthy discussions with the fedayeen guerrillas, resulting
in something akin to a solution, the hostage situation ended up in a blood bath. Nine athletes were
killed, along with five terrorists, a policeman and one pilot.Feelings ran very high throughout the
world. Never before had the Olympics, symbol of fraternity between the people of the world, been
violated in this way and used as a sounding board for a political cause.The I.O.C.'s president at the
time, Avery Brundage, took the very controversial decision to order the continuation of the games.
A few weeks later, he was replaced by the Irishman Lord Killanin.After the recent peace
agreements signed between Palestine and Israel, and the long and difficult journey to lasting peace
on the verge of getting underway, Palestine has just been invited to take part in the International
Olympic Committee and the games.
COMMERCIALISATION
The financing of the Olympic Games is a costly business and each host town has to have the
financial capacity to celebrate the games. It is quite true that a good deal of the financial burden
falls on the State, especially where large sporting venues, transportation and infrastructure are
concerned. This political choice is often entirely justified. The games generate an enormous interest
in the host town, providing a huge opportunity for short and middle-term development.For the
remainder of the funding, commercial business offer the host towns great scope for financial
arrangements. This type of arrangement has always existed.Had it not been for a rich merchant,
Georgius Averoff , who financed the restoration of the Olympic stadium, the 1896 Athens games
would never have taken place.Just as during the 1924 Paris games, the stadium was covered with
billboards. A resolution has since been passed by the I.O.C., forbidding advertising on the inside of
the stadium.At the 1984 Los Angeles games, the sponsors footed the bill for the sporting venues. It
is much the same way that the I.O.C. quite naturally enters in to partnership with some of the big
multinational companies, to ensure the necessary extra funding for the organisation of the games.
COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDANT STATES - C.I.S.
The ex-Soviet Republic countries presented themselves under this name at the 1992 Barcelona
games. This Commonwealth was the consequence of the many ups and downs experienced by
Eastern-block countries after the fall of the Berlin wall, and the breaking up of the Soviet empire.
The three Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia decided to go it alone and competed under
their own flags.Despite political unrest, the CIS turned out to be the strongest nation at the 1992
games, and was situated right at the top of the unofficial medal table by country, with a total of
111 medals, 45 of which were gold.
COMPACT DISC
Before the advent of digital musical equipment, the national anthems played in the stadiums, were
played with vinyl records or cassettes.It was not unheard of for the technicians to confuse national
anthems during a medal ceremony. A serious diplomatic incident was narrowly avoided when the
German authorities had the Egyptian anthem played at the 1936 Berlin games, for French wrestler
Emile Poilvé's gold medal. Far from being a mistake, the Germans had done this on purpose.With
the introduction of compact discs at the 1992 games, with the possibility to programme the music,
this type of error should now be a thing of the past.
COMPAGNONI Deborah (1970) Italy
She is to date, one of the best skiers of her generation. Despite frequent injuries, she always
bounces right back, a description which could serve as her motto. She won the super G at
Albertville, but the very next day fell during the slalom event and suffered from a torn ligament.
Many thought her career was over.However, two years later at Lillehammer, Deborah Compagnoni
took the Olympic title once more in the giant slalom. In the interim, she had collected seven world
titles...only to face yet another injury.She made an impressive comeback at the Nagano games,
managing to hold on to her giant slalom title she had previously won in Norway, whilst coming
second in the slalom event.
COMPETITION, ART
From the very beginning of the Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin wished to combine the
physical and spiritual elements of the human condition. Thus in 1906, he organised a conference in
Paris bringing together intellectuals, artists and sportsmen, in order to give the games an artistic
dimension.This conference resulted in an art competition. Architects, musicians, writers, painters
and sculptors were to compete at the 1908 London games. Unfortunately the English organisers did
not manage to set up this competition. However, four years later in Stockholm, the competition
took place and proved to be of a very high standard. This competition continued successfully until
1948.Since then, art has always played an important part in the games, without there necessarily
being an official competition. Nevertheless, the host towns have inevitably increased cultural
activities to demonstrate their dynamic artistic creativity.Many of the world's greatest artistic
talents have thus contributed to the games, in their own way.
CONGRESS, OLYMPIC
The twelfth Olympic congress was held in Paris in 1994, on the occasion of the centenary of the
modern games. The congress is there to decide upon the main issues concerning the Olympic
movement, such as ethics, professionalism, doping, etc...The congress is made up of the I.O.C.
members, the presidents of the national committees, the presidents of the sporting federations,
and the organisation committee for the coming games. Today, the Olympic congress meets
regularly, every eight years. It should be noted that from 1894 to 1933 the Olympic congress was
held at regular intervals, but remained inactive for the following forty years, until the 1973 Varna
summit in Bulgaria.
CONOLLY James (1868 - 1957) United States
He had the honour of being the very first gold medal winner of the modern games, the first athlete
to make the top spot on the podium at the 1896 Athens games, following his triumph in the triple
jump. Conolly showed his physical prowess over the days that followed his victory by taking the
silver medal in the high jump and the bronze for the long jump.He was back on the podium at the
1900 Paris games, for a silver medal this time in the triple jump.After his brilliant athletic career,
Conolly turned his hand to journalism and writing. He wrote some 25 novels and 200 short stories.
CONSTANTINI Daniel (1949) France
The most famous French handball coach led his team all the way to the Olympic semi-finals at the
1992 Barcelona games, where they won a bronze medal. The following year, the French team came
second in the world championships, and finally won the world title in 1995.Amongst others, the
team included Martini, Volle, Gardent, Lathoud, Mahé, Munier, Stoecklin and Richardson, and was
nicknamed the "Barjots", (the crazy ones), after their semi-final against Iceland, for which all the
players had dyed their hair blonde to provoke their Scandinavian opponents. Always at the head of
the French squad in Atlanta and Sydney, Daniel Constantini and his captain, Jackson Richardsson,
did not reach the Olympic podium again despite being tipped as outside favourites.
COOK Stephanie (1972) Great Britain
The young Briton is the first Olympic champion in the modern pentathlon. At the Sydney Games
she managed to win by sticking alongside US athlete Emily de Riel, who had dominated the
competition right up until the final 400 metres of the last event, the running.The victory appeared
to surprise Stephanie Cook, who had until then given her medicine degree priority over her
favourite sport.
COOPER Charlotte (1870-1966) Great Britain
She was the first woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal. She won the tennis competition at the
1900 Paris games, both in singles and in mixed doubles associated with fellow British Reginald
Dohertie. That year, only 28 women took part in the Olympic events.
COQUELIN DE L'ISLE Pierre (1900 - 1980) France
French archer Coquelin de l'Isle was nicknamed "the Kid", because of his remarkable ability to hit
bullseyes. He won the Olympic title in Paris in 1924, having hit the centre of the target 396 times
out of 400. He held the world record for many years.
COROEBUS Greece
He was the first ever winner of the Ancient games. He was also the only athlete to have had his
exploits recorded back in the 776 B.C. games. This date is considered today to represent the birth
of the Olympic Games. It was also recorded that this athlete was a cook by trade and that he lived
in Elis, a town close to Olympia.
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO Italy
This charming Alpine resort situated at the foot of the Dolomite mountains, hosted the 1956 winter
games. The actress Sophia Loren, at the peak of her career, was Queen of the opening ceremony.
The sporting world was introduced to an Italian speciality known as the "tifosis", and the
enthusiastic participation of the Italian spectators in the events. Thus, the spectators were to be
observed throwing rotten fruit on the Italian skating couple who had failed to win a medal. These
games really belonged to the Austrian skier Toni Sailer, who completed the Grand Slam and won
three gold medals for Alpine skiing. The Soviets, for whom this was the very first winter Olympics,
collected six gold medals.
COSIC Kresimir (1948 - 1995) Yugoslavia
He was the leader and the mainstay of the Yugoslavian team, world and Olympic basketball
champion in 1980. Cosic and his team benefitted from the absence of the American team that year.
Having already won a silver medal in 1968, Cosic became a national hero.
COSTELLO Paul - Vincent ( 1894 - 1986) United States
This American rower's speciality was the double scull, a boat with two crew members and no
helmsman. He won three consecutive Olympic titles in his category between 1920 and 1924.Paul
Vincent Costello was related to the famous American oarsman John Kelly.
COUBERTIN Pierre de Fredy, Baron (1863 - 1937) France
He was the father of the modern Olympics and founder of the games. A firm believer that sport is
an essential element for a man's development, and having devoted much thought, and written
about his convictions, in 1894, he put his idea of restoring the Olympic Games to representatives
from around the world. Two years later in Athens, his dream came true. He then created the
International Olympic Committee.Passionately involved in his work, Coubertin wrote a great deal,
and under a nom de plume, he won a gold medal for literature at the 1912 Stockholm games.
Whatever is said about Coubertin, he devoted his life and fortune to the restoration of the
games.He stepped down in 1925, after almost thirty years as active president, whilst remaining
honorary president of the I.O.C. It was he who laid down the principle rules of the Olympic
movement, and these are still valid today.He died in Geneva in 1937, not very far from the I.O.C.
headquarters in Lausanne.As a homage to his devotion to the Olympic cause, and in accordance
with his last wishes, his heart is immured in a marble stele at the centre of the Olympian site.
CRABBE Clarence « Buster » (1910 - 1983) United States
Contrary to that which his name might lead one to believe, Clarence Crabbe swam in a perfectly
straight line. Beating the Frenchman Taris, he became Olympic champion in the 400 m free-style at
the 1932 Los Angeles games. Under the name of Buster Crabbe, he went on to a brief acting
career, as Tarzan, and notably played in the role of Flash Gordon.
CRAIG Ralph (1889 - 1972) United States
Had the American athlete been competing in today's Olympic events, he could never have become
a double champion. His victory in the 200 m at the 1912 Stockholm games was uncontested, but in
the 100 m, he was responsible for three of the seven false starts to the race. In today's games, the
competitor is eliminated after two false starts, as British Olympic champion Lindford Christie found
out to his bitter disappointment during the Atlanta games.After his athletic career, Craig trained as
an engineer and devoted his time to sailing. He was part of the American team at the 1948 London
games, though only as a substitute.
CRAPP Lorraine (1938) Australia
She was the first woman swimmer ever to complete the 400 m free-style in less than five minutes,
a feat which won her the Olympic gold medal at Melbourne in 1956. Lorraine Crapp also won the
gold in the 4x100 m relay and twice won a silver medal, for the 100 m in 1956 and for the 4x100
m relay at the 1960 Rome games.
CRAWFORD Hasly (1950) Trinidad and Tobago
It is possible to be a 100 m sprint champion and not come from either the United States or Russia.
This is exactly what this West Indian athlete proved when he won the event at the 1976 Montreal
games. With his victory, Crawford offered his Caribbean island home some positive publicity, which
is also the home of Ado Boldon, the sprinter who has desperately chased an Olympic title from the
Barcelona Games in 1992 onwards, but so far without success.
CRETIER Jean Luc (1966) France
Having won the Olympic title in the downhill event at the 1998 Nagano games, this French skier
was not able to savour his victory for very long. Just 10 months after his Japanese success, he fell
during a world championship race and was very seriously injured. His come-back to competition
level still seems to be uncertain.
CRICKET
The ball game, "Creag", played during the 13th century is undoubtedly the origin of today's
modern cricket.The foundations of cricket were decreed in the middle of the 16th century. During
the 19th century, the best English toured the Commonwealth, which helped this sport's
development outside Great Britain. Today, the game is played in England, but also in Denmark,
Holland and Australia.Cricket was included on the Olympic programme in 1900, and the final was
played between England and France. It should be pointed out that the French team was entirely
made up of British immigrants.
CROQUET
This sport, or more accurately, this game has for object to hit wooden balls through hoops by using
a mallet, over a pre-determined distance. Croquet was part of the Olympic programme at the 1900
Paris games, and again four years later in St. Louis. Competitions were organised in singles and
doubles, with one or two balls.The game was dropped from the Olympic programme and
subsequently became obsolete
CUBA
In keeping with allied ex-socialist nations, Cuba practices a top-level sports policy. Cuba has
frequently reaped rewards at the games. The Cuban baseball team humiliated their American
opponents, when they eliminated them in the semi-finals at the Barcelona games, before going on
to win the final. The world champion amateurs made short work of the professionals, and repeated
their triumph four years later in Atlanta, before succumbing to the Americans in Sydney. The
Cubans were particularly impressive in the boxing ring at the Barcelona games and swept away 7
of the 12 titles. Teofilo Stevenson, a guest at the 1996 Atlanta games, was considered the greatest
boxing champion of all times during the 1970s to 1980s. He won three consecutive heavy-weight
titles between 1972 and 1980. Fellow countryman Felix Savon did just as well in the Nineties,
winning a gold medal in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.It is worth noting two other great Cuban
Olympic champions, the runner Alberto Juantorena, who won two medals at the Montreal games,
and the high jumper, Javier Sotomayor, who was victorious at the 1992 Barcelona games.
CURLING
The aim of this sport is to throw a stone across the surface of the ice, as close as possible to the
centre of a target.This sport originated from a 15th century Flemish tradition, which found its way
to Scotland and was known as kulling. The curling stones weighed up to 50 kg. The circular handletopped granite stones of today's competitions have only been in use since the last century.Despite
the international federation headquarters' Scottish location, the best teams come from Canada.The
game is played by two teams comprising four players. Two team members throw the stones, whilst
the other two accelerate or slow the stone's progress across the ice by using a broom. Curling
became an Olympic sport in 1988
CURRY John (1949-1994) Great Britain
Known as the "Nureyev of the ice", he did not convince the judges, who found him too insipid. The
ice skater had to wait until the 1976 Innsbruck games to be justly rewarded for his talents.
Immediately after his success at Innsbruck, he won the European and world championship titles.
He retired from competitive skating after this Grand Slam victory.
CURTIS Ann (1926) United States
This American swimmer was the only woman to win two Olympic titles at the 1948 London games.
She won the 400 m free-style and the relay. She almost added a third trophy to her collection, but
had to admit defeat in the 100 m beaten by a short length.
CURTIUS Ernst Germany
In the middle of the 19th century, this German archaeologist was one of the first to travel to the
site of Olympia to carry out exploratory excavations. His research led him to hope for the
restoration of the Olympic Games. His ideas were not really taken up, but neither were they
completely abandoned. He was certainly the forerunner of the modern Olympic Games' revival.
CUTHBERT Betty (1938) Australia
Following American athlete Bobby Morrow's example, the Australian Betty Cuthbert scored a hat
trick in the women's sprinting events at the 1956 Melbourne games. She won the 100 m, 200 m,
and led Australia to the gold medal in the 4x100 m relay. She provoked a wave of enthusiasm in
the Cricket Ground in front of more than 10,000 dumbstruck Australians. Betty Cuthbert continued
in her athletics career, and took home another Olympic title in the 400 m eight years later at the
Tokyo games. Although she fell victim to a disease which has confined her to a wheelchair for the
rest of her life, she was for a while considered for the job of lighting the Olympic bowl at the
opening ceremony in Sydney. However, Australian officials eventually preferred Aboriginal athlete
Cathy Freeman.
CYCLING
This sport, one of the oldest in the Olympics, is represented by two different disciplines: the road
and the track events.In the road event, it is rare for the competition to reveal cyclists who become
stars of the professional circuit later on, with the exception of the Italian Ercole Baldini in 1956 and
Dutchman Hennie Kuiper in 1972.In the track category, on the other hand, Olympic champions
have left their mark as traditionally, very few track cyclists turned professional.Track cycling is a
spectacular but dangerous sport with sometimes violent falls. The bikes have no brakes and no
gears. For the track, there are several disciplines: the kilometre time triam, which is conducted
over a distance of 1000 metres by female cyclists; individual or team pursuit, where the winner is
the team which catches the other or sets the best time over the three or four kilometres of the
race; the points race and the Madison are two events raced over 40 or 60 kilometres with
intermediate sprints for collecting points; the Keirin, a team-based sprint event invented in Japan
and the sprint are the most spectacular events. It is in the latter that the French are the best in the
world. Since the modern games started, they have won a third of all medals.The tandem also used
to ba an Olympic team event, but it disappeared from the Olympic programme before the Montreal
games of 1976.
D'INZEO Raimondo (1925) Italy
This Italian police officer in the "carabaneri" regiment was one of the very best horse riders of his
generation. The show jumping world champion in 1960, he won the Olympic title that same year in
front of his home crowd, at the Rome games.He also won five other Olympic medals individually
and with the Italian team, to which his brother, Piero, also belonged.
D'ORIOLA Christian (1928) France
Cousin of the famous two times Olympic horse riding champion, Jonquères d'Oriola, Christian
D'Oriola's career in fencing was at least as brilliant as that of his renowned relative. The world
champion at age 18, this fencing prodigy produced one of the greatest list of victories in this sport,
including 12 world championships.He won two consecutive Olympic titles in the foil fencing even in
'52 and 56. Considered to be a reference by several generations of fencers, he very rarely tasted
defeat throughout a long career that ended when he was in his forties. Today he continues to
advise the young champions of France.
DAEHLIE Bjorn (1967) Norway
Winner of three gold medals at the Albertville games, over 15, 50 km and in the relay, this cross
country skier narrowly lost out on a 4th gold medal in the 30 km event. His success enabled
Norway to rediscover its position of world leader in a discipline that the Scandinavians claim to
have invented.Two years later, on home ground in Lillehammer, he won two gold medals, over 10
and 15 km, and thus became known in cross-country skiing circles as «the Emperor».Yet, his name
was to become legend one year before he retired, at the Nagano games, where he again won three
gold medals, over 10, 50 km and in the team event. With a total of eight gold medals, he is part of
the very exclusive club of Olympic sporting legends.
DAL ZOTTO Fabio (1957) Italy
This student from Venice celebrated his 19th birthday with an Olympic title in the foil fencing event
during the Montreal games in '76. At the time, he was the youngest Olympic champion in the
individual foil discipline. Several days later, he won the silver medal for the team event.
DANIELS Charles (1885-1973) United States
Alongside the Hungarian Von Halmay, he was the best swimmer in the 1904 Saint Louis games.
Daniels invented the American crawl, the stroke that is practiced today, as opposed to the
Australian crawl, the stroke practised in the disciplines beginnings. He won gold medals in the 200
and 400m freestyle events as well as in the 4x50 m medley, in muddy water.Four years in London,
he was successful again, winning the 100 m freestyle. He also added to his collection of medals
with a silver and a bronze.After retiring from swimming, he went on to become an excellent bridge
player and on of the best golfers of his generation.
DANILOVA Olga (1974) Russia
The cross-country skier Olga Danilova won two Olympic titles at the Nagano games of '98, first
over 15 km and then in the team relay event. In the other two events, however, her compatriot
Larissa Lazutina denied her of a clean sweep of the gold medals, an achievement that the two
women however managed between them.
DARNYI Tamas (1967) Hungary
This Hungarian swimmer, victim of a retinal infection at the age of 15 years old, enjoyed an
outstanding seven year period in which he remained undefeated, culminating with his third and
fourth gold medals at the Barcelona games in '92.Having already won two gold medals in Seoul for
the same events, the 400 m and 200 m medleys, his success demonstrated Hungary's efficiency in
producing excellent swimmers year in, year out.
DASSLER Adie and Horst (Germany)
A small-time cobbler in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Adie Dassler could not have been aware of the
impact that the brand he created would have on the world of sport for years to come. It was he
who designed and made the running shoes that would allow the American Jesse Owens to be
crowned four times Olympic champion at the Berlin games of 1936. In the aftermath of these
events he created Adidas (Adie-Dassler), whilst his brother Rudolf, with whom he was in dispute,
created puma.Yet, it was the son of Adie, Horst Dassler, who made Addidas into a leading
international brand, especially during the seventies and eighties. He was an influential member of
the Olympic movement until his death in 1987, and helped the IOC change from being a gentle
natured gathering of countries to a veritable company, a sporting power with political influence.
DAVENPORT Lindsay (1976) United States
Olympic champion at the Atlanta games in '96 having beaten Spain's Sanchez-Vicario, this
tournament foreshadowed the irresistible rise of the American tennis player. After the games, she
moved on to the major tournaments of the professional tour, climbing to the top of the madder in
the world rankings
DAVID Franck (1970) France
Windsurfing is a speciality of the French, yet since this sport's introduction into the games at Los
Angeles in 1984, not one Frenchman or Frenchwoman had won a medal in this discipline. In
Barcelona, Franck David put matters straight by winning a gold medal. A daring windsurfer, he was
also crowned world champion a few months later in Cadiz.
DAVIDOVA Ylena (1961) Russia
This great gymnast of the Soviet era was the first to surpass Nadia Comaneci in the all-round
competition at the Moscow games in 1980, where she took advantage of the absence to the injured
world champion, Yelena Moukhina, to win at the lofty age of 18 years old. She obtained a second
gold medal in the team event.
DAVIS Glen (1934) United States
An eclectic athlete, this American student didn't really know what sport to choose when he enrolled
at Ohio State University. He was inclined to favour football until he met Jesse Owens' former coach,
who guided him towards the 400 metre hurdles.In the space of two months, he became the world
record-holder and Olympic champion in Melbourne in 1956. An unquestionably talented athlete,
this champion was in great demand in all the world's stadiums, and it was logical that he should
successfully defend his title at the 1960 Games in Rome.At these Olympics, the man his coach
willingly compared to Jesse Owens lent the American 4x400 metre team a hand and won his third
gold medal.He then retired from competition, at the age of 26.
DAVIS John (1921-1984) United States
This American weightlifter had dominated the discipline for 10 years before winning his first
Olympic title in the super-heavyweight division. He was again the Olympic champion four years
later. During this fifteen-year period of domination, Davis set 71 world records.
DE BRUIJN Inge (1975) Holland
This Dutch swimmer was one of the queens of the Sydney 2000 Games. She won her country three
Olympic gold medals, as did fellow countrymen Peter van den Hoogenbrand in the men's swimming
competition and Leontien Ziljaard-Van Moorsel in the cycling.The world record-holder in the 50 and
100 metre freestyle and the 100 metre butterfly, she was victorious in all three of her events in
Sydney. She is therefore the best sprinter of the present time. This glorious triple was achieved ten
years after she made her European debut.In the meanwhile she has taken the time to enjoy life,
move to the United States and fashion herself a powerful body the same way it is done in the
army. She practices martial arts, weightlifting and covers the obligatory long distances in the pool.
However, her late success has done much to feed rumours about doping.
DE LA HOYA Oscar (1973) United States
This American, fighting in the lightweight category, became one of the greatest boxers of his
generation, successfully defending his world title on several occasions. Only just 19 years old, like
a knockout punch from nowhere, he became a legend in his division when he won the gold medal
during the 1992 Barcelona games.
DE VINCENZI Jean Pierre ( 1960) France
The coach of the French basketball team that reached the final at the Sydney 2000 Olympics had
to wait a long time before he could produce a silver medal-winning generation of players. In the
final, the French faced a professional team of American NBA players including Vince Carter and
Alonzo Mourning. Their defeat was more than honourable: 85:75. It is also better than when
France was pulverised 65:23 by the United States during the final of the 1948 Games in London.De
Vincenzi knows most of the players in the French team since they were juniors. That's how the
team comprising Sciarra, Rigaudeau, Bilba, Weiss and Bonato was able to more than fulfil his
hopes. Since then "JPDV", as he is known, has moved away from courtside to become the national
technical director.
DEATHS
It is rare that an athlete dies in the stadium during Olympic competition, yet two examples spring
to mind: firstly, Portugal's Lazaro who died of exhaustion during the marathon at the Stockholm
games in 1912; secondly, Denmark's Knut Enemark Jensen who died on his bike in Rome in
1960... but it must be said that he had taken amphetamines before the race.
DECATHLON and HEPTATHLON
The decathlon (10 events) is for men whereas the heptathlon (7 events) is for women. It is the
most complete discipline in athletics and most certainly the one that requires the most strength,
stamina, suppleness and swiftness. There is nothing more different than the 110 m hurdles and the
shot putt, pole vaulting and the 1500 m, not to mention the high jump, the long jump, short and
long sprints or the javelin.The best performers in the world for this discipline are often the
Americans. For example, Bob Mathias was gold medallist in '48 and '52. The Englishman Dailey
Thomson emulated this feat in '80 and '84, and the two men are alone in becoming Olympic
champion for the decathlon at two consecutive games.Today, women practice the Heptathlon,
which was not the case beforehand, having long been limited to the pentathlon, a discipline of five
events.
DECOTTIGNIES Edmond (1893-1963) France
Hailing from the North of France, Decottignies was one of the leading lights in French weight lifting.
He won the gold medal in the 70 kg category in the 1924 Paris games.
DEGLANE Henri (1902-1975) France
Popular with the Parisians during the 1924 games, the French wrestler Henri Deglane laid down the
law to Finland's Rosenqist in the final for the 100 kg division. When the latter was declared to have
won, the French delegation lodged a protest.The judges deemed that the combat should carry on
for an extra six minutes, and the end of which the Frenchman was champion.Deglane, however,
was to leave Olympic wrestling for all-in wrestling, which was, at the time, more attractive from a
financial point of view.
DENVER
The winter games of '76 should have taken place at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, in Denver.
However, for this to happen, a huge infrastructure needed to be built. Local ecologists managed to
get the games cancelled.After the American failed to hold the games, Innsbruck again hosted
them, having organised the games twelve years previously.
DESJARDINS "Pete" Ulise (1907 - 1985) United States
This very small diver, born in Canada but holding American citizenship, dominated the diving
events at the Amsterdam games of 1928.Having already won silver in Paris in1924 behind fellow
American White, a two times Olympic diving champion, Desjardins won gold in Amsterdam. He
himself was also two times Olympic champion, for the high dive and 3 m springboard.It should be
noted that in the high diving event, Desjardins was beaten by the Egyptian Simaika. However, the
latter was relegated in the standings due most likely to a fault committed allowing Desjardins to
win.
DEVERS Gail (1966) United States
Gail Devers story owes more to fairy tale than it does to reality. A year before the Barcelona
games, suffering form a thyroid gland ailment, she was on the verge of having both of her feet
amputated when a doctor suggested that she should follow a new course of therapy. The treatment
proved to be efficient and thus Gail Devers was able to take part, in Catalonia.Already gold
medallist in the 100 m, she almost repeated the feat in the 100 m hurdles, but fell 10 m from the
finishing line leaving Patoulidou, the Greek, unknown in athletics, to win the event.Again present
four years later in Atlanta, Gail Devers was again on the victor's podium, retaining the 100 m title
that she had won in Catalonia. Although she was always considered the world's best 100 metre
hurdler in the run-up to the Sydney Games, she pulled a muscle in the semi-final and missed the
chance to win a third gold medal.
DEVITT John (1937) Australia
The result of the final of the 100 m freestyle, in which the Australian took part at the Rome games
in 1960, was probably the most uncertain in the history of the games. Firstly, because the reigning
Olympic champion Jon Hendricks was eliminated before the final, and secondly, because after a
sprint finish between Devitt and Sweden's Larsson the judges were only able to decide that the
Australian won after long and passionate discussions.The two men touched the wall of the pool at
the same time. Even if, finally, it was Devitt who became Olympic champion, Larsson had the
consolation of being joint Olympic record holder. It was a just reward for Devitt, who, four years
earlier, had suffered a similarly close defeat at the hands of Hendricks.
DI CENTA Manuela (1961) Italy
After a miserable set of results at the Albertville games, this female cross-country skier aimed to
put things right in Lillehammer in '94. At the time, she was nursing a broken heart and her
performance was sub-standard.In Norway, as if reborn, she won 4 medals: two gold medals for the
15 and 30 km races and two silver medals for the 5 and 10 km races. She also won a bronze medal
in the team relay event. This meant that in each of the races in which she took part, she won a
medal.However, at the Nagano games in '98 in the Japanese Alps, she had to be content with
retaining only the bronze medal for the team relay event.
DIAGORAS - Greece
The Greek was the most famous pugilist of the ancient games. Several times Olympic champion,
this fighter was reputed to have never shied away from an opponent. The poet Pindar nicknamed
him, "the fair fighter".At the same time as his sons, Damagetos and Akousilaos, became also
Olympic champions, he died. His sons paid homage to him by carrying him in triumph.
Unfortunately for him, his death meant that he was unable to see his youngest son Dorius become
three times Olympic pancratium champion, a fighting event.
DIBIASI Klaus (1947) Italy
When Klaus Dibiasi bade farewell to the Olympic Games and the spectators in Montreal in '76, he
had just won his third consecutive gold medal since the Mexico games in the high-diving event.
With this third gold medal he obtained the symbolic title of greatest high-diver of all time.He had
already taken part in the Tokyo games of '64, but had to be content with just a silver medal in the
high diving, his preferred event. In order to allow him to train under the best possible conditions
and complete 120 dives a day, the city of Bolzano, where he lives, has put a roof over his local
swimming pool. His reign may therefore now begin!
DIDRICKSON Babe (1914 - 1956) United States
An athlete in many disciplines, Babe Didrickson sporting career ranks as one of the most atypical
that there has ever been.She was first of all Olympic champion in the 80 m hurdles and the javelin
events at the 1932 Los Angeles games, two disciplines that frankly don't appear to be compatible.
Yet this eclecticism was all the more evident in her amateur career. Firstly, she became the best
woman golfer on the planet under the name of Mildred Zacharias, her name after marriage, before
going on to be a professional basketball player and set the record for the longest throw of a
baseball by a woman. An athlete whose physical qualities were outstanding, she died after an
illness at the age of 42 years old.
DIERS Innes (1963) Germany
This East-German woman swimmer took advantage of the absence of her most threatening
western rivals at the Moscow games in 1980 to win five medals, two of which were gold: for the
400 m freestyle and the 4x400 relay.
DIETRICK Wilfried (1933) Germany
He was probably the most assiduous wrestler of the Olympic Games. Two times finalist in the 100
kg division of the Greco-Roman wrestling event in Melbourne and Rome, this German lost both
finals. That needn't matter, he moved up a division, but changed to all-in wrestling in which he won
the gold medal in the Italian capital.Again present for the Tokyo games, he was a bronze medallist
in the Greco-Roman wrestling event and had once more a podium finish in the all-in wrestling
event.At the age of 39 years, he could have finished his long and brilliant career there and then on
the high note of a five-medal haul, one of which was gold, yet he made participating in the Munich
games of '72 a point of honour, only to win nothing.
DILLARD Harisson (1923) United States
This extraordinary American Sprinter was as eclectic as he was talented. During his Olympic career
he won four gold medals, starting by becoming the hero of the London games in 1948 where he
won the 100 m and lead the Americans to victory in the 4x100 m relay.Four years later in Helsinki,
he again retained the gold medal won with the relay team and also won the gold in the 110 m
hurdles. He was also a natural hurdler. He was supposed to represent the United States at the
London Games, but fell during the American trials. Even so, he had 80 consecutive victories under
his belt. As a teenager, Dillard was given a pair of spikes by Jesse Owens, which convinced him to
go into athletics.
DIMAS Pyrros (1971) Greece
The Russian Samadov and the Pole Siemion having lifted 370 kg in the clean and jerk at the
Barcelona games in '92, Pyrros Dimas, a Greek of Albanian origin, emulated this feat. Due to the
fact that he was lighter than his two opponents, he was declared the champion of the 83 kg
category, as is stated in the discipline's rules. He received the gold medal, unlike the Chechen
Samadov who refused his medal and was kicked out of the games as a result.Dimas arrived back in
his new country whose nationality he had taken a year earlier to a hero's welcome. Almost 90
years had passed since a Greek had last won a gold medal for weight lifting.Dimas subsequently
won three world championship titles. Four years later in Atlanta, he confirmed that his success had
not been down to luck by again becoming Olympic champion of the 83 kg category. He made it
three-in-a-row in Sydney in the same category, clearly demonstrating that he is one of the
greatest weightlifter of all times. Pyrros Dimas collected his third gold medal - again thanks to a
difference in weight (16 grams) - by beating Germany's Huster. Greek weightlifter was appointed
to the 2004 Athens Games organising committee. He says he wants to be the first weightlifter to
win a fourth in Athens.
DISCUS
The discus, which should be thrown as far as possible from the circular cage in which the
competitor stands, weighs from 1 to 2 kg depending on whether it is thrown by women or by men.
The competitors can wear a support belt but cannot wear gloves or plasters. They have a total of
three throws each. The discus thrower must not leave the circular cage before his/her discus has
landed.The greatest discus thrower in history is the American Alfred Oerter. He won four
consecutive Olympic titles between 1956 and 1968.
DISNEY Walt
The cartoon and film producer has built a real empire thanks to his films and feature length
cartoons. He also contributed to the Olympic movement by making the "Goofy at the Olympic
Games", an animated film that tells the story of the Olympic Games through the medium of this
clumsy dog's adventures. However, his organisational and scenographic talents are less well
known. It was in fact Walt Disney who took charge of the opening ceremony of the Squaw Valley
winter games in 1960.
DITJATIN Aleksandr (1957) Russia
Whilst everyone was expecting Nicolaï Andrianov to dominate at the Moscow games in 1980, it was
his countryman Ditjatin who ran away with the gymnastic events.Admittedly, the absence of the
Japanese helped, but his three gold medals for the apparatus events and his victory in the allround competition show that he was at the top of his form. In addition, he also won four silver
medals and a bronze medal, thus becoming the champion of the champions at the Moscow games
in 1980.
DITTMER Andreas (1974) Germany
Having already won a gold medal in the C2 1000 canoe class together with fellow countryman
Kirbach at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, German canoeist Andreas Dittmer went solo in Sydney,
clinching the 1000 metre C1 event after overcoming his principle rival, the Czech canoeist Martin
Doktor.By contrast, Dittmer was to concede victory over the shorter 500 metre course to Hungary's
Kolonics, the Olympic C2 sprint champion in Atlanta.
DIVING
Diving became an Olympic sport at the Saint Louis games in 1904. At the time only men competed
for the two titles given for the springboard and high dive, forms that confirmed the American Greg
Louganis as one of the greatest Olympic champions of all time. He won twice, in 1984 and
1988.Before him, the Italian Klaus Dibiasi won three titles between 1968 and 1976 at Mexico,
Munich and Montreal.Diving has been an Olympic women's sport since the 1920 Antwerp games. In
both the springboard and high dive events American women collected most of the medals until the
Chinese came on the scene in recent years, in particular Mingxia Fu who won her fourth
consecutive gold in Sydney, which is an absolute record.It should be said that in Australia, a new
discipline was included in the official competition: synchronized diving, for the high dive and the 3
m springboard. Two divers must carry out the same figure in the same pool and as artistically as
possible.It should be remembered that diving is a discipline that requires courage, for it is difficult
to vanquish ones fear of heights, even for the most hardy, especially when one considers that
divers hit the water at 70 km/h. Fear of hitting the edge of the pool is also an obsession of divers.
DOHERTIE Reginald (1872-1910) - Lawrence (1875-1919) Great Britain
These two tennis champions were the stars of the 1900 games in Paris. Reginald won the doubles
with brother Laurie and also the mixed doubles with Charlotte Cooper, the first woman to become
and Olympic champion. He was again doubles champion eight years later in London.As regards
Lawrence, he won the singles in Paris in 1900, after having benefited from the withdrawal of his
brother who refused to be in opposition to him in the semi-finals.
DOKTOR Martin (1973) Czech Republic
The double Olympic canoeing champion in the 500 and 1000 metres in Atlanta in 1996 didn't get a
chance to climb the podium at the Sydney Games. He was forced to bow to his old rival, Germany's
Andreas Dittmer.Doktor almost failed to reach the final. He was accused of breaching the fivemetre rule, in other words of having gained an unfair advantage by riding the wash of the
preceding boat, during the semi-final. However, after considering the matter, the jury reinstated
him for the final.
DOLAN Tom (1975) United States
Despite suffering from chronic asthma and repeated injury, this American swimmer is one of the
greatest champions of his generation. Having already become the world champion in the 400 metre
freestyle and Olympic champion over the same distance at the Atlanta Games in 1996, Dolan
successfully defended his title at the Sydney Games four years later.However, the economics
student failed in his attempt to win a third medal in the 200 metres, where he was beaten by
Italy's Rosolino.
DOP
The word doping that we use today was drawn form this word of African. It was used to designate
a drink made from cola nuts and containing alcohol and xanthine, a compound of caffeine.The
athletes who drank this drink benefited from increased capacities of endurance.
DOPING
Like all big international tournaments, the Olympic Games has not escaped from doping. The
scandal that sticks in the memory is the banning of Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson after the final of
the 100 m that he won in Seoul in '88, after he was found guilty of having used banned
substances.Doping is against the ethics of sport, and designates the use of banned chemical
substances or the use of forbidden methods.For thirty years, the IOC has lead a fight against
doping built on three fundamental principles: protecting the athlete's health, respecting medical
ethics and ensuring the equal chance for all athletes during the competition.The discovery of new
substances, undetectable during conventional tests, lead the IOC to adopt in 1999, a text entitled
"The Lausanne Declaration" which aims to inform and warn the athletes of the dangers of doping.
An anti-doping code was adopted, not just for competitors, but also for coaches and the ruling
bodies of sports. It sets out sanctions to be applied, which may extend up to a two year ban from
all competition and much longer in the event of repetition of the offence.In short, this text provides
for a collaboration between the Olympic movement, the federations of different sports and the
authorities so as to educate athletes, protect their health and, if needs be, punish them in
accordance with the legislation in effect.
DORESTE Jose Luis (1956) Luis (1961) Spain
Born in the Canaries, the Doreste brothers discovered sailing in very early childhood. In parallel to
brilliant studies at university, they pursued a training programme which led the younger of the two
to represent his country at the Los Angeles Games in 1984.He won the Olympic title in the 470.
Having already been nominated as the Spanish Olympic squad's flag-carrier at the 1992 Games in
Barcelona, he won another title in the Flying Dutchman class.As for the older Doreste, the world
champion in the Finn in 1987, he became the Olympic champion in this discipline the following year
in the South Korean capital, Seoul.
DOUILLET David (1969) France
David Douillet became a legend by becoming judo world champion in all categories in '95. It was
the first time that a Frenchman hand rubbed the Japanese faces in the sand. Already world
champion in the heavyweight category in '93 and third in the Barcelona games in '92, Douillet
established himself as one of the best judokas of the nineties.At the 1996 Atlanta games, he beat
the Spaniard Perez in the final leading the way for the French as they romped to victory in the judo
event. In winning a second Olympic title in succession in Sydney in 2000 against Japan's Shinohara
in the over 100kg category in addition to four world championship titles, Frenchman David Douillet
has become the most highly-crowned judoka in the history of the sport, far exceeding the results
achieved by the great Yamashita. However, David Douillet had had to make an extraordinary
comeback.A few weeks after the Atlanta Games he was involved in a motorbike accident which left
him with deep scars. After that, it was lumbago which kept him away from the tatamis.Despite
having fought in only two competitions in the three years preceding the Sydney Olympics, he
announced he would be 100% fit in Australia. That proved exactly correct. David Douillet now
wants to retire from the circuit and dedicate his efforts towards the international sporting
movement.
DRAGILA Stacy (1971) United States
Although Stacy Dragila won the first women's Olympic pole-vault gold medal in Sydney in 2000,
the American started out as a heptathlete, where she was seen as a major hopeful. However, her
coach asked her to try out the pole-vault in the early Nineties as a form of training. Despite her
initial difficulties, she got hooked on the sport and became an ambassador for the discipline in an
attempt to have it recognised as an official women's event.Her Olympic title is ample recompense
for her perseverance.
DRAVES Victoria (1924) United States
Dominating the diving event at the London games in 1948, the American champion won the gold
medal for both the high diving and the springboard.
DREAM TEAM
This was the nickname that journalists gave to the professional team that represented America at
the Barcelona games.Assured of success from the beginning of the tournament, the American team
included stars from the NBA like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley and especially the
superstar, Michael Jordan. The team did not lose a single match and finished in a blaze of glory by
(narrowly) beating Croatia 117: 85.This team was far more impressive than the one that had been
beaten in the final at the Munich games in '72 by Russia (51-50). So appalled were the Americans
by this defeat, their first since basketball was introduced to the games, that they refused the silver
medal that should have been presented to them.If this behaviour is unpardonable, it must be said
in mitigation for the Americans that that timekeeper made an error at the end of the match that
was detrimental to them.
DRECHSLER Heike (1964) Germany
Having abandoned athletics for a while to be with her son, Heike Drechsler dedicated to him her
gold medal won in the long jump at the Barcelona games of '92. In spite of a no more than
ordinary jump of 7.14 m, she won a title that she richly deserved.Beforehand, Drechsler had
dominated the competition during ten years without winning any major titles. Back in contention in
Sydney and in spite of tough competition from Russia's Tatiana Kotova, who had won all the
season's major meetings, and Marion Jones, who was attempting to win five gold medals, Heike
Drechsler again found herself on the top step of the podium for a title justly praised by the
spectators in the Olympic Stadium. At the age of 35, it was her last competition. The bet paid off.
DRUT Guy (1950) France
From the North of France, Guy Drut won the gold medal for the 110 m hurdles in Montreal in '76,
four years after having finished second in Munich. His victory ended 48 years of domination of the
event by the Americans. Born in Montreal, his victory was special to the city, Michel Jazy, from
Montreal as well, having failed to obtain it in 1960.Since then, Drut entered into politics, becoming
youth and sports minister for two years. In particular, it was he who was designated to thank, in
the name of the nation, the French gold medal winners at the Atlanta games.
DUCHESNAY Paul and Isabelle - France
This brother and sister team of French Canadian figure skaters succeeded in winning over the
crowds but rarely the judges. It was thus that having become world champions, they were beaten
by the Russian pair Klimova-Ponomarenko at the Albertville games, winning only the silver medal.
DUCRET Roger (1888 - 1962) France
Ducret holds the record in French fencing for the most medals won. He won no less than 10 medals
in the twenties, three of which were won at the games in Paris in 1924. Ducret tasted victory in
each of the fencing events: epee, foil and sabre; a feat which is unimaginable today, given the
tendency for athletes to stay with the same weapon throughout their careers.
DUMOULIN Franck (1973) France
Having already become world shooting champion in 1994, the Frenchman won the Olympic 10
metre pistol title in Sydney in 2000. This confirmed him as the most talented pistol-shooter of his
generation after winning the world championship 50 metre title in 1998.However, for a long time it
seemed unlikely he could compete in Sydney. Franck Dumoulin had three accidents in succession,
which prevented him shooting in the year before the 2000 Games. He accidentally shot himself in
his right hand before being involved in a motorcycle crash and a mountain bike accident. It's
therefore miraculous that he won in Australia.
DURACK Fanny (1889-1956) Australia
The very first Olympic swimming champion, she won the 100 metres freestyle competition at the
1912 Games in Stockholm. She could have remained at the firmament of world swimming for many
years, but the First World War interrupted the domination which had seen her notching up all world
records from 50 metres to the mile.Although she was still considered the world's best freestyle
specialist on the eve of the Anvers Olympics, she was forced to pull out because of an operation.
She therefore retired from competition and became a coach at the Sydney swimming club.
DURANT Pierre (1955) France
Having seen Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola win at the Tokyo games in '64, Pierre Durant was taken by
the desire to become a rider. But his energy alone would not be enough to satisfy his ambitions. It
would need skill and a good horse.Having acquired an unruly little black horse by the name of
Jappeloup, and failed to win anything in Los Angeles, the man-horse team won gold in Seoul in 88.
By way of associating his horse with his success, Pierre Durant attached his gold medal to the
horse's withers before embarking on his lap of honour.When his career as a rider finished, Pierre
Durant, who was a lawyer by profession went on to run the French Horse-Riding Federation. He
resigned in 1998 when he realised he had failed in his attempt to unify the various disciplines.
DUVERGER René (1911-1983) France
This French weightlifter was part of the brilliant French team who shone at the Los Angeles games
in 1932. Before becoming a teacher and one of the pioneers of the sport in French schools,
Duverger won the gold medal in the 70 kg category in California.
EAGAN Edward (1897-1967) United States
Many before him had tried but whereas they failed, Eagan succeeded. He is the only athlete to
have won two Olympic gold medals at the summer and winter games. Light-heavyweight Olympic
boxing champion at the Antwerp games in 1920, he was a gold medallist with the American
bobsleigh team in 1932 at the Lake Placid games. His sturdy constitution and his weight
contributed to this success on the bobsleigh, helping him to write his name in the annals of the
games. The rest of his career was just as brilliant. Despite coming from a modest background, he
completed a brilliant law degree at one of the most prestigious American university before
marrying a rich heiress. Eagan was briefly a senior officer during the Second World War.
EDSTROM Sigfried (1870 - 1952) - Sweden
This Swede became president of the IOC in 1942 after the death of Count Baillet-Latour, having
already been Vice-President for ten years.A brilliant athlete in the past, Sigfried Edstrom took part
in the organisation of the 1912 games and led the Swedish delegation at the 1932 games in Los
Angeles. It was at that time that he set up the International Athletics Federation.A pioneer of sport
in modern times, he retired in 1952, dying several months later. Avery Brundage succeeded him.
EDWARDS Hugh (1906 - 1972) Great Britain
Nicknamed "Jumbo", this English rower won two gold medals at the Los Angeles games in 1932,
winning in the coxless pairs and coxless fours.As regards stamina, this champion was without
equal.
EDWARDS Jonathan (1966) Great Britain
"I'm the best triple-jumper of all times." It is with these words that Jonathan Edwards' biography
begins. In fact, it's quite right. The Englishman holds the world record in the long-jump, at
18.29m, and even came close to 18.50m in one competition, though the jump was disallowed
because he had had too much tailwind.After failing in Seoul and Barcelona, Edwards won silver in
Atlanta in 1996.But it was in Sydney in 2000 that the world's greatest triple-jumper became a
legend. He was victorious in the final, finally claiming his gold medal. That's quite an achievement
in view of the fact that his stepmother died a few weeks before the Olympics and he didn't want to
take part.
EDWARDS Teresa (1964) United States
Having won the Olympic women's basketball tournament four times, the American celebrated her
last victory in Sydney as team captain. She was barely 20 when she became an Olympic champion
in Los Angeles. She repeated the feat in Seoul, Atlanta and Sydney. She only failed in Barcelona,
although she won a bronze medal.Teresa Edwards is the most highly-crowned female basketball
player in Olympic history.
EGERSZEGI Krystina (1974) Hungary
This Hungarian was the best woman backstroke swimmer of the nineties. Already a gold medallist
in Seoul in the 200 m backstroke, she carried out a grand slam in Barcelona, winning the 100 m,
200 m and 400 m medley.Again present in Atlanta in 96, she won a new gold medal for the 200 m
backstroke before winning the bronze in the 400 m medley. To this day, she is the female swimmer
who has won the most gold medals; five in total, of which three were won at consecutive games in
the 200 m backstroke. Her pure and fluid style impressed the Olympic spectators just as much as
her slim figure, so different from her East German rivals, who often weighed almost 15 kilos more
than her. The woman nicknamed "the mouse" amassed one of the greatest collections of prizes in
the swimming world purely through hard work. As a child, the young Krystina would get up as early
as 5am to reconcile her studies with her sport.
EGOROVA Ljubov - Russia
This pretty long-distance skier whose first name means "love" was one of the queens of the
Albertville games winning three events.She repeated this feat two years later in Lillehammer,
winning the 5, 10 km and relay events. In addition to these six titles, she won three silver
medals.With six gold medals, Egorova is one of the most decorated female champions of all time.
EKIMOV Vlatcheslav (1966) Russia
This Russian cyclist made a big impression at his last Olympics in Sydney. In the time trial he beat
two of the greatest champions of the present time, Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong, who had been
expected to battle it out between them.Having started on the track, where he cycled his way to an
Olympic team pursuit title in Seoul in 1988, Ekimov became one of the best professional peloton
cyclists. The winner of stages in several major competitions, he was teamed up with Lance
Armstrong for the Tour de France 2000, which the American won.
EL GUERROUJ Hicham (1974) Morocco
The laurel wreath was waiting for Hicham El Guerrouj in Sydney. The world's best middle-distance
specialist had to win the 1500 metres. After all, he had won all the meetings including two world
championships that he had competed in over the previous four years since his fall in the final of the
Atlanta Games.However, the Moroccan champion failed, beaten in the final by the small Kenyan
runner, Ngeni. The man who dreamt of achieving the same glory as his illustrious role model, Said
Aouita, who dreamt of winning every distance between 1500 and 5000 metres, will have to be very
patient. He'll be 30 in Athens and will have to battle with age too.
EL MOUTAWAKIL Nawal (1962) Morocco
This Moroccan athlete was the first African woman to have won an Olympic gold medal. She won
the 1500 m at the games in Los Angeles in '84 at the same time as her countrywoman Aouita
tasted success. After that race, the roads of her native Casablanca were awash with people. This
despite the fact that it was 2am.This brought her much fame in her country and King Hassan
rewarded her handsomely. After studying computing and economics in the United States, she
subsequently became an astute businesswoman and briefly Secretary of State for Youth and Sport.
She has been a member of the IOC ever since.
EL OUAFI Boughera (1899-1959) France
This little fellow of Algerian origin surprised everyone when he won the marathon at the
Amsterdam games in 1928. The former Renault factory worker became a legend and travelled
around the world where he was exhibited in circuses.The rest of his career tells a less happy story.
After having been banned for receiving money for a race in the United States, he opened a café in
Paris only to be robbed by his business partner. This unfortunate man died in poverty, killed by a
stray bullet in a shooting he witnessed.
EL TOUNY Khadr Sayed (1915-1956) Egypt
This Egyptian weightlifter was one of the heroes of the Berlin games in 1936. Not only did he win
with ease in the 76 kg category, but he also lifted 15 kg more than the winner in the category
above (83 kg).He had to wait for ten years to become world champion, a title that he kept for four
years.
ELEK Ilona (1907-1988) Hungary
The best in the world at the time in the foil event, Elek won two Olympic titles 12 years apart. She
was Olympic champion in 1936 and retained the title in 1948 in London.But for the Second World
War, she would probably have had a more impressive haul of medals, since she was again finalist
at the Helsinki games in 52.
ELLIOT Herbert (1938) Australia
Absent from the Melbourne games in '56, the Australian Herb Elliot won no less than 40 races over
1000 m or 1500 m between 1954 and 1960. It was thus that he arrived in Rome for the 1960
games as favourite to win over his preferred middle distance race.He managed to do this without
difficulty finishing his career with this bolt from the blue at the tender age of 22 years old. He
bowed out to devote himself to his family and his work in a petroleum company. A year earlier he
had refused to turn professional despite being offered "a fortune".
ELSTROEM Paul (1928) Denmark
He was the greatest sailor of all time and certainly the most faithful to the games having taken part
in nine Olympics. That's an absolute record.Elvstroem won his first gold medal in Torquay Bay,
England, during the games of '48 and ended his career on the water at the Kiel games in Germany
in '72 and Seoul in 1988, where he celebrated his 60th birthday. The winner in Helsinki, Melbourne
and Rome from 1952 to 60, this son of a captain of an ocean liner won four Olympic golds and
eleven world titles in seven different categories of boat. He is the inventor of the position known as
"the trapeze", whereby a sailor leans outside the yacht to stabilise the boat and observe his
opponents.Apart from being a tireless sailor, Elvstroem is also a shrewd businessman and created
his own boat-making company.
ENDER Kornélia (1958) Germany
To this day she is the best female swimmer of all time. She won four gold medals at the Montreal
games in '76. Three of these were individual titles, each accompanied by a world record.She swam
with such charm and ease that she was spared the accusations of doping that her countrywomen
were subject to.However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the woman who begun swimming to
prevent hip problems acknowledged having been given a number of injections without knowing
what they contained. Swimmers weren't given the choice. It has since come to light that doping
was widespread in East German sport. Married to the two times East German Olympic champion
Roland Matthes, who she has since divorced, Kornélia Ender gave up swimming after her exploits in
Canada to become a paediatrician.
ENDO Yukio (1937) Japan
Along with his countrymen Kato and Ono, Endo was one of the masters of the world of gymnastics
during the sixties. He won the all-round competition at the Tokyo games in '64. In total, he won
five gold medals during his Olympic career, between '60 and '68.He gave his name to a movement
that is carried out on the horizontal bars.
ENGEL-KRAMER Ingrid (1943) Germany
Three gold medals during the Rome and Tokyo games confirmed the domination of this female
diver from Dresden in East Germany. She twice won the springboard event in '60 and '64, having
already won gold in the acrobatic diving event in '60.She thus brought an end to the arrogant
supremacy of the American women in the diving events. In Rome, she beat the favourite, the
American Paulo Myers-Pope.
ENGQUIST Ludmilla (1964) Sweden
Born in the Soviet Union, married and initially known by the name of Narochilenko, Ludmilla
Engquist has many bad memories of the Olympics. She fell in the 100 metre hurdles in Seoul and
was injured at the Barcelona Games.Later, she tested positive and was banned from competing for
two years. She divorced the man she held responsible for her suspension, married her agent and
adopted Swedish nationality.That was when her luck changed. She became the Olympic champion
in Atlanta and the world champion in Athens in 1997 in the 100 metre hurdles. But fate was to
catch up with her. She contracted and beat cancer, eventually retiring from athletics just weeks
before the Sydney Olympics. Even so, she would like to take part in the Salt Lake City winter
Olympics and is preparing to compete in the first Olympic women's bobsleigh event.
ENKE Kania Karin (1961) Germany
Karin Enke entered Olympic competition in the ice-skating event. However, after little success, she
happily converted to speed skating, winning a medal at the Lake Placid games of 1980.Yet the
games in Sarajevo were home to her real triumph. Gold medallist in the 1000 and 1500 m, she
won two silver medals in the 500 and 3000 m.Her durability was also rewarded with two silver
medals at the Calgary games, where she was nonetheless beaten by the Dutchwoman Van Gennip.
ERENG Paul (1967) Kenya
Legend holds that the fabulous Kenyan runners are goat herders form the high mountain plateaux.
The case of Paul Ereng, blows this theory apart.The 800 m Olympic champion in Seoul hails from
the Lake region and went to High School in the United States where he lives and trains.In South
Korea, he was at the head of the Kenyan delegation that obtained four gold medals: Peter Rono in
the 1500 m, Julius Karuiki in the 3000 m steeplechase and John N'Gugi in the 5000 m. this was
one hell of a slap in the face for those who are of the opinion that the Kenyans are not intelligent
runners.
ERMENAULT Philippe (1969) France
A member of the excellent multi-medal winning French track cycling team (9 medals won, four of
which were gold) that took part in the Atlanta games, this track cyclist won two medals.The first
was a silver in the individual pursuit, behind the gold medallist Collinelli from Italy. The second was
gold, for the team pursuit event that he won alongside Capelle, Morin and Moreau.
ERYTHROPOEITIN
More commonly known under the name of E.P.O, erythropoeitin is a hormone secreted by the
Kidneys. It has recently been reproduced synthetically in the form of a drug. For athletes who use
it, it stimulates their production of red blood cells allowing them to increase their capacity to intake
oxygen.It has therefore become the main performance-enhancing drug used by certain groups of
athletes. It is said to be undetectable in urine and blood samples and thus facilitates
cheating.However, this drug is dangerous and can cause heart failure for athletes who take it in
strong doses (e.g., cyclists).During the Sydney 2000 Games, the IOC Medical Commission gave
itself the means to hunt EPO down. Some 2700 tests were carried out, 300 of them specifically for
EP, on samples of urine and blood. All medal-winners were tested automatically. Eleven athletes,
two of them Olympic champions, tested positive. One had used anabolic steroids, the other a
banned substance contained in a cold remedy.
ESTANGUET Tony (1978) France
This young French canoeist became Olympic white water canoeing champion in Penrith Lakes in
Sydney in 2000 in the event his brother Patrice failed to win four years earlier in Atlanta. Tony
dedicated his victory to his brother, who won a bronze medal in Georgia and whom he replaced in
the squad in Sydney.Tony Estanguet is already the reigning European champion in this event, but
the gold medal obtained so young augurs well for future titles. In Sydney he beat the defending
Olympic champion, Michal Martikan from Slovakia.
EVANS Janet (1971) United States
Research has shown the that slimness and buoyancy of this mere scrap of a woman measuring
1.66 m and weighing 42 kg were such that nothing could stop her from making a clean sweep in
the swimming pool at the Seoul games in 1988. Yet, next to the East German swimmers, she
looked like a little girl.She won gold in the 400 and 800 m free style as well as in the 400 m
medley. Present four years later in Barcelona to defend her titles, aged 21, she only retained one
(800 m freestyle) and came second in the 400 m freestyle. On the advise of her coach, she
continued competing until the Atlanta Games. That proved bad advice, for she then barely reached
the final of the 800 metres, where she finished a poor sixth. Janet Evans has lost her top speed. All
that remains is the legend.
EVANS Lee (1947) United States
As one of a group of black students taking part in the Mexico Games in 1968, Lee Evans also
showed his attachment to black power when he mounted the top step of the podium for the 400
metres. Clad in a beret, he raised his fist to the sky.Evans set a new world record in the 400
metres. It would remain unbeaten for almost 20 years. Two days after his victory, he won another
gold medal in the 4x400m relay as part of the American team that beat the world record.After
retiring from competition, he moved to Africa and became a coach.
EWRY Ray Clarence (1873 - 1937) United States
This outstanding American athlete was a phenomenon at the beginning of the century. He won ten
gold medals, which is still the absolute record, some of which were in disciplines that are no longer
part of the Olympic programme, in particular, the standing high jump.Ewry was such an
exceptional athlete that his name remains in the pantheon of the Olympic movement.However,
seemingly cured by a miracle, he should never have been able to walk. He only regained the use of
his legs as an adult, having strangely suffered from paralysis since childhood.Ewry greatest
strength was his elasticity that earned him the name of "the rubber man", and helped him to a haul
of 10 gold medals at the Olympic Games in Paris (1900) and Saint Louis (1904). He later became a
mechanical engineer and had an important post in New York state.
EXERCISES, FLOOR
In gymnastics, the floor exercises last for between 50 and 70 seconds.Using all the surface of the
mat, the gymnasts must carry out three or four series of acrobatics in a minimum of two different
directions. They must also conduct movements showing balance, suppleness and strength. More
and more often, complicated combinations are to be seen, such as is the case with the triple
salto.In the women's event, choreographical movements are more numerous than in the men's
event, combining to a greater extent grace, virtuosity and rhythm.
EXHIBITION, UNIVERSAL
On three occasions the famous Universal Exhibition has taken place in the same year in the country
that is organising the games.Such was the case in Paris in 1900 where the Parisians attached more
importance to the exhibition than to the games themselves. As a result, they lasted for more than
five months.This again happened four years later in Saint Louis in Missouri at the request of
president Roosevelt.Finally in Barcelona in 1992, the games did not suffer from rivalry with the
Universal Exhibition in Seville. The two events were not held at the same time. Furthermore, the
two cities are several hundred kilometres apart.
EYSER George (born in 1871) United States
This American gymnast was a walking miracle. After having his leg crushed by a train and then
amputated, he went on to compete with an artificial leg in the Saint Louis games of 1904. This
handicap did not stop him reaping a "paltry" four gold medals for the parallel bars, the vaulting
horse, the all-round competition and the rope climb. To these four titles should be added two silver
medals and one bronze.
FADZAEV Arsen (1965) Russia
Already Olympic champion in Seoul in '88, this Russian wrestler retained his title in the 68 kg
category with ease, four years later in Barcelona. During this four-year period, he was also five
times world all-in wrestling champion.
FAGGIN Leandro (1933 - 1970) Italy
This Italian cyclist had his hour of glory in Melbourne in the 1956 games. Having won the kilometre
time-trial by beating his closest rival by the margin of two seconds, he went on to win another gold
medal several days later with the Italian team in the pursuit event.Leandro Faggin died young ate
the age of 37.
FARGIS Joe (1948) United States
A friend and business partner of fellow American rider Conrad Homfeld in their native Virginia, Joe
Fargis beat his friend and countryman in the individual event in the Los Angeles games of 1984 to
win the gold medal. However, the two men together won the gold medal in the team event.Fargis
won a medal at the Seoul games four years later, but it was just silver this time.
FENCING
Fencing is a sport linked to combat. Ever since the Greco-Roman era, swords have been used for
fighting. Ditto for the Middle Ages, when combatants used big heavy broadswords.Yet, it was not
until the 16th century that the sword came to resemble those that are used in the competitions of
today. Fencing only became a sporting discipline in Europe at the end of the 19th century.Today,
three different techniques exist:. Firstly, the foil, in which one can only strike the opponent on the
chest.Secondly, In the epee event, a fighter can strike all the parts of the opponent's body but only
with the tip of the weapon, whilst in the sabre event the tip and blade can be used. It should be
noted that the sabre was only wired up to the electronic scoring system from 1987 onwards, as is
not the case in the other events.During combat, the competitor is not allowed to change weapon,
except in the case of injury and only with the referee's authorisation.The masters of this Olympic
discipline are the French, the Italians and the Hungarians.
FENYVESI Csaba (1943) Hungary
This 29 year old physician won the individual epee event at the Munich games in '72. She also won
two gold medals in the team event, in '68 and '72.
FERGUSON Ian (1952) New Zealand
A canoeing legend and four times Olympic champion. He won three of these titles at the same
games in Los Angeles in '84, victorious in the C1 individual event and the C2 and C4 team
events.He was again Olympic champion in the C2 event at the 1988 Seoul games with partner Paul
McDonald.
FERNANDEZ - OCHO Francisco (1950) Spain
The first skier from Spain and from the Pyrenees to win Olympic gold. He won the men's slalom at
the 1972 Sapporo games and won fame in the world cup events by winning several times.
FERREIRA DA SILVA Adémar (1927-2001) Brazil
This Brazilian triple jump champion became a legend by winning two consecutive Olympic titles at
the games in '52 and '56. He won spectacularly the first time, for with each of his jumps, he set a
new world record for the discipline.He gave up jumping a little while later in order to take up a
career in the film industry, being commended notably for his performance in the film "Black
Orpheus".
FESTIVAL, RELIGIOUS
While the origin of the games resembled an initiatory rite to give it the air of a religious festival, in
order to gain the favour of a god (illustrated by the construction of a temple in Zeus' glory in the
centre of Olympia), the modern games are much more like a pagan festival. What matters the
most is the performance of the athletes and the advantages from which the victors can hope to
profit.In spite of this there are examples where an athletes' faith triumphs over sporting
considerations: in Seoul, for instance, where the Israeli athletes withdrew from competitions on the
day of Yom Kippour.Similarly, the American long jumper Prinstein deprived himself of a gold medal
at the 1900 Paris games because the final took place on a Sunday, and to compete would have
gone against his religious convictions.Even today, athletes claim to be inspired by God and
dedicate their success to him... without for all that refusing the benefits brought to them by
victory.
FICHTEL Anja (1968) Germany
Double Olympic champion in the foil event in Seoul in '88, this German swordstress won gold in the
individual and team events. She again climbed onto the podium for a silver medal in '92.During her
years at this highest of levels, Fichtel was also a gold medallist at the World Championships.
FIEDLER Jens (1970) Germany
As the Olympic speed cycling champion in Barcelona, this German rider arrived at the Atlanta
Games as the favourite. The combination of an impressive physique, ice-cold nerves and his way of
intimidating his rivals outside the track ensured he never has great difficulty winning time and
again. But things were much harder in Sydney. Frenchmen Gané and Rousseau were the
favourites. However, they met one another in the semi-final, which left them drained. Fiedler faced
American cyclist Nothstein. It was the latter who surprised everyone by winning the Olympic title.
Fielder ended his Olympic career with two bronze medals in the speed cycling and the Keirin.
FIKOTOVA Olga (1932) Czech Republic and CONOLLY Harold (1931) United States
It is not so much the Olympic titles won by the Czech Olga Fikotova and her fellow discuss thrower,
the American Connolly, at the Melbourne games in '56 that is worthy of fame.Indeed, the most
spectacular moment was when these two lovebirds decided to get engaged and celebrate the event
in front of the 100.000 spectators in the Melbourne Cricket Ground at the end of the games.Despite
this gesture of unity, much more would be needed to break the iciness of the cold war that was
raging between the West and the Eastern Bloc countries at the time.
FILM
Films about the Olympics are rare, yet the history of the movement is marked by wonderful
stories, such as the one that is recounted in the film "Chariots of Fire» a representation of the lives
of the British athletes Abrahams and Lidell. The film won several Oscars in Hollywood.In the same
vein is the "The man of bronze" which evokes the career of the runner Jim Thorpe, deprived of his
Olympic title for having been at one time a professional baseball player.There is also a picturesque
tale of the 1936 Berlin games in which Jean Paul Belmondo stars as a boxer. This was however a
million miles away from the Nazi propaganda film directed by Leni Riefendthal and entitled
"Olympia, or The Two Gods of the Stadium", filmed during the games in '36. Yet, this film was
accorded prizes at numerous film festivals worldwide.Finally, let's not forget the recently made film
produced by Terrence Mallick entitled "endurance" which describes the life and times of Ethiopian
runner Gabresselassie.
FINDLAY Conn (1930) United States
Have boat, will win ; this could be the Olympic motto for this American champion who twice won
gold, in the 1956 games in Melbourne and the 1964 games in Tokyo, and won one bronze at the
Rome games in 1960 in the two-man skulls event. He was again present in Montreal in 1976 taking
part this time in the sailing event, with team-mate Dennis Conner who went on to win the Americas
Cup in 1980. They won the bronze medal in the Tempest category.
FINLAND
A neighbour of Russia, Finland is a great sporting nation which has given to Olympic history such
famous names as Paavo Nurmi, the great cross country skier of the twenties or Lasse Viren, an
Olympic champion in the track events.It is, besides, in athletics, running and the javelin that
Finland counts amongst the best nations in the world.At the winter games, the Finns excel also in
cross-country skiing. Veikko Hakulinen and Eero Maenranta, winners of numerous gold medals are
national heroes.
FINN
In Olympic Sailing, the finn event is is one of the Olympic events in which the competitor is alone
at the helm of the boat. It is a single-handed centreboard dinghy of 4,70 m that manoeuvres in an
Olympic triangle during competition. So that each competitor may enjoy the same chances as his
opponents, the organising committee supplies the boats.Finn has been an Olympic event since
1956.
FIORAVANTI Domenico (1977) Italy
Young Italian swimming hopeful Fioravanti was in devastating form in the Olympic pool in Sydney,
where he proved the best breaststroker by winning the 100 and 200 metres, triumphing over
American swimmer Moses, who had been seen as the overwhelming favourite.A few days later, it
was fellow countryman Rosolino who made a splash in the waters of the Aquatic Center.These two
swimmers gave Italy its first two swimming gold medals and helped it discover an exceptional
generation of athletes.
FISCHER - SCHMIDT Brigit (1962) Germany
Brigit Schmidt was Olympic single seater canoe champion at the Moscow games for East Germany,
and she got two more medals in Seoul in 1988 in two and four seater canoes.These three Olympic
titles crowned a career during which she took the top place on world podiums sixteen times.Having
become Mrs Fischer and then after retiring briefly she trained for the Barcelona games in 1992,
efforts that were rewarded by a fourth Olympic title, this time for United Germany. At the age of
38, she became a living legend and certainly the canoeist with the highest number of medals. In
Sydney in 2000 she picked up her fifth and sixth gold medals by taking both the K4 500 and the K2
500 - twenty years after her first victory.
FISHER Morris (1890 - 1968) United States
This formidable American rifle marksman won a total of five gold medals at the 1920 games in
Antwerp and the 1924 games in Paris. He won his Olympic titles in disciplines that are no longer
part of the Olympic Games.
FLACK Edwin (1873-1935) Australia
The first ever Olympic champion over 800 m at the 1896 Athens games, this Australian runner won
a second gold medal several days later in the 1500 m to become the middle-distance master of his
time.During his spare time, Flack played tennis. He decided to take part in the doubles tournament
in these games and won a bronze medal.
FLAG, THE
The Olympic flag is made up of a white background at the centre of which there are five coloured
intertwined rings: blue, yellow, black, green and red. The blue, black and red rings are on the
upper part pf the flag, with the green and yellow ones on the lower part, forming together a
regular trapezium. It first appeared in 1914, during the 20th anniversary of the re launch of the
games. However, it had to wait until the 1920 games in Antwerp to be run up the flagpole for the
first time.According to tradition, this should happen at the opening ceremony. However, it was
impossible to carry out this innocuous task during the winter games at Saint Moritz in 1928,
because the pulley broke and could not be repaired in time.The flags of the victorious nations are
also hoisted during the presentation of medals to the winners.Another tradition has also been
added to the Olympics: it is today customary for the victor of an event to do a lap of honour, with
the flag of their country draped around their shoulders. However, when the American boxer
Georges Foreman, gold medallist at the Mexico games, brandished the his countries flag in the
ring, his action had political motivations: he wanted to make a stand against the "black power"
movement which was whipping up a storm in the black community in the United States. Finally, on
the point of flags, the sad spectacle of the Olympic flag decked out with swastikas fluttering over
the Berlin games in 1936 should be remembered.
FLAME, OLYMPIC
The flame that has burned at the modern games since those of 1936 in Berlin, is a revival of the
ancient tradition whereby a flame burned in the altar of the goddess Hera during the ancient
games.The ritual remains the same. A few months before the games open, the flame is lit on the
site of Olympia, in Greece. From then onwards, a chain of athletes, taking over from one another
every few kilometres, carry the flame to where the new games will be held. It is not just runners
that carry the flame: swimmers, skiers or handicapped athletes take part in this vast relay.In '56 in
Melbourne, the flame was transported by plane, due to the city's remoteness in relation to the rest
of the world. Such was the case for the Albertville games, when the flame was flown to Paris, by
Concorde. The Australians, not to be outdone, transported the flame by submarine to the Sydney
2000 games in order that it crossed the Great Barrier Reef.It should be note that the official flame
is accompanied by a back-up. It is used to relight the official flame should it go out.
FLANAGAN John (1873 - 1938) Ireland / United States
This hammer thrower of Irish origin wrote himself into Olympic history by winning three
consecutive gold medals between 1900 and 1908. Also a silver medal winner in the shot putt in
1904, he set 15 world records. A policeman in New York, Flannagan was 32 when he won his first
title in Paris and over forty when he won in London. Three years later nostalgia forced him to
return to his island, where he remained for the rest of his life.
FLEMMING Peggy (1948) United States
There is no figure skater who could dream of having a more beautiful nickname than that given to
Peggy Flemming by the experts in the sport "Peggy the Magnificent". Gold medallist at the
Grenoble games, she skated with a rare grace and elegance.Three times world champion, she
became a professional and the captain of a chorus girls group and the end of her amateur career.
FLESSEL Laura (1972) France
This young woman from Guadeloupe faced a cruel dilemma in the final of the epee event in Atlanta
in '96. She had to fight against her French team-mate Valérie Barlois. This fight she won. Both,
however, were successful several days later when they lead the French team to victory in the team
event. Laura Flessel thus became a double gold medallist at these games.She confirmed her
supremacy in the following three years, winning three world championship titles. But she was not
in good form in Sydney, and had to content herself with a bronze medal in the epée after
completely failing in the team competition.
FLEURY Catherine (1966) France
The first French Olympic champion in judo, Catherine Fleury won the gold for the 60 kg category in
Barcelona. This title was a nice present just several months before her wedding.Furthermore, she
showed the way to her young countrywomen.To win this title, Catherine Fleury, who was already
world champion in this discipline, had to go on a strict diet in order to stay within the weight for
her category.
FLUTE Sebastian (1972) France
This young French archer has powers of concentration that are out of the ordinary. In Barcelona in
'92 he won a title that everyone expected him to win after his victory several weeks earlier in the
European championships and the indoor world championships.Those in charge of archery in France
used his image to promote a sport which was largely unknown beforehand.Yet, this success had a
downside. Sebastian Flûte was eliminated four rounds before the final during the Atlanta games.
During four years, he had spent more time doing public relations work than even thinking of firing
off an arrow.
FOLDI Imre (1938) Hungary
Olympic champion in the 59 kg category at the Munich games in 72, this Hungarian weightlifter is
the only champion in this discipline to have taken part in five Olympic Games between 1960 and
1980.This was an exceptional feat, since at Moscow he had just turned 42 and came fifth in the
competition.
FONST Ramon (1883-1959) Cuba
This Cuban was one of the great fencers of the start of the century, winning three individual titles
at the Paris games in 1900 and at the Saint Louis games in 1904. He was victorious in the epee
and foil events, a feat that is impossible in our time since fencers specialise with one single
weapon.
FOOTBALL
With almost 50 million players throughout the world, this is the sport that has the most
participants. To promote football, the world authorities of the sport created the world cup in 1932.
Along with the Olympic Games, it is one of the sporting events most popularised by the
media.From then onwards, the Olympic football tournament has not been amongst the leading
events at the games. The Americans even struck it from the programme in 1932. It was they again
who demeaned the Olympic spirit in 1984 by inviting professional teams, to the benefit of France
who beat Brazil in the final.Since then, the Olympic tournament is reserved for professionals who
are under the age of 23.The best Olympic nations are England, three times winners at the
beginning of the century, Hungary, a three times winner as well, this time in the fifties and sixties,
and Uruguay, twice champion in the twenties.
FOREMAN Georges (1948) United States
Heavyweight Olympic champion in '68, Georges Foreman grabbed fame by brandishing the
American flag at arms length in order to distance himself from the "Black Power" movement. He
went on to become a professional winning the world title in '73, a title that he kept until '77, when
he retired from boxing.He would remain unbeaten in 38 fights before falling to Mohammed Ali in a
bout dubbed "the rumble in the jungle" in Zaire in 1974.Ten years later, he climbed back into the
ring with the aim of becoming world champion again. He clung on to this dream until 1994 when
lifted the champion's belt at nearly 46 years old; an almost unbelievable outcome.
FORTY-NINER (49er)
This boat introduced into the competition at the Sydney Games is an ultra-rapid, 15m_ sailing
dinghy with a long mast and large sail. It is derived from a squat Australian boat called an 18footer which can attain speeds of over 30 knots. The more slender version used in competition is
called a 49er on account of the boat's dimensions: It is 4.9 metres long. It is sailed by a two-man
team.This dinghy accelerates and decelerates very quickly and needs wind to remain balanced. If
not, the sail tends to capsize, in other words, to turn over.At the Sydney Games, Finnish
yachtsmen Johanson and Jarvi won the first Olympic title.
FOSBURY Dick (1947) United States
The planet was stunned by this high-jumper when they saw, at the Mexico games in '68, his
strange jumping style, a style which enabled him to become Olympic champion, jumping the height
of 2,24 m.For the first time, an athletes shoulders passed the bar before the legs, unlike with the
roll technique that was used up until that moment in time. Dick Fosbury had created a style that all
high jumpers would adopt and one that bore his name: the fosbury flop. However, when he was a
student, his coach refused to work with him because he believed Fosbury would never succeed.
Fosbury refused to do the forward roll.This technique is still used today, enabling athletes to jump
bars at a height of nearly 2,50 m. As for Fosbury, he found it difficult to capitalise on his success.
He travelled round the world trying to find a cure for his terrible nervous depression. When he
returned to the United States, he pursued a career as an engineer and tried his luck again - albeit
unsuccessfully - at the Munich Games in 1972.
FRANCE
With a total of just a little more than 150 gold medals won at the games, France is amongst the
leading pack of the best Olympic nations.The most successful discipline for the French has been
fencing, either in the individual event or in the team event. Other leading disciplines of French
sport are: cycling, horse-riding and shooting. More recently, the French have become one of the
best nations in the judo discipline.At the winter games, French sport enjoyed its hour of glory
during the sixties with a remarkable team of skiers. The record of nine gold medals set at the
Grenoble games in '68 was equalled at the Albertville games in 92.
FRASER Dawn (1937) Australia
Dawn Fraser ended her swimming career in '64 after having committed a mistake. She was
suspended for ten years from all competition for having tried to steal the Olympic flag that was
fluttering over the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. A crime of lèse-majesté.However, such a champion did
not deserve to be dishonoured, having won four Olympic titles for the 100 m freestyle in '56, '60
and '64, as well as in the 4x100 m relay. On top of this, she won four silver medals.In spite of her
deed, she was named Australian woman of the year in 1964. She later went into politics. For a
while she was considered for the job of lighting the Olympic bowl at the Sydney 2000 Games, but
the organisers finally chose Aboriginal athlete Cathy Freeman.Despite this, the president of the IOC
invited her to the opening ceremony. There she played the role of "first lady", replacing the wife of
Juan Antonio Samaranch, who was very ill.
FRAZIER Joe (1944) United States
this American boxer was, at the end of the seventies, the only man to tame the monster of the
heavyweight category: Cassius Clay alias Mohammed Ali.Georges Frazier started his career with an
Olympic title at the Tokyo game in '64. After flooring Mohammed Ali the former apprentice butcher
made a fortune from 27 victories in 32 fights. But he subsequently lost to Ali and then Foreman
and ended his career after a series of failures.
FRECHETTE Sylvie (1967) Canada
Due to a points display error by one of the judges, this Canadian would never have won a gold
medal. But, she lodged a complaint, fought for her cause before the IOC commissions and ended
up winning her case, thus being classified joint winner with the American Babb-Sprague, who had
beaten her at the Barcelona games of '92 in the synchronised swimming event. This was something
that could perhaps console her, after the death of her boyfriend several weeks before the games in
Catalonia.
FREDERICKS Frankie (1967) Namibia
He is the best African sprinter of all time and the athlete who makes a collection of failures and
silver medals at the major international competitions.Each time, Frankie Fredericks has just lacked
a little something to become a great Olympic champion: several hundredths of a second.Thus in
Barcelona, hoping to become the first African Olympic champion over 100 m, he lost to Christie. He
was faced with the same disappointment for the 200 m which was won by March.In Atlanta,
Fredericks again tasted disappointment, finishing second in the 100 m behind Bailey and also
second in the 200 m, behind the untouchable Michael Johnson.
FREDERICKSSON Gerd (1919) Sweden
Almost unknown to the general public, Fredericksson was one of the great Olympic champions of
the century.He won six gold medals between 1948 and 1960. The problem was that the Swede
won in a discipline that was unknown: the kayak. Invincible in the single-seater during close to 10
years, he built up a stock of world titles. He was 41 years old when he won his last gold medal in
Rome, in the C2 event. Fredericksson's victories discouraged his competitors because they
appeared easy. He said they were no more than the fruits of his labour. He finally became national
coach after carrying off almost 50 national titles.
FREEMAN Cathy (1974) Australia
Everyone expected to see Cathy Freeman wrapped in the Aborigine flag after winning the 400
metres, we will remember the image of a beautiful young woman in her white costume after having
lit the Olympic bowl in Sydney's Olympic Stadium.The athlete had played along well and gave no
indication that she had been chosen for the Olympic ritual. In fact, the world was captivated by this
petite, 1.64m-tall woman in the centre of the circle of fire which seemed to rise up into the sky. In
a matter of minutes, she had reconciled her Aborigine community with the governing whites,
bringing it universal recognition.But Cathy Freemen is also a brilliant athlete. She finished second
to Marie José Pérec in the 400 metres at the Atlanta Games, but had no difficulty winning in
Sydney in 2000 in front of her home crowd. Her French rival had chosen to miss the encounter and
disappeared two days before the event.As the double world champion in the 400 metres (in 1997
and 1999), the Australian had already demonstrated her potential. For outstanding service to the
Olympic cause and her contribution to the development of sport, Cathy Freeman awarded the
Olympic Order.
FREY Konrad (1909-1974) Germany
Although only third in the all-round competition during the games in '36, this German gymnast was
a great success in front of the Berlin audience in the apparatus competition.He won six medals, of
which three were gold (for the parallel bars, the pommel horse and in the team event).
FRIGERIO Hugo (1901 - 1968) Italy
This walker won two gold medals at the Antwerp games of 1920 in the 3000 and 10.000 metres
walk.He was the first person to adopt the swaying walk style that is synonymous with the
competition-walking event.
FUCHS Jeno (1882-1954) Hungary
The master with a sabre at the beginning of the century, he was the driving force behind the
Hungarian sabre team that were twice Olympic champions in London in 1908 and Stockholm in
1912. In this discipline and during the same games, he won both gold medals in the individual
event.
FUCHS Ruth (1946) Germany
Double Olympic champion in the women's javelin in 1972 and 1976, she threw the javelin further
than 65 m. This performance passed almost unnoticed.At this moment in time, East Germany was
reproached for churning out champions on request.
FUNG Lori (1963) Canada
Thanks to the absence of the major Eastern Bloc nations, in particular the Bulgarians, this
Canadian was the first Olympic champion in the GRS in Los Angeles in '84.A mere 23rd at the
world championships a year earlier, she went to Romania to study and made considerable
progress, which enabled her to win in California.
GAIARDONI Dante (1939), Italy
This high speed track cycling specialist won two medals at the Rome Olympics in 1960, one for the
match sprint and one for the kilometre time trial. He also became World Champion in this field
three years later.
GAINES « Rowdy » Ambiose (1959), United States
This 100-meter freestyle Olympic champion swimmer, and head of the American relay team, also
won the individual title and the 4 x 100 metres team relay at the Los Angles games in 1984. During
this period, he held several World records as well.
GALEN, Greece
Galen could be called the world's first doctor in sports medicine, although his methods were more
akin to those of a quack than a real doctor. He was in charge of a number of athletes at the games
in Ancient times and recommended that they drank ground donkey's hoof boiled in oil and
flavoured with rose petals to improve their performance. History doesn't say whether it worked.
GALFIONE Jean (1971), France
The regular progression of the French pole vaulter Jean Galfione was rewarded at the Atlanta
games in 1996. When Bubka, the best vaulter at the time failed to quality, he cleared 5.92 m and
has not come down since. He is the second Frenchman after Pierre Quinon in 1984 to win the
Olympic medal in pole vaulting.
GAMES, ANCIENT OLYMPIAN
When Pierre de Coubertin decided to revive the Olympic Games in 1896 his intention was to revive
the spirit of the Ancient games. Olympia was not the only city to hold this type of game. Each of
the great Greek city-states had their own games. However, although it did not hold a monopoly on
games, the Olympian games were larger and better known, even though the winner only won a
crown of wild olive. These were the games that carried the most prestige. When the winners
returned home, they received, for instance, financial assistance from the public purse. In those
days the games lasted for five days and coincided with the new moon of the summer solstice. The
games were first held in 776 BC and were abolished by Emperor Theodosius in 393 AD.
GAMES, CANCELLED OLYMPIC
The Olympics had to be cancelled five times, each time because of World War. The first time was in
1916 when the games were due to be held in Berlin. But the Germans, who had started hostilities
decided to cancel of their own accord. Then both Summer and Winter games in 1940 had to be
cancelled because of the Second World War which had started a year earlier. The Summer games
were to have been held in Tokyo, but when Japan went to war with China that was no longer
possible. Helsinki was chosen as the replacement, but it was invaded by Soviet troops. Four years
later, the war was still raging and both Winter and Summer games of 1944 were also cancelled.
The Summer games were to have been held in London and that city finally held them in 1948 once
peace had been restored.
GAMES, INTERMEDIATE OLYMPIC
After the success of the 1896 Olympics, the Greeks wanted to continue holding the games in
Athens. But IOC Chairman, Pierre de Coubertin supported the organization of the games in a
different city every four years. The Greeks then envisaged holding intermediate games every four
years, two years after the official games. They were not able to finance games in 1902, but
managed to get the 1906 games off the ground. This was the first time an opening ceremony was
held. It was the winners of the St Louis games two years earlier who were most visible in Athens.
However, their results never did figure in the results of the Olympic movement. The Greeks had
envisaged holding intermediate games again in 1910 and 1914 but the instability in the Balkans at
the time meant that this was not possible. The 1906 games were therefore the only intermediate
games ever held.
GAMES, MODERN OLYMPIC
The first games in the modern era were organized in Athens in 1896 and were thenceforth held
every four years. There were one or two exceptions. They were not held in 1916 because of the
First World War, nor in 1940 and 1944 because of the Second World War. The first Winter games
were organized in 1924, in the French town of Chamonix. Since that date they have been held
every four years in a town or a ski resort, with the exception of the war years, during the Second
World War. In 1992 it was decided that the Winter games would be held two years after the
Summer games and this has been the case since 1994. In keeping with the Ancient tradition, the
games are organized by cities and not nations. The games venues are designated seven years
before they are held so as to give the cities time to prepare. Organizing the Olympic Games is no
simple matter.
GAMES, NORTHERN
The Northern games were founded by the Swedish Colonel Viktor Gustav Balk, a friend of Pierre de
Coubertin, to enable skaters, cross country skiers and ice hockey players to play each other every
four years along the same principles as the Winter Olympics, which did not exist at that time. The
games were held in Sweden.However, the ice skating events continued to take place during the
Summer Olympics, with the exception of 1912 when the Olympics were held in Sweden. The events
did not take place so as to not overshadow the Northern Games. The members of the IOC thought
this selfish and were upset. In 1921, at the instigation of the French Chaiman, they decided to
create the Winter Olympics which would be of more universal appeal. Sidelined, the Northern
Games disappeared in 1926.
GAMMOUDI Mohammed (1938), Tunisia
This Tunisian athlete was one of the best runners of his generation. He was Olympic champion in
the 5000 metres in 1968 and won three silver and bronze medals at the 1964 and 1972 games in
long distance events.
GARMISH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany
This Bavarian ski resort will go down in posterity under its nickname Ga-Pa. It was here that the
1936 Winter Olympics were organised by Nazi Germany, a prelude to those in Berlin a few months
later. Germany went all out to show an acceptable face to the Nazi regime, hiding Hitler's real
ambitions. This was the first time that alpine skiing became an Olympic discipline. Each of the
winners of the downhill, combined and slalom events won a medal. Until that time a skier had to
win all three events to merit the single medal on offer.Only the Germans Pfnur in the men's events
and his compatriot Cranz in the women'scould save the honour of a poor German team, outclassed
by the Norwegians who had long been the unbeaten masters of speed skating and cross country
events.
GARRRETT Robert (1875-1961), United States
This solid American from Baltimore was the first Olympic shot putt champion in 1896. A few days
later, noticing that the discus thrown by the Greek team was lighter than his, he decided to take
part in that competition, too. And he won, to the great disappointment of the Greeks who
considered this to be their private domain. An obsessive competitor, he also took part in the high
jump and long jump and carried off two more medals, this time silver.
GAUDIN Louis (1886 - 1934), France
This French fencing champion spent many years perfecting his craft before he won an Olympic
medal in the foil and epee despite an evident superiority from a very young age.Although he won
team gold medals in epee and foil at the Paris Games, he finally won the individual gold at the
1928 Amsterdam Olympics at the age of 42. These were his fifth games, and he won the and won
the two events. He is still looked upon as a model of courage and abnegation by French fencers.
GAUDINI Guilio (1904 - 1948), Italy
Three gold medals crowned the career of this Italian fencer which began with a team victory at the
Amsterdam Olympics in 1928. During the 1932 Los Angeles games, he took part in the foil and
sabre events. He won three silver medals. He had to wait until the Berlin games in 1936 before
winning the individual foil event and the gold in the team event.
GEBRESSELASSIE Haile (1973), Ethiopia
World Champion in 93, 95 and 97 for 10.000 m, Vice Champion in 93 of the 5000 m, this Ethiopian
is one of the greatest long distance of the 1990's. In Atlanta he won the gold medal for 10.000 m,
but missed that for 5000 m. It is one of the characteristic features of this champion that he looks
after himself never forces fate but shows himself to be a formidable worker.. His life story is the
subject of a recent film by the producer Terence Mallick called Endurance. A sequel should now be
made. It would take place at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney, where Gebresselassie was able to
defend his 10,000 metres title despite being injured. Although the race was dominated by Kenyan
runner Paul Tergat, whom he had beaten in Atlanta, Gebresselassie was able to snatch victory in
the final metres through a sprint finish.In Ethiopia he fights against poverty and promotes the
education of younger generations. He is a United Nations development ambassador. In the sporting
arena, Gebresselassie is expected to move to the marathon, where other Ethiopians, such as Abebe
Bikila and Mamo Wolde, have made their mark.
GEESINK Anton (1934), Netherlands
When judo became an Olympic sport for men at the 1964 Tokyo summer Olympics ,everyone
expected the Japanese to walk away with the medal. However a Dutch colossus, Anton Geesink
outdid them. He had already been World Champion in all categories for three years. Geesink's
strength was not just his weight (1.98 meters for 118 kg) but also his tactics. He had worked a lot
with Japanese masters to perfect his technique. Geesink is still an institution in Holland. He is truly
popular and many streets bear his name. Today he is the Dutch representative on the International
Olympic Committee.
GEREVICH Aladar (1910 - 1991), Hungary
In spite of his seven gold medals, this Hungarian fencer has did not leave a permanent mark on
the Olympic record books other than the fact that he won medals at every Olympics between 1932
and 1960. In fact he only ever obtained one individual medal for the sabre at the London games in
1948. All the others were team medals. At his side on the podium was fellow countryman Pal
Kovacs, who won six gold medals between 1936 and 1960.Despite this, he did become a model for
young Hungarian fencers. At the age of 50 he was again part of the team that went to the Rome
Olympics. He helped young, up and coming Hungarian fencers to win the team medal again. His
son Pal won two bronze medals in Munich in 1972 and Moscow in 1980.
GERMANY
Whereas Germany is today a nation reunified which remains among the five top sporting squads in
the world, before the fall of the Berlin Wall it was a divided country where winning was a weapon in
the ideological war pitting the Communist regime against the West.In both athletics and swimming,
East-German sportswomen dominated competition over three decades from 1960 onwards. Today,
their questionable preparation methods have been widely criticised. It is now established that their
preparation was based on mass doping. Many athletes today suffer from liver disorders, cancer or
cardiac problems.Two former East German sporting officials were recently convicted for putting into
place a system which allowed a small country of 17 million inhabitants to collect almost 200 gold
medals. Nonetheless, both eastern and western German athletes are still formidable opponents.
Besides athletics and swimming, Germany also performs well in cycling, horse jumping and nautical
sports, particularly canoeing and sailing.The country organised the 1936 games at Berlin and
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the 1972 Munich games.
GERMESHAUSEN Bernhard (1951), Germany
He is one of the great bobsledders of the 1970's. He won three Olympic medals in the two-member
team before going on to win twice with the East-German four-member bobsled at Innsbruck in
1976. He won a medal again in 1980 at the Lake Placid games in the two-member event..
GESTRING Marjorie (1922 - 1992), United States
This Californian diver was one of the youngest Olympic champions ever in any discipline. She won
the springboard event at the Berlin games in 1936 when she was 13 years 9 months. She then
ended her sports career.
GEWENIGER Ute (1964), Germany
This East-German swimmer was only 16 when she won the 100 m free-style at the Moscow
Olympics in 1980, before going on to help her team members win the 4 x 100 m medley relay.
That same year she won the World Record for the 200m individual medley which is not an Olympic
event. She held on to her title until the Barcelona Olympics, 12 years later.
GIOVANETTI Luciano (1945), Italy
Trapshooting is the sport of this Italian who dominated the sport at the beginning of the 1980's.
Trapshooting is a sport derived from clay pigeon shooting. Participants fire shotguns at a maximum
of targets catapulted into the air at varying angles and speeds by mechanical devices. Giovanetti
won two consecutive Olympic titles, in Moscow and in Los Angeles in 1984.
GIRARDELLI Marc (1963), Luxemburg
He is the best all-round skier of his generation and has won a record number of World Cup events
(43). And yet Girardelli and his father are the only two registered competitive skiers in the country.
Originally from Austria, Girardelli would have like to see the flag of his adopted country flying in
Lillehammer or Albertville. But each time he missed the gold medal. He won two gold medals in
France and two silver medals in Norway.
GOEHR Marlies (1958), Germany
For many years Marlies Goehr was the best European female sprinter, the only one able to keep up
with the Americans. World 100 m Champion, several times European Champion, she was Olympic
champion twice with the East-German team in the 4x100 m relay in 1976 and 1980.
GOITSCHEL Christine (1944), France
She was the first ever French female Olympic champion skier. She won ahead of her sister Marielle
in the super G at the Innsbruck games in 1964. She would no doubt have gone on to an even
greater career if she hadn't decided to abandon competitive skiing and marry her trainer.
GOITSCHEL Marielle (1945), France
She is still today the best French female skier ever with a unique record both in Olympic and World
Cup competitions. Second in the special slalom after her sister in 1964, she won ahead of Christine
in the giant slalom. Four years later in Grenoble she was again a winner. She won the gold medal
for the special slalom that she had missed by a whisker in Innsbruck ! The title remained in the
family. In between, Marielle set about collecting victories in World Cup events, seven in all.
GOLF
This sport was probably invented by Scottish shepherds hitting at stones with a stick about 500
years ago. In the 15th century, students at St Andrew's turned it into a sport but the rules were
only firmly laid down about 300 years later. From that date the sport became popular in England
and then spread to the rest of the world. It became an Olympic sport in 1900 and in 1904, there
was a competition for both men and women in Paris, and for men only in St Louis.
GOLUBNICHY Viktor (1936), Russia
He is the greatest walker of all times. It is said that he walked a distance of twice around the world
in competitions. A career which ended at the age of 40 after two Olympic medals for the 20
kilometre event in Rome and Tokyo in 1960 and 1964, a silver medal in Munich in 1972 and a
seventh place in Montreal in 1976, where he ended his career
GONZALES Paul (1964), United States
This American boxer is very small. He boxes in the flyweight category (47 kg) and has an
enormous heart. His past cannot really be commended. He was accused of murder and got a bullet
in the head in a gang war at home in Los Angeles. This unusual beginning finally led him to boxing.
And it was a cop that started him off. He dedicated his gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles
Olympics to his mentor to remind everyone that there are always ways of getting out of even the
worst situations.
GOODELL Brian (1959), United States
This swimmer rapidly became a long distance World Record holder and Olympic champion at the
Montreal Olympics in the 400 m and 1500 m free-style. The Californian has also often been World
Champion in these events.
GORDEIEVA Ekatarina (1971) - GRINKOV Sergei (1967 - 1995), Russia
Young and handsome with a terrific artistic sense and agility on ice, they could not win the gold
medal at the 1988 Calgary games for pairs skating. They then got married, had a baby and turned
professional. Six years later they returned to their amateur status again so as to qualify for the
Lillehammer games. They again won the publics hearts and were awarded the gold medal.
But all their happiness came to an end when Sergei collapsed during a routine training session. He
died at the hospital, leaving behind his young wife and 3-year-old daughter. He was only 28.
GOROKHOVA Galina (1938), Russia
Considered to be the best female fencer in the 1960's, Gorokhova took the World foil title in 1965
and 1970. Unfortunately at the Olympics she never managed to win in individual events, although
she did manage to get a bronze in 1972. However, she was three times Olympic champion in team
events in 1960, 1968 and 1972, and won the team silver in 1964.
GOROKHOVSKAYA Maria (1921), Russia
This Russian gymnast showed the way for all future generations. She was the first Russian Olympic
champion in the all-round competition at the 1952 Helsinki games and also won four individual
silver medals for the balance beam, floor exercise, uneven bars and vault.
GOULD Shane (1956), Australia
This Australian had everything of the baby champion as she cuddled her toy kangaroo on the
podium at the 1972 Munich games. She was to return to the podium five times and, in particular,
received three gold medals in the 200 and 400 metres freestyle and 200 metre individual medley.
After this staggering success in Bavaria, Shane gave up competitive swimming at 17. Like in all
good stories, she married, had lots of children and now breeds horses on a ranch.
GRAFF Steffi (1969), Germany
After having dominated the women's professional tennis circuit for many years, the German
champion carried off the first unofficial Olympic title in 1984 at the Los Angeles games. Tennis was
still only a demonstration sport at that time. It had been barred from the Olympic programme in
1924 because of the professional status of players. By the 1988 games in Seoul, tennis had
become an Olympic sport again and Steffi Graff was there to win. She could have won a third
Olympic title in Barcelona had it not been for the will of a young American player called Jennifer
Capriati. After 22 Grand Slam victories and problems with the tax authorities, the German
champion lost her taste for playing and retired. She now supports her partner, Andre Agassi, from
courtside. In honour of her 22 Grand Slam victories and two Olympic titles, Graf was recently
awarded the Olympic Order, the more important medal of its kind.
GRAFSTROM Gillis (1893 - 1938), Sweden
Triple Olympic champion in figure skating, Grafstrom was a wonderful skater. He took his first title
at the summer games in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920. He followed on from his compatriot, Salchow,
who had first won the medal in 1908. Grafstrom kept his title at Chamonix in 1924 and again in
Saint Moritz in 1928
GREAT BRITAIN
With more than 600 medals won since the beginning of the Modern Olympics, Britain is one of the
foremost Olympic nations. The British have stood out the most in athletics, particularly middle
distance events. If the British are so at ease in a lot of disciplines it is probably because they have
invented and written the rules of many sports, including rowing, badminton, football, tennis,
outdoor hockey, and rugby which is no longer an Olympic sport. However, the British domination of
pre Second World War years has somewhat diminished in the last few decades, to the level of other
European nations, with the notable exception of Germany and Russia.
GREECE
Birthplace of the Olympics, it is therefore the blue and white Greek flag that is the first to enter the
Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony of the games. The Greeks tried to revive the games
well before Coubertin, in the middle of the 19th century, but without success. But it was a Greek,
Demetrius Vikelas, who became the first Chairman of the Olympic Committee and his job was to
organize the first Modern games in Athens in 1896. Since that time Greece has not had the same
influence in the modern Olympic movement. Athens weighed little when compared with its
American rival for the 1996 games, Atlanta. Greek sportsmen and women have had difficulty over
the last few decades in making a name for themselves in world class sports events, with the
notable exception of weightlifter Dimas, who won gold medals in Barcelona and Atlanta. However,
the Olympic committee has decided that in recognition for its contribution to the ideals of the
movement, Athens should be awarded the organization of the games in 2004.
GREENE Maurice (1974) United States
Trained like many other people by Californian coach John Smith, Maurice Green became the best
sprinter of his generation in the late Nineties. He holds the world 100m record, at 9.79 seconds and
was the overwhelming favourite in the Olympic 100 metres at the Sydney 2000 Games, which he
won with little difficulty. A few days later, he accompanied the other members of the American
4x100m relay team on the top step of the podium.Because he was injured during the American
trials, he failed to qualify for the 200 metres and did not succeed in adding a third medal to his list
of honours.
GREENE Nancy (1943), Canada
This Canadian skier was so competitive that she was nicknamed the Mongoose. From British
Colombia, in the Rocky Mountains, where she learned to ski, she took the luxury of leading Marielle
Goitschel in the Giant Slalom in 1968. However, the French skier took her revenge in the special
slalom.
GRENOBLE, France
In competition with the Canadian city of Calgary for the Tenth Winter Olympics, this French city
finally won the 1968 games with only three votes to spare.The French State spent a lot of money
to show and develop this part of the Alps. The investment was enormous and took many years to
absorb. General de Gaulle, President of the French Republic, opened the games to a shower of
thousands of paper flowers dropped on spectators from helicopters. The French skiers came to the
fore in these games. Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals and took the grand slam. Marielle
Goitschel won the Gold for the special slalom and the Silver in the Giant Slalom. Guy Périllat, Annie
Famose and Isabelle Mir all won medals, completing a brilliant team led by a historical figure in
French skiing, Honoré Bonnet.
GRIFFITH-JOYNER Florence (1959-1998), United States
There was a lot of controversy after her victories in the 100, 200 and 4 x 100 m at the Seoul
games in 1988. She runs faster than a man, the scandalmongers said. It has to be said that the
Canadian, Ben Johnson had just been disqualified for having taken banned drugs and relieved of
his 100 m Olympic medal. In addition, to mask her impressive muscles, she wore tights in track
events. To draw attention away from these anatomical details she painted her toenails with bright
colours. Her toes were even more talked about than her performances ! Florence Griffith-Joyner
died at the age of 38.The suspicions surrounding her death started up the rumours again that she
had taken performance enhancing anabolic steroids during her sports career.
GRIMALDI Prince Albert, Monaco
The little Principality, an enclave in French territory, had never been able to get a team worthy of
the name together for the games. And yet many international sportsmen and women profit from
this tax-haven. The Chairman of the National Organizing committee, Prince Albert, a sportsman
himself, decided to take up the challenge. He took part in the bobsledding event twice, in Calgary
in 1988 and again in Albertville in 1992. Despite laudable efforts, he had to be content with coming
in lower than 15th place each time.
GRISCHINE Evgueni (1931), Russia
This very great Russian speed skater won four gold medals at the 1956 and 1960 games. He won
twice running in the 500 metres and 1500 metres in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy in 1956 and four
years later in Squaw Valley, USA.
GROETTUMSBRAATEN Johan (1899-1983), Norway
This Norwegian champion was one of the greatest cross-country and Nordic combined skiers in the
early 1930's. He was almost unbeatable. He was six times World Champion in these events and
three times Olympic champion in Saint Moritz in 1928 and Lake Placid in 1932. He won twice in the
Nordic combined and once in the 18km cross country event.
GROSPIRON Edgar (1969),France
In the heavy snow on the ski-jump in Tignes in 1992 you could only see two huge eyes drawn on
his knee pads. Later on you saw the shining face of the French skier Edgar Grospiron. He had just
beaten his team-mate Olivier Allemand in the final of the top Olympic moghul event. He made this
event very popular. Two years later, in Lillehammer, recovering from injury, he had to be content
with a bronze medal.
GROSS Michael (1964), Germany
The poet would have us believe that the albatross cannot walk because of its huge wings. They did
not prevent Michael Gross from swimming. Albatross was the nickname given to this German
swimmer whose long arms enabled him to travel through the water at great speed in a discipline,
butterfly, where this anatomical detail is all important. Micheal Gross won several World titles and
won at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in both 100 and 200 metre butterfly events. He was to keep
one of his medals four years later in Seoul, proving that he was one of the best swimmers of his
generation. The Albatross now uses his feathers to write with. He went on to become a journalist.
GUILLEMOT Joseph (1899 - 1975), France
Joseph Guillemot was a French athlete who won the 5000 m in Antwerp in 1920. It was an exploit,
all the more so since he beat the great Finn champion of the moment, Paavo Nurmi. Two days
later, in the 10.000 metres, he probably would have done the same if someone hadn't stolen his
shoes the day before. The shoes he was lent were too big and had to be strapped on with sticking
plaster to keep them on. He was in front at the last stretch when he developed stomach cramp and
had to let Nurmi pass him. Joseph Guillemot had exceptional physical qualities and was a rare
cardiovascular case: his heart was on the right.
GUNN Richard (1871 - 1961), Great Britain
This boxer was so strong and impressive that he only lost a single fight in a career spanning 15
years at the end of the last century. He was so good that the authorities at the time asked him to
give up boxing so as to not discourage his opponents who withdrew as soon as they knew he would
be in the ring. However, during the London games in 1908, Gunn came out of retirement and took
part in the Olympic tournament in the featherweight category. And of course he won the Olympic
title. He was 37 at the time, and one of the oldest champions in Olympic history.
GUSHIKEN Koji (1956), Japan
In the absence of the Russian World champion, Bilozertchev, victim of his country's boycott, this
Japanese gymnast won the overall competition and a medal on rings at the Los Angeles Olympics
in 1984. He won over the American, Widmar, by the smallest of margins, 5/100ths of a point. That
hadn't occurred for more than 60 years in a general competition at the Games.
GUTSU Tatiana (1977), Ukraine
his little Ukranian gymnast had just turned 15 when she won the overall competition at the
Barcelona games in 1992. She also won the team event for the CIS. With Nadia Comanecci, she is
one of the youngest Olympic champions in this discipline.
GUY Fabrice (1968), France
World Champion skier since the beginning of the 1992 season, Fabrice Guy had no difficulty
showing his strength in the Nordic combined at the Albertville games that year. Idolized by the
French public, he dyed his hair red, white and blue, and had no difficulty in winning the gold medal
and title of Olympic champion. However, he never got back to this level in competitive skiing and
was totally forgotten during the Lillehammer games, two years later.
GUYON Jean Jacques (1932), France
This French rider, a professional soldier, won the full competition at the Mexico games in 1968.
These games were not good for horse riding. A storm held up the event and during the competition
two horses fell and had to be put down.
GYARMATI Dezsö (1927) Olga (1924) Hungary
The longevity and talent of this Hungarian water-polo player made him one of the most decorated
athletes in this sport. He also benefitted from being part of the best team in the world at the time,
which took part in all the Olympic finals between 1948 and 1964. He won three golds in '52, '56
and '64, was a runner-up in 1948 and a bronze medallist in Rome in 1960.His immediate family
also found success in the water. His wife Eva Szekely was Olympic 200 m breaststroke champion in
Helsinki and his daughter, Andrea won a silver in the 100 m backstroke and a bronze in the 100 m
butterfly in Munich in 72.Let's not forget his older sister, Olga, who chose athletics as her sport,
and with good cause. She became the Olympic long jump champion at the London games of 1948.
GYMNASTICS
The word comes from the Greek 'gymnos' which means 'naked'. In antiquity this was how young
Greeks maintained good physical condition. From physical discipline it became a military discipline
and gymnastics were used in the military training of men between two wars, designed to give them
strength. There are six events for men: floor exercise, rings, vault, pommel horse, horizontal bar,
parallel bars, and four for women: vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise. The basics
of gymnastics have not changed much, but they are becoming much more spectacular in form. The
only change to the rules is that floor exercise, which was more the prerogative of women has now
become an event for men as well.
GYMNASTICS, RHYTHMIC
This discipline is open only to women and became an Olympic sport in 1984. It is graceful and
elegant. Gymnasts compete on a square mat and using rope, a hoop, a ball, clubs, and a ribbon (in
separate events), they perform choreographed movements set to music. Some acrobatic
movements are permitted, but no flight is allowed. Each gymnast has to present a composition
lasting about 2 minutes 30 seconds. To date the discipline is dominated by young girls from
eastern European countries.
HACKETT Grant (1980) Australia
Grant Hackett had the potential to oust compatriot Kieren Perkins, the Olympic 1500m freestyle
champion in Barcelona and Atlanta, at the Sydney Games in 2000. He had already done so in the
national trials.In the Olympic pool of the Aquatic Center, he considered it his duty to repeat the
feat. On account of his impressive physique and ability to gobble up the lengths of a pool, he is
bound to remain at the pinnacle of the world long-distance hierarchy for many years to come.
HACKL Georg (1966), Germany
This German is the best luge competitor of his generation. Three times Olympic champion in
Albertville, Lillehammer and in Nagano, this Bavarian has been nicknamed the human cannonball,
and has dominated the sport for 10 years. He has won all the titles possible in a sport, it is true,
practised only by a small number of participants.
HAEMALAEINEN -KIRVESNIEMI Marja-Lissa (1955), Finland
The bronze medal she received for the 5km cross country skiing event at Lillehammer in 1994 was
the culminating point in the career of this Finnish skier which had started 18 years earlier at the
Innsbruck games. During this period she received six Olympic medals and three in Sarajevo in
1984 where she won the 5, 10 and 20 kilometre events.
HAHN Archie (1880-1955), United States
Nicknamed the Milwaukee Meteor this American sprinter was the hero of the St Louis games in
1904 where he won the 60, 100 and 200 metre races. To prevent him from total domination, his
competitors provoked false starts. They were penalized and had to run a yard further. And it did
not stop Hahn from easily winning by a large margin. His victory in the 100 metres was to make
history. On that occasion, he beat the world record, covering the distance in 11 seconds. It would
remain unbeaten for almost 30 years. At the end of his career, he wrote a book called How to run
the sprint.
HAJOS Alfred (1878-1955), Hungary
Barely 18, Hajos was the very first Modern Olympic swimming champion in Piraeus at the 1896
Athens games . He won the 100 metres and the 1200 metres, a distance no longer part of Olympic
events. He became an architect, and won a second Olympic medal in Paris in 1924 for having
designed and built a stadium, thus participating in the development of the sport.
HALASSY Oliver (1909-1946),Hungary
A legendary water-polo player, Halassy was twice Olympic champion with the Hungarian team, at
the Los Angeles Olympics in 1932 and again four years later in Berlin. He was also an excellent
swimmer and was European Champion for the 1500 metre free-style event. However, Halassy
owed his legendary abilities to an accident which, at the age of 11, had meant the loss of one of his
legs. He fell under a tram and had to have his leg amputated. After having overcome this terrible
disability and gone on to a successful swimming career, he was murdered at the age of 37.
HALL Gary jr. (1974) United States
The double gold medallist in Atlanta in the American 4x100m relay 4x100m medley team, this
American champion always dreamt of beating Popov in the 50 and 100 metre freestyle. The
Russian had beaten him twice in Atlanta. To this end he takes nutritional supplements usually given
to racehorses.Gary Hall jr. is no exemplary athlete. He was once suspended for taking drugs,
surprising behaviour for a swimmer who suffers from diabetes.At the Sydney Games, he was back
on top form and continued adding to his collection of medals. Two of these were golds in the
4x100m medley relay and 50 metre freestyle, where he comfortably beat Popov and Van den
Hoogenbrand, the new sprint king, but not fellow countryman Ervin, with whom he tied and had to
share gold. He collected a silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle and a bronze in the 100m freestyle.
HALL Lars (1927 - 1991) Sweden
He was the first Olympic modern pentathlon champion to not have come from the ranks of the
army when he won gold in 1952 in Helsinki. Lars Hall, who was a carpenter, won the silver medal
that same year with his Swedish team-mates. Yet Lars Hall is the only Olympic Modern Pentathlon
champion to have retained his title: he again won the gold medal at the Melbourne games of 1956.
HAKULINEN Veikko (1925 - 2003), Finland
He was the greatest Nordic ski champion of his generation. He carried off seven medals, of which
three were gold, at the 1952 Oslo games and those of Lake Placid four years later. Hakulinen was
also seven times World Champion in this discipline.
HAMILTON Scott (1958), United States
This skater is probably one of the smallest Olympic champions in size. Suffering from a disease
which meant he stopped growing from the age of 10, he became champion at the Sarajevo games
in 1984. The title was a reward for four years at the head of the sport. A virtuoso and an acrobat,
he showed immense technique on ice over these years.
HAMMER
Attracting few adepts, this discipline is based on an old Irish tradition. In the 19th century, the
Irish used to throw cart axles.It has always been a strongman's sport.These days, the thrower
takes up his position inside a cage that opens out onto the field.He swings the hammer round on
the end of a cable with a grip. He has three goes to throw the hammer as far as possible.American
Flanagan at the turn of the century, Irishman O'Callaghan in the thirties and Russian Seykh in the
late 70s were all double Olympic champions in the discipline.
HANDBALL
According to historical documents, handball was invented in Germany at the end of the 19th
century where it was called Tor Ball. It was played with 11 players in each team because it was
played by footballers who could not play outside because of the cold. However, it would appear
that the Czechs also played a similar game in the same period, called Ceska Hazena, as did the
Danish, who called their sport handbol. Today it is played with teams of 7 (6 players and a goal
keeper). Handball became an Olympic sport at the Berlin games in 1936, at the same time as
basket ball, and Germany won the first title.
HANGGI Hermann (1894 - 1978), Switzerland
Switzerland has always produced great gymnasts, the first of whom was Herman Hanggi who won
two gold medals at the 1928 Amsterdam games, for the overall team competition and for the vault.
He missed the overall individual competition by a whisker.
HARRISON Audley (1972) Great Britain
Despite an injury to his left hand, this large British boxer won the Olympic super-heavyweight final
at the Sydney Games in 2000.Harrison, who's nickname is "the H-bomb", brought his opponent
crashing to the ground within seconds of the start of the fight. However, the fight went the full
length after the Kazak found his strength again.The giant boxer immediately announced his
intention to turn professional and pit himself against the sport's greats: Tyson and Holyfield.
HARY Armin (1937), Germany
This white sprinter had a special physiological ability that enabled him to hear the starter's gun
before anyone else. This advantage meant that he could start a few hundredths of a second before
his rivals and win races. Long accused of cheating, Armin Hary nevertheless became Olympic title
holder in the 100 metres at1960 Rome games. He was also the first sprinter to have ever covered
the distance in 10 seconds flat.
HASEK Dominik (1968), Czech Republic
Goalkeeper for the Czech ice hockey team which won the Olympic tournament in Nagano, Hasek is
also the best goalkeeper of his generation. Elected best player in 1998 by the NHL, the North
American hockey league, his ability to anticipate, his vision of the game, his psychological impact
on his opponents enabled his team to beat the best teams in the world in Japan: the United States,
Canada and Russia.
HASWELLE Wyndham, Great Britain
This British runner did not have any difficulty in winning the 400 metre Olympic title in 1908 in
London: he was the only one in the race. The previous day several of his American opponents had
deliberately jostled him and tried to prevent him from winning the race. The judges ordered
another race the next day and the Scot was the only one to show, the Americans had withdrawn,
even though the judges had put in ropes to separate the runners. Ever since that day, lanes have
been present in athletics stadiums.
HATTESTAD Trine (1966) Norway
This world champion and world javelin record-holder waited until the end of the Sydney Games to
announce her retirement from competition. It should be pointed out that she had had an
exceptional season, with five wins in the Golden League meetings and an Olympic title in her
chosen discipline.The Norwegian had found a good way to finish her career considering she had
never come better than fifth in the previous two Olympics in Barcelona and Atlanta despite holding
15 national titles.
HAUG Thorleif (1894-1934), Norway
Hero of the Chamonix games in 1924, this Norwegian cross country skier won both the 18 and 50
km events. A few days later he won the Nordic combined, an event which combines cross country
with ski jumping.
HAYES Robert (1942), United States
Nicknamed the duck because of the strange way he ran like a duck, Bob Hayes was the first
sprinter at the games to run 100 metres in 10 seconds. That was in Tokyo in 1964. Unfortunately
for him, the record was not confirmed.He refused to run the 200 metres but took part in the victory
of the American team and their World record in the 4 x 100metre relay. His last race was stunning.
He was credited with a manually-measured 8.5 seconds, albeit with a running start. Twice Olympic
champion he gave up his career in athletics to become a professional footballer. It should be said
that after 48 victories in a row, he had nothing more to prove on the track.At the end of his
footballing career he succumbed to drugs and alcohol and was imprisoned before going on drug
rehabilitation.
HEBERLE Philippe (1963), France
Target shooting champion Philippe Heberle was World champion at 20 and became Olympic
champion at the Los Angeles games in 1984 at the age of 21. He gave up competition shooting to
pursue other hobbies.
HEIDEN Eric (1958), United States
This muscular medical student with an impressive physique was convinced that he had to win every
event at the Lake Placid games in 1980 in order to make his sport known in the United States. He
did just that and this ice skater became the hero of the games by winning every event in which he
took part. He had prepared himself scientifically and won 5 gold medals. Later on he was to try
indoor cycling but the results were not convincing.
HEISS Carole (1940),United States
This skater won the Olympic ice skating title in Squaw Valley in 1960 at the age of 20. Four years
earlier, she had missed the gold medal by a whisker. Trained by the French trainer Pierre Brunet,
she won all the titles for which she competed in this period.
HELM Rudiger (1956), Germany
This German canoeing champion twice won Olympic gold in the individual kayak event over 1000
metres at Montreal and Moscow in 1976 and 1980. Helm won 6 other Olympic medals, including a
gold for the 500 metre team event in the Canadian Games.
HELSINKI, Finland
The Finnish capital organized the 1952 Olympic Games. It is the smallest city to have ever
organized the games. On this occasion, the Soviet Union became part of the Olympic movement
and participated in the games for the first time. However, even before the games started, it caused
a regrettable diplomatic incident. The powerful Russian neighbours refused to see the Olympic
flame cross their territory. At these games too, Germany and Japan were permitted back into the
Olympic movement but Germany, by then a divided country, had to agree to have the athletes
from both teams represented under one banner. It was at these games too, that the Czech long
distance runner, Emile Zatopek, game to the fore. The games closed on this note and they have
remained in people's memories as one of the best Olympic celebrations ever.
HENARD Nicolas (1964), France
Already the Olympic Tornado title holder at Seoul in 1988, the experienced and talented French
sailing champion Nicolas Henard won again four years later in Barcelona.
HENCKEL John (1954), United States
Although he was World Record holder in the 100m freestyle in the semi-finals at the Munich
games, Henckel did not win the finals. He did, however, win the 200 m freestyle and his first
Olympic title. He became an electrical engineer and was present again at the Montreal games in
1976 where he won the 100 m freestyle and the 4 x 100 m American team relay
HENIE Sonia (1912-1969), Norway
This Norwegian competitive figure skater held the world record for the number of individual
Olympic titles she had won at the Winter Olympics and is still today one of the Olympic ice skaters
with the most medals. She won three titles in Saint Moritz, Lake Placid and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
between 1928 and 1936. Far superior to her opponents, Sonja Henje, also won ten consecutive
World championships. After her brilliant sports career, the Norwegian moved to the United States
to star in a touring ice show. She became a film star and made a number of successful films. She
died at the age of 57 leaving a considerable fortune.
HENKEL Heike (1964), Germany
Apostle of the fight against banned drugs, as one could read on her track suit in Barcelona Athletes
without Doping, Heike Henkel was rewarded for her efforts. She was favourite for the high jump
after having dominated the beginning of the season and managed to jump 2m02 winning the
medal. However, the wind blew in the Stadium preventing her from going any higher.
HERACLES, Greece
Hero of Greek mythology, known by the Roman name Hercules, he is considered to be one of the
founders of the first Olympic Games. He is said to have laid out a precinct for games not far from
the tomb of Pelops, his grandfather, the Altis, a building 192.27 metres long, or 600 times the
length of his foot. But it was King Elides Iphitos who actually instituted the Olympian games in 884
BC.
HERIOT Virginie, France
Heir to the Grands magasins du Louvre in Paris, Virginie Heriot spent her fortune having boats built
for her. She led the French team who won at the Amsterdam games in 1928 on the Zuiderzee
winning 3 legs out of 7 in front of the Dutch team. When she was on her boat, Virginie always wore
a beret instead of a cap. She disappeared while at the helm of one of her boats in the Arcachon
basin, not an area known for stormy waters.
HESSLICH Lutz (1959) Germany
He was the best cyclist in the world at the sprint event n the eighties, and won two Olympic sprint
titles in Moscow in 1980 and eight years later at the games in Seoul. He would have surely won
another medal had he been present at the Los Angeles games but East Germany boycotted these
games. Several months early, he had been crowned world champion.
HEYNS Penelope (1974) South Africa
This swimmer was the first South African Olympic champion ever in any sport. She won the 100 m
and 200m freestyle at the Atlanta games in 1996, opening the way for her compatriots. A few days
later, one of South Africa's athletes, Thugwane, won a third gold medal. After moving to the United
States, Penny Heyns continued her training with an eye on another double in Sydney in 2000. She
failed, winning no more than a bronze in the 100 metre breaststroke.
HICKCOX Charles (1947), United States
Revealed at the Mexico games in 1968, this American swimmer won three gold medals. He won
two individual medals in the 200 and 400 m freestyle and another for the 4 x 100 freestyle relay.
He contributed to improving the World Record in this event.
HICKS Thomas (1875 - ) Great Britain / United States
Olympic history recalls that this British-born American won the marathon at the Saint Louis Games
of 1904. Today Hicks is considered the first doped Olympic champion. A cocktail of cognac and two
strychnine injections helped him complete the event after he encountered serious difficulties not far
from the finish.On arrival in the stadium, he almost passed out. Another competitor, who had spent
a large part of the race on the running board of a car, was almost awarded the gold medal. Luckily
the trick was quickly uncovered.After becoming the Olympic champion in his chosen discipline,
Hicks became a circus artiste.
HIGH JUMP
The high jump, which has been an Olympic sport ever since the first of the modern games, is a
straightforward requirement: to jump over a round section cross bar without knocking it down.
Since it was first practised the technique has changed radically.The original scissors jump gave way
to the roll, face down, introduced by the American Albritton in 1936. Another American, Dick
Fosbury developed a new technique, called the Fosbury flop, in 1968, which consists in jumping
with ones back to the bar. This is the technique that enables athletes to almost reach the legendary
height of 2.50 m.
HILL Albert (1899-1969), Great Britain
When he won the 800 and 1500 m at the Antwerp games in 1920 Albert Hill was 31. The First
World War, which he had taken part in, had just ended, and so he had not been able to blossom as
a world class athlete any sooner. In the 1500 m Hill received the support of his compatriot, NoelBaker, who came second and who was to go on to become Foreign Affairs Minister and Nobel peace
price winner.
HILLMAN Harry (1881-1945),United States
This American athlete dominated the sprint events at the St Louis games in 1904. He won the 400
metres and went on to win the 200 and 400 metre hurdle events. To the three gold medals won on
his home ground, he went on to win a silver medal in the 400 m hurdle event in London four years
later.
HINES Jim (1946), United States
Jim Hines was the first sprinter to achieve under 10 seconds at an American meet (9.95 sec). He
held this World record for 15 years. Olympic champion in the 100 metres at the Mexico games, he
won a second gold medal with the 4 x 100 m team relay beating the world record that day despite
a failed handover. Like his Olympic medal-winning predecessor, Bob Hayes, Jim Hines became an
American footballer at the end of his athletic career.
HIPPODROMOS
A racecourse for horses and chariots in Olympia in the days of the Ancient Olympic Games. It was
located alongside the stadium and women were allowed to watch, and even participate in, events,
contrary to the Stadium which was a masculine domaine. Kyniska, daughter of the King of Sparta
shone here. There would be six teams competing on a course with tight bends in order to win.
HOCKEY, FIELD
As with many sports, field hockey goes back to practices in the Middle Ages. It was called crosses
or jeu du mail during the Renaissance period, and was played with two teams in each camp. In the
second half of the 19th century hockey as we know it today was devised and the first clubs came
into existence in Britain. The British took this sport with them to their East Asian colonies, which
explains the domination even today of countries like Pakistan and India. India has won the games
the most often, 9 times to be precise, 7 of which consecutively from 1924 to 1956. But these Asian
teams have now been replaced by those in Europe on account of a change of playing surface. Since
the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, field hockey has been played on a synthetic surface and clever
stick-handlers have been replaced by physically stronger and faster players, most notably the
Dutch, who are the new field hockey kings.
HOCKEY, ICE
This spectacular and dynamic sport is thought to have been invented by the Canadians in the
Halifax region. Originally, there was another similar sport in existence called Bandy, also played on
ice, but without the present hard rubber disks and with rounded sticks. Ice hockey then gained the
United States and Europe. It became an Olympic sport at the 1920 games in Antwerp. Olympic
tournaments were dominated by Canada and the ex-Soviet Union since then. There were some well
known confrontations in the finals of the Winter Olympics in 1984 and 1988 where the Canadians
played opposite the Big Red Team. And the latter won, twice. Two countries are catching up on the
giants, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
HOFFMANN MOBERG Anette (1971) Denmark
After becoming world champion in 1997, this Danish handball player won her second Olympic title
in Sydney, where she was named best player of the tournament.Having already been crowned in
Atlanta, Anette Hoffmann Moberg made her comeback after injury kept her out of the Danish
national squad a year earlier, when the team was beaten in the quarterfinals and only managed to
finish sixth.
HOGSHEAD Nancy (1962), United States
This American swimmer dreamt of equaling the record of the best swimmers in Olympic history by
carrying off four gold medals. During the 1984 games in Los Angeles she had to be content with
only three for the 100 m freestyle, 4 x 100 m freestyle and the 4 x 100 medley. The fourth medal,
for the 200m butterfly, was only a silver. To obtain this result, the American trained under all
conditions. She admitted to having swum in the pool summer and winter, even when there was a
layer of ice on the diving board.
HOLMANN Knut (1972) Norway
Having already become Olympic K1 kayak champion over 1000 metres and runner-up in the 500m
in Atlanta in 1996, the Norwegian stepped up his performance in Sydney, where he won both the
kayak 500 and 1000 metre races. These three Olympic titles make him one of the best specialists
of his generation.
HOPPE Wolfgang (1958), Germany
A living legend in bobsledding, Hoppe took no less than seven World titles in the mid 1980's. At the
Sarajevo games in 1984 he became Olympic champion twice in both the two and four man bobsled
events. He also won a silver in Albertville and a bronze in Lillehammer.
HORINE Georges (1890 - 1948), France
This French high jumper was never able to do better than a bronze medal at the Olympic Games.
However, he was the inventor of the Californian Roll which enabled him to be the first to jump over
the 2 meter mark.
HORSE-RIDING
If the horse is, as it is said, man's best friend, it is difficult to know exactly when the first events
when man took to the saddle where held. It would seem it was the jousting tournaments of the
middle ages.The first equestrian events as we know them today took place and the beginning of
the 20th century.There are three different events within this discipline:In the dressage event,
practiced individually and in a team, the rider must carry out a series of pre-determined figures.In
the show-jumping event the rider and horse have, as the name suggests, a certain amount of
obstacles to jump in the shortest time possible.Finally, the all-round competition includes three
events in itself: dressage, show jumping and cross-country.Sweden, France and Germany are the
leading nations for this discipline.
HOSTIN Louis (1908), France
With Charles Rigoulot, Hostin is the best French weight lifter. He just missed the gold medal at the
Amsterdam games and had the courtesy to congratulate the Egyptian Nosseir who had just beaten
him. From then on, Hostin was the best in this discipline and won two consecutive titles in Los
Angeles in 1932 and Berlin in 1936. In the German capital he lifted 145 at the clean and jerk which
was the World record at the time.
HOUSER Clarence (1901 - 1994), United States
To become Olympic champion discus thrower at the 1924 Paris Olympics, this American athlete
invented a technique which enabled him to gain speed using a circular movement. A technique
close to that used today. He kept his title four years later, in Amsterdam. After his success at
discus, he also won the shot put, with feet together as was the practise at the time, and won three
gold medals.
HOWEL Lida Scott (1959-1939), United States
While her compatriot Philip Bryant won two of the archery events, Howel carried off the three
others. These two archers were really way ahead of the competition at the St Louis games in 1904.
HOYER-LARSEN Poul Erik, Denmark
Olympic badminton champion at the 1996 Atlanta games, Hoyer-Larsen succeeded in beating the
imposing Asian armada. Semi-finalist in the World championship the preceding year, he was
rewarded with being one of the rare Europeans to be in the top ten World players for many years.
HUBACHER Eddy (1940), Switzerland
This Swiss athlete had dreamt for years of carrying off an gold medal at both the Summer and
Winter Olympics. He started practicing weightlifting and then moved on to the Decathlon. He didn't
have any significant success and moved on to bobsledding. He got a bronze medal for the two-man
bobsled in Sapporo in 1972, and finally a gold for the Swiss four-man team, even if he didn't make
his Olympic dream come true.
HUHTANEN Veikko (1919-1976), Finland
Winner of the overall individual competition at the London games in 1948, this Finnish gymnast
won a second gold team medal.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
At the Sydney Games, tests for erythropoietin (better known as EPO) became effective and many
people believed the fight against doping was in the process of being won. But at the same time the
organisers of the Games announced that tests for the use of human growth hormone would not be
carried out. So doping always has a head-start. Growth hormone, which is thus used to expand and
increase muscle volume as well as to modify the body and speed up the maturation of bones, is
very fashionable in sport.HGH, also known as somatotropin, is a protein secreted by a gland at the
base of the brain. It is a doping substance which enables muscle mass to be increased by 15-20kg
in a matter of months. Growth hormone can be ingested orally or injected.There is now talk of
genetic doping. Methods used to treat serious illnesses such as haemophilia and muscular
dystrophy are apparently being used to help unscrupulous sportsmen and -women. Only genetic
treatments used to cure diseases can provide a means of tracking down such cheats.
HUNGARY
This great sporting nation shines in disciplines such as swimming, fencing and football. The
reputation of Hungarian swimmers is legendary. There have been several world class swimmers
due to the quality of the training practiced. Water-Polo, another event which stems from
swimming, has produced 13 medals, 7 of them gold. The last time was in Sydney after beating its
old Russian rival 13-6 in the final. It hadn't come first since 1976. Hungary has the best sabre
fencers in the world, it won seven team golds in a row between 1936 and 1960. And in football,
Hungary won three titles between 1952 and 1968. It produced players like Kocsis and Puskas. It
should be noted that in tribute to the Hungarian delegation which refused to return home after the
Soviet invasion in 1956, the other delegations marched without their flags at the closing ceremony
of the Melbourne Olympics.
HUNGER Daniela (1972), Germany
A good all round swimmer, Daniela Hunger was gold medallist in the 200 m individual medley and
4 x 100 freestyle at the Seoul games in 1988. She was inspired in Barcelona, but her three medals
were only silver and bronze.
HUSSEIN Manzoor (1950), Pakistan
This hockey player was the leader of the successful Pakistani Olympic field hockey team at the Los
Angeles games in 1984. Considered for years to be one of the best players ever, he finally won the
Olympic medal after having been World Champion twice.
HVEGER Ragnild (1920), Denmark
Hveger was one of the world's greatest swimming champions but never Olympic champion. She did
take part in the Berlin Olympics in 1936 but was too young and only won a single silver medal for
the individual 400 m freestyle. She then went on to dominate world swimming completely as no
one had done before her. But these were the black years (1937-1944) and no Olympic Games were
held. During these 7 years she established 43 world records and would probably have been the
greatest Olympic champion swimmer ever.
HWANG YOUNG-CHO (1964) South Korea
The winner of the marathon at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, Hwang was the second South
Korean to win the event over 42.195km. He was proud to be honoured dressed in the Korean team
strip and to the Korean anthem, which had not been the case for countryman Sohn Kee-Chung in
1936. The latter had won the marathon for Japan, which had annexed Korea.This is the reason
why, on returning from Barcelona, Hwang Young-cho was quick to put his medal around the old
man's neck. "Now I can die without regret," the former champion who had lit the Olympic bowl at
the1988 Seoul Olympic said.
HYMN, OLYMPIC
The Olympics have a very precise and inflexible ceremonial. The five interlocking rings, the flag,
and the motto are all part of this ceremonial, as is, since 1958, the Olympic hymn, by the Greek
composer Costis Palamas. But the hymn is not very well known and a bit old-fashioned. However,
everyone remembers the song that was sung throughout the Barcelona games in 1992 sung by the
rock singer Freddy Mercury and the Catalan opera singer Monserrat Caballe. It became a planetary
hit !
INDIA
India is only really good at one Olympic event, field hockey, but its domination of this sport is
impressive. Nine titles in all, and seven consecutive from 1924 to 1956. Before its first Olympic
defeat at the Rome games in 1960, India had won 30 consecutive matches and scored nearly 200
goals. The leading players, depending on the period, were Richard Allen, triple Olympic champion
from 1928 to 1936, or Leslie Claudius and Rhandin Gentle, triple champion from 1948 to 1956.
They are very technical players who have learnt to play field hockey in bare feet on village squares
using sticks shaped from pieces of wood. Indians are to field hockey what the Brazilians are to
football. Since the arrival of synthetic grass, India has been replaced by European countries, who
play more physical and faster hockey.
INDURAIN Miguel (1964), Spain
Nicknamed the Spanish Grandee because of the way he sits up on his bicycle, Miguel Indurain has
won every race, except a World road championship. He was winner of the Tour de France five times
from 1991 to 1995, of the Giro in 1992 and 1993, World speed record holder, and World Champion
from 1992 to 1994. He finally won an Olympic medal in the kilometre time trial in Atlanta. At the
end of his career, this victory was probably little consolation for his final, disastrous, Tour de
France.
INNSBRUCK, Austria
This charming town in the Austrian Tyrol was privileged to hold two Winter Olympics, in 1964 and
1976. In 1964 the organizers feared that the games would be cancelled for lack of snow. It had to
be brought in by the army. The luge event made its appearance at the games that year. In 1976,
Denver had been chosen to organize the games but the American Ecology movement managed to
overturn plans and Innsbruck was chosen as a replacement venue. A new event made its
appearance in the ice-skating programme that year, ice-dancing.
INOUE Kosei (1978) Japan
Having already become the world champion in the under-100kg category at the age of 21,
Japanese judoka Kosei Inoue has shown since 1999 that he will one day be a great champion in the
sport. Inoue discovered judo as a boy. His father owned a club. Inoue won his first Olympic title in
Sydney, where he beat Canadian judoka Gill in the final.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Established in Paris on June 23rd 1894, on Pierre de Coubertin's initiative, the I.O.C. is the Olympic
movement's governing body. Their authority is independent of any government interference, and
headquarters are located in Lausanne, Switzerland.The I.O.C.'s role is to encourage and promote
the development of sport, strengthen friendship between sportsmen and women and organise the
celebration of the games every four years. I.O.C. members are selected by the organisation itself.
Each country has one delegate, with the exception of the bigger nations, who may have more than
one. To date, the I.O.C. has had seven presidents: the Greek Demetrius Vikelas, the Frenchman
Pierre de Coubertin,: the Belgian Henri Baillet-Latour, the Swede Sigfried Edström, the American
Avery Brundage, the Irishman Lord Killanin and Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch. The I.O.C.
president is elected for a renewable eight year term.
INTERNET, THE
Created in the Fifties and Sixties by the US Defense Department under the name "Arpanet", the
Internet is now a wonderful communication tool with hundreds of millions of users around the
globe. Today it allows anyone with a computer or other communication device to connect to any
other person likewise connected anywhere on the planet.Nonetheless, suspicion about this new
powerful yet not always controllable medium meant that the new generation of journalists who
work for the Net weren't able to cover the Millennium Games. The IOC did not give them
accreditation.Even so, the Olympic movement has long understood how interesting the Internet is.
During the Sydney Games, 35 million surfers visited the IOC's official site, creating 9 billion page
impressions. Less than a million visitors were counted at the IOC's site during the winter Olympics
in Nagano.So for the forthcoming winter Games in Salt Lake City, the Internet allows people the
world over to reserve tickets for entry to the various stadiums.
IPHITOS
King Elides was the creator of the Ancient Olympian games. His intention was to check the plague
epidemic sweeping his kingdom and do away with the wars. He also believed he could calm the
anger of the Gods. The games managed to survive their creator, became very popular, and
sporting events were organized every four years for more than 11 centuries, until the Roman
Emperor of Byzantium, Theodosius I, suppressed all competitions. That was in 393 AD. 1500 years
were to pass before the idea of recreating the Olympics games was formulated by French educator
and thinker, Pierre de Coubertin. The first Modern Olympics was held in 1896 in Athens. Greece
thus remained the birthplace of the Olympic movement.
ISO-HOLLO Volmari (1907-1969), Finland
This Finnish athlete competed in the 10.000 metres and 3000 metre steeplechase which were two
disciplines which did not complement each other. He was twice Olympic champion in the
steeplechase in 1932 and 1936. It should be noted that when he won his first title in Los Angeles,
he ran 3400 metres because one of the judges left his post to answer the call of nature. He also
won a silver and a bronze medal for the 10.000 metres.
ISSORAT Claude (1968) France
The Frenchman, Claude Issorat was to win the 400 m race in the rain and to a welter of applause
from the spectators. During the Atlanta games in 1996, a 400 metre race for wheelchairs was run
as a demonstration in the Olympic stadium to publicise the paraplegic games to be held there a few
weeks later. He proved that his victory was just as great and just as difficult to obtain as with two
legs. During the Sydney Games, this Guadeloupian again spearheaded an association of disabled
athletes responsible for promoting the Paralympic Games. In Sydney's Olympic Stadium, he took
part in the 1500 metres, where he came second behind an Italian athlete. But several weeks later,
during the Paralympic Games, he again won the gold medal. He retained his 400 metre title before
winning the 4x400m relay with his fellow countrymen.Following his latest exploits, the champion
now intends to retire.
ITALY
Like many other Latin countries, Italy has produced some exceptional champions, rather than
exceptional overall results, with two exceptions: the gymnasts, who have dominated the sport
since the beginning of the century, and the fencers, who, along with the French, regularly win in
fold and epee events. In the Winter Olympics, there have some brilliant Italian Olympic champions,
such as skier Zeno Colo, nicknamed the mad skier, cross country champion, Francesco Nones, who
was the first to beat the Scandinavians, or Alberto Tomba, nicknamed la Bomba, triple Olympic
skiing champion between 1988 and 1992, and not forgetting Deborah Compagnoni, another great
Olympic skiing champion.In the Summer Games there was the sprinter Pietro Mennea and the
diver Klaus Dibiasi, triple champion from 1968 to 1976.
ITINERARY
The tradition of the Olympic flame dates back to 1936 for the Summer games and 1952 for the
Winter Olympics. After a few exceptions to the rules, the Olympic flame now systematically leaves
from Mount Olympus to travel to the country and the organizing city. It is the organizers who
decide which route it will take. Most often, the itinerary is chosen for cultural reasons. It is a way to
make the history of a country better known. In total, the Olympic flame has travelled 120.000
kilometres around the world.
IVANOV Vyatcheslav (1938), Russia
Only the Finnish oarsman Pertli Karpinen, the most famous rower of all time, has managed to do as
well as Ivanov. The Russian won three consecutive Olympic titles in the scull racing event, the only
individual event, between 1956 and 1964.
JABOTINSKI Leonid (1938), Russia
In the 1960's, this Russian weightlifter was the first to lift weights over 200 kg. He beat his
compatriot, Vlassov, the holder of the Olympic title, in Tokyo in 1964 when he succeeded in lifting
217.5 kg in the clean and jerk, 2.5 kg more than his opponent. Four years later, in Mexico, he won
the gold again, after having lifted 572.5 kg over three lifts. Jabotinski beat a great number of
records before having to give up his sports career for reasons of health.
JACKSON Colin (1967) Great Britain
There are champions for whom the Olympics are a crucifix. Welshman Colin Jackson made this
bitter realisation in the course of four Olympic Games.A specialist in the 110 metre hurdles in
which he beat the world record and was twice world champion, he never managed to win an
Olympic gold medal. The winner was Canadian runner McCoy, whom his coach had given much
advice.In Atlanta he dominated the heats and again finished at the foot of the podium. He was to
encounter the same disappointment in Sydney, where after brilliant performances in the heats he
finished behind a number of unknowns in the final, including the winner, Garcia of Cuba.
JACKSON Marjory (1931), Australia
Marjory Jackson's hour of fame occurred twice in the Helsinki stadium in 1952, for the 100 and 200
metre dash. At the same time, she had beaten the World records for these two distances. This
young Australian had learnt to run on grass and dug holes in the ground to serve as starting
blocks. She was so talented that the people in her town built her a proper track with starting blocks
to that she could improve her technique and capacity. She returned their kindness in triple. When
she returned home to Australia, the locals made a giant cake to welcome her.
JAHL-SCHLAAK Evelyn (1956), Germany
This graceful young woman dominated women's discus at the end of the 1970's. She won two
consecutive Olympic titles in Moscow and Montreal in 1976 and 1980. She was a lieutenant in the
East German army and won over her Polish opponent, Romani, who was disqualified for taking
banned drugs, the first athlete to be penalized for taking banned substances.
JAMAICA
Jamaica has produced some formidable sprinters. Merlene Ottey never won a gold, but often won
silver medals, even though she dominated women's sprint for nearly 10 years. There was also Don
Quarrie, Olympic champion in the 200 metres in 1976, Ben Johnson, winner in Seoul, but
disqualified, Lindford Christie, 100 metre gold medal winner in Barcelona, and Donovan Bailey, gold
medal winner in Atlanta, were all native Jamaicans. Jamaica is also probably the only Caribbean
country ever to take part in the Winter games. A Jamaican team lined up in the four man bobsled
event in Calgary in 1988. The film "Cool Runnings" partly recounts this story. Although this
participation may appear somewhat unusual, the Jamaicans did a lot better than just show off !
JANZ Karin (1952, Germany
Already a medal winner at the Mexico games four years earlier, Karin Janz managed to win two
gold medals at the Munich games on the uneven bars and on the vault, before going on to become
runner-up in the overall competition. She was the first East German gymnast to win a gold medal
at the games.
JAPAN
A great nation with 120 million inhabitants, Japan was the first Asian nation to organize the games.
Tokyo organized the Summer games in 1964 and Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, organized
the Winter games in 1972 . Nagano, in the Japanese Alps, also organized the Winter games in
1998.Japan invented the first swimming competitions in the 17th century and it was a discipline
which suited the Japanese well. They dominated the Olympic swimming events until their exclusion
when their country went to war. Ally of Germany, Japan did not take part in the 1948 games in
London and St Moritz. Since its reinstatement, Japan has distinguished itself in particular in
gymnastics.
JAVELIN
This is the object that gets thrown the furthest in the stadium. Each athlete has a runway of about
30 metres to help them gain speed. The javelin is thrown in an arc painted on the ground.
Contestants have three chances to throw the Javelin as far as possible within the arc.The best
Olympic Javelin throwers are often Scandinavian, like the Swedish athlete Eric Lemming, twice
Olympic champion at the beginning of the century, and the Finn, Myyra, who succeeded him twice.
At that time, the greatest distance for a javelin thrower was 60 metres. Nowadays it is more than
90 metres !
JAZY Michel (1936), France
This French athlete was probably the most popular of his generation. Son of a Polish immigrant, he
made his mark by winning 60 records, of which 7 were World records. But his Olympic career did
not reach the height of his of his great class. He had to be content with a silver medal in the 1500
m at the Rome games in 1960, behind the untouchable Australian Elliott, whom he had already
beaten several times before the games.
JENNER Bruce (1949) United States
This American athlete achieved an exploit without precedent at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. He
won the Decathlon and at the same time beat two World records, that for the number of points
obtained and that for the Javelin throw.
JERNBERG Sixten (1929) Sweden
Along with Bjorn Borg, Jernberg is the Swede who has won the most titles. He is without doubt the
greatest cross country skier Sweden has seen.He had already won the famous Vassalopett race,
the longest cross country race in the world. Jernberg won nine Olympic medals between 1956 and
1964, four of which were gold. He was 35 when he won his last race, the 50 kilometres, at the
Innsbruck games. He was also World champion four times.
JEU DE PAUME or REAL TENNIS
Ancestor of the popular lawn tennis, this sport is usually played indoors. It was an Olympic sport
only at the 1908 games in London.The game is played generally with one or two opponents, face to
face, separated by a net, as in lawn tennis. The players can also roll the ball on the walls or the
roof. When played outside it is called Longue Paume. In the past it was played by hand, one a side
or anywhere up to six a side. The court was 60 metres long and separated by a net fixed into the
ground.
JOHANSSON Ingemar (1932), Sweden
This Swedish boxer created a precedent at the Helsinki games in 1952 when he was refused the
medal he had won in the heavyweight category. Because he had not fought with all the
determination one would expect from a champion, the judges refused to give him his medal after
his fight with the Olympic title holder, Ed Sanders. He was reinstated thirty years later. In the
meantime, he had defended his World champion title twice in professional fights.
JOHANSSON Ivar (1903-1979), Sweden
This Swedish wrestler won three Olympic medals at the Los Angeles games in 1932 in the freestyle
and Graeco-Roman categories. In order to win the light-middleweight category of the Greco-Roman
wrestling competition in Los Angeles, Johansson had to undertake a perilous exercise: to lose
seven kilos in one day. He therefore followed a draconian diet, did lots of sport and spent hours in
the sauna.Four years later in Berlin the Swedish policeman again found himself on the top step of
the podium, again in the Greco-Roman discipline, although was not his speciality.
JOHNSON Ben (1961), Canada
When this Canadian athlete became Olympic champion and World record holder over 100 metres in
the Olympic stadium at the 1988 Seoul games, everyone cheered his extraordinary exploit. Fortyeight hours later, a medical press release stated that the Canadian had taken banned anabolic
steroids. Everyone knew but no one had said anything. He had in fact been nicknamed Benoid
because of his partiality for anabolic steroids. Stripped of his title and his advertising contracts,
Johnson was requested to return home immediately. This exclusion was to prove salutary in the
fight against banned drugs. However, Johnson didn't give up. After a two-year exclusion, he was
back in Barcelona in 1992. However, he failed to reach the finals and was eventually excluded from
the Olympic village. He was once again convicted of taking banned substances a few months later
and excluded from all competition for life. However, Johnson was allowed to continue his sporting
career in 1999, though not in athletics. He tested negative on three occasions. For the second, he
was convicted of having taken a masking agent to conceal the use of anabolic steroids. That day,
Johnson broke a sad record: he became the first athlete to fail three drugs tests.
JOHNSON Bill (1960), United States
A minor delinquent in his own country, Bill Johnson was the man of a single event: the downhill at
the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984. This race was the chance of his life, the one that would put
him back on the rails again. He was the first ever American skier to win the downhill event and his
exploit evidently showed the way for his compatriot Steve Mahre who won the slalom a few days
later.
JOHNSON Dave (1963), United States
This American athlete is probably one of the most famous bronze medallists of the Olympics. He
was favourite for the Decathlon at the Barcelona games in 1992 after his compatriot, Dan O'Brien,
the World champion was eliminated in the US Championships, but he only came third. But this
third place was worth a first place on the podium, so great was the pain the American champion
had to endure. He had broken his ankle during the qualifying heats, but held on until the end of the
decathlon. The public never knew and booed him from start to finish. He merited the greatest of
encouragements.
JOHNSON Magic Earvin (1959), United States
Hero of North American basketball and the NBA champion, Magic Johnson was with Jordan,
Barkely, Bird and Pipen, the great attraction of the Barcelona games in 1992. The team easily won
the basketball tournament.But Magic was there with another message. Declared HIV-positive, he
intended abandoning professional basketball to lead the fight against AIDS. His appearance in
Catalonia was very useful in the fight against this scourge.
JOHNSON Michael Duane (1967), United States
This son of a truck driver is a sprint locomotive. He was also one of the heroes of the Atlanta
games where he won the 400 m sprint before winning the 200 m a few days later. He was
nicknamed ET. Johnson was in fact the master of sprint and won 6 World titles in 1991, 1993 and
1995. His style was one of power and speed and impressed all those who saw him run. He also won
the Gold medal for the 4x400 m American team relay in Barcelona in 1992.
JOHNSON Rafer (1934), United States
Beaten by a whisker in the Decathlon at the Melbourne games in 1956, this American athlete won
in Rome four years later against the Taiwanese Yang. Yang was the stronger in winning 7 events
out of 10, but Johnson was more regular and finally won the gold medal. After becoming one of the
pillars of the American Democratic Party, Rafer Johnson was at Robert Kennedy's side when the
latter was assassinated in 1968. In 1984 he had the privilege of lighting the Olympic flame at the
Los Angeles Games.
JONES Benjamin (born in 1882), Great Britain
This British cyclist was the great winner of the 1908 games in London. He won the 5000 m indoor
sprint and the team pursuit. He completed his winnings with a silver medal in the 20 km event.
JONES Marion (1975) United States
On the eve of the Sydney Games Marion Jones announced she would be attempting to win five gold
medals and thus become the greatest athlete of all times. Having become the world champion in
the 100, 200 and 4x100m on several occasions, the woman who originally came from Belize in
Central America also wanted to win the long jump and join the 4x400m relay team.Having won
every event she entered, it seemed Jones wouldn't have any difficulties in Sydney. In fact, she
didn't encounter many. She won the 100, 200 and 4x400m relay, but failed to win the long-jump,
finishing only third in both that event and the 4x100m, where the US team was beaten by the
Bahamas and Jamaica.Nevertheless, her quest for medals was anything other than tranquil. Jones
is married to American shot-putter C.J. Hunter, who it was discovered was not allowed to compete
in Sydney because he had tested positive for anabolic steroids on several occasions in earlier
competitions. The US Track and Field Association had concealed this information in order to protect
Marion Jones. In fact, the athlete was not concerned, but her reputation was slightly dented.A
sporting Jack-of-all-trades, Marion Jones won the intercollegiate basketball championship in 1994
when studying communications and journalism. She role was that of playmaker.
JONQUERES D'ORIOLA Pierre (1920), France
This Catalan rider is still the greatest French equestrian to date. He won two medals in Helsinki in
1952 and Tokyo in 1964. To this should be added a World title won in 1966. Pierre Jonquères
d'Oriola had an exceptionally long career and took part in Olympic Games seven times from 1948
to 1972. However, he refused his final nomination, a certain coolness existing between himself and
his National Federation, considering that the horse he had been offered was not competitive
enough. With more than 500 victories in 25 years of competition, Catalan Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola
has one of the sport's most impressive honours lists.
JORDAN Michael (1963), United States
Before becoming the most famous basket ball player in the world, and the highest paid sportsman
for a time, Michael Jordan headed the American team which won the Olympic title at the 1984 Los
Angeles games. He came to give a hand and erase the failure of the American team in Munich,
eight years earlier. With an average of 17 points per match, he became the best player in the
tournament. He was with his partners in the Dream Team again at the Barcelona games in 1992
and carried off the gold medal. These two medals preceded his 5 titles as NBA Champion with the
Chicago Bulls which made him one of the greatest sportsmen of the century.
JOSEPHSON Sarah and Karen (1968), United States
Beaten by a few hundredths of a point at the 1988 Seoul games, the two American twins ended up
winning at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 in the duet synchronized swimming event. They won
over the Canadian team, the Vilagos sisters, who were also twins.
JOUSSEAUME André (1894-1960), France
It was the exemplary conduct of André Jousseaume at Verdun in 1916 that enabled him to attend
the Saumur riding academy after the war and become a brilliant dressage rider. Olympic team
champion in 1932 in Los Angeles, individual silver medal winner in 1948 and team medal winner in
1936, Jousseaume ended his Olympic career with a bronze in 1952. He never came back from the
games empty handed.
JOYNER-KERSEE Jackie (1962), United States
The only athlete to win more than 7000 points at the Seoul games in 1988, this American
heptathlon athlete is no doubt the best of her generation. She also won a second gold medal. She
was again in the running at the Barcelona Games, where she put on an almost equally perfect
performance. She became the Olympic heptathlon champion for the second time and only finished
third in the long-jump.Although she injured herself in the heptathlon in Atlanta, she won another
bronze medal in the long-jump. However, her name and those of her training partners, the sprinter
Florence Griffith-Joyner and the long jumper Al Joyner, her brother, are tainted with a whiff of
banned drugs. The first concerned was Bob Kersee, her husband and trainer. He brushed off the
suspicions surrounding his methods, remarking that the laboratories which carry out the tests on
his athletes had always returned a negative verdict. After retiring from competition, Jackie JoynerKersee returned to her first love - basketball - where she became a coach.
JUANTORENA Alberto (1951), Cuba
This Cuban athlete carried out an exploit at the Montreal games in 1976 when he won the 800 m
middle distance and 400 m sprint, breaking the World record. What's more, he ran the 800 metres
like the 400 - at a sprint.A fierce defender of the Cuban cause, Juantorena dedicated his victories
to his mentor, Fidel Castro. It has to be said that sport is one of the instruments of Cuban politics.
Champions 'defend the flag of the Revolutionary homeland.' This does not prevent exploits, nor
diminish the quality of the athletes who, at the Montreal games carried off 13 medals for their
Caribbean island, of which 6 were gold. Highly respected in his home country, Juantorena was to
become deputy sports minister and president of the national athletics federation.
JUDGE
All sports have very precise rules. The job of the referees and judges is to see that they are
applied. However, some decisions can be open to dispute. This was the case at the Los Angeles
games in 1984 when the French boxer Christophe Tiozzo had the votes of 3 judges out of 5. But
since there must be three votes difference, the judges reversed their decision and awarded victory
to his opponent ! Another example where the impartiality of the judges left a lot to be desired
occurred at the 1908 London games. All the judges were British !
JUDO
Judo means 'gentle way' in Japanese, and was developed by Kano Jigoro at the end of the 19th
century, who adapted it from the martial arts form of jujitsu, an ancient technique. It became part
of the Olympic programme in Tokyo in 1964. The medal was won by Dutchman, Anto Geesink.
Japan waited twenty years and the arrival of Yamashita to win back its crown.Today the sport is
dominated by the French and the Japanese.
KAHANAMOKU Duke (1890-1968) United States
This Hawaiian swimmer became a legend in his native islands after gaining recognition as one of
the best surfers in the world. There is a statue of him on one of Hawaii's most famous beaches,
now a magnet for surf pilgrims.But Duke Kahanamoku also invented the crawl, the fastest
swimming style. With a gold medal in the 100 m at both the 1912 and 1920 games, he improved
his time by two seconds. He also led the US team to victory in the 4x200 m. Kahanamoku
competed in the Olympics for an exceptionally long period of time, continuing right up to the 1932
Games in Los Angeles, where he was a substitute in the water polo team. It was only when his
great swimming career ended that he turned to surfing.Until his death, the champ devoted his life
to coaching young swimmers. He also appeared in Hollywood movies, playing several roles as a
Hawaiian prince.
KAKHIASHVILI Kakhi (1969) Russia / Greece
The fact that he was 20 grams lighter that his opponent from Uzbekistan, Serguei Syrtsv, enabled
the Russian to win gold at the Barcelona games in '92 in the middleweight category. Together, with
the scores tied, they set a new world record for weightlifting.Having obtained Greek citizenship, he
again won gold in Atlanta, this time in the heavyweight category.
KALLIPATERIA - Greece
Daughter of the great fighter Diagoras and trainer of her own son, Pesirodos, Kallipateria broke the
Olympic rule that forbade women entry to the games sanctuary. We are, of course, talking about
the Ancient Games at Olympia.Disguised as a man, she came to Olympia to watch her son
compete. When he won, she went into the stadium, jumped for joy and gave herself away.She
should have been thrown from a cliff for her deed, but was spared because she came from a
glorious family of stupendous champions.
KANIA-ENKE Karin (1961) Germany
This German is without doubt the greatest speed skater of her generation.At the outset, she was
destined for ice dancing, but opted for speed and took all the world titles from 1980 to 1987.She
won her first medal at the Lake Placid games in 1980 before taking centre stage in Sarajevo, where
she won two golds and two silvers.She went on to win three more silver medals in Calgary in 1988.
KARELINE Alexander (1969) Russia
As well as an impressive physique, this Siberian also has a good head on his shoulders. In parallel
with his career as a top-level wrestler, he studied english literature and rhetoric.Aged 21 at Seoul
in 1988, he won his first gold medal in the super-heavyweight category. He kept the title in
Barcelona, four years later. In Atlanta, Karelin became a living legend by equalling the record of
countryman Medved. He won the 130kg class for the third time. His impressive physique and
muscle mass again made the difference against flabby opponents.It was a victory that got him
many invitations to become a professional wrestler in America. He declined. The businessman he
had become had no money worries whatsoever. In 1999 he was elected a member of the Duma
representing Siberia and became an advisor to President Putin.However, Karelin was to meet his
match in Sydney. Although he was the favourite in the Olympic competition, he was surprised in
the final by Gardner of the US. It was his first defeat in 12 years. Even so, he remains the greatest
figure in his chosen discipline.
KARPATI Rudolf (1920) Hungary
One of the greatest sabre champions of all times, Rudolf Karpati carried off six gold medals at the
Olympics: two individual medals in 1956 and 1950 and four team medals in 1948 and 1960.Also a
great music lover, he trained to the rhythm of classical tunes and led his opponents a dance on the
piste, the podium where the competitions take place. He was even compared to an eagle because
of the speed with which he swooped down on his opponents.After becoming president of the
Hungarian fencing federation, Karpati received the Olympic Order in 1990. One of his sabres is
exhibited in the Olympic Museum.
KARPPINEN Pertti (1953) Finland
For 10 years he dominated the skiff competition, the only rowing discipline done singlehanded.With an impressive physique, a little over 2 m tall, Karppinen won three consecutive
Olympic titles from 1976 to 1984.Each time, he overcame German rival Kolbe, who had beaten him
regularly during the world championships. Because the most astonishing thing is that, in all that
time, he only managed to win one world title.
KATO Sawao (1946) Japan
With a total of 8 Olympic gold medals, Kato is the grand old man of world gymnastics. He is one of
the few champions to win the all-round competition twice.He was the star of the 1968 and 1972
games, and narrowly missed a third gold at Montreal. Besides these two titles, he won three gold
medals on the parallel bars and the floor. He was also crowned three times with the Japanese team
from 1968 to 1976. A highly creative gymnast who trained with a trampoline, Kato completed
aerial figures that his opponents found impossible to even imagine.After becoming a university
professor, Kato rose to the rank of vice-president of the International Gymnastics Federation.
KAZANKINA Tatyana (1951) Russia
Several times record holder in the 1500 and 800 m, the Russian athlete was the greatest middle
distance champion in the 70s. She was double Olympic champion in the 1500 and 800 in Montreal
in 1976 and kept her crown in the 1500 m in Moscow four years later.
KEINO Kipchoge (1940) Kenya
In the 70s, he was one of the first Africans to shine amongst the stars of world athletics.Keino took
two consecutive titles in the 1500 m in Mexico City in 1968 and Munich in 1972, going on to win
the 3000 m steeplechase at the German games. Having entered the 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m
in Mexico, the Kenyan could have won the triple if he hadn't suffered a bladder infection. Even so,
he won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 5000m.In Montreal, he was beaten in the 1500 metres,
but got his revenge in the steeplechase. He later became the coach of the Kenyan squad.
KEIRIN
This cycling event much-practised and bet on in Japan became the Olympic flavour-of-the-month
at the Sydney Games. It is a sprint pitting six adversaries against one another. The first cyclist to
cross the line at the end of two laps at full speed is the winner. All - or nearly all - measures are
permitted to clear a path to the front.In Japan, Keirin racers learn their art just like Sumo wrestlers
in specialised schools. There they observe strict rituals. During competition, the riders are
completely shut away to vouchsafe the validity of the betting. The best win considerable sums of
money.In Sydney, Frenchman Florian Rousseau became the first Olympic Keirin champion.
KELETI Agnes (1921) Hungary
As the 1956 Melbourne games opened, the young Hungarian gymnast heard the news of her
mother's death in street rioting in Budapest. Despite that blow, she went on to win three gold
medals on the beam, the asymmetric bars and on the floor, the discipline in which she had already
taken a gold in Helsinki four years earlier.After her four Olympic golds, like many other Hungarian
sportspersons, Agnes Kaleti did not go home. She moved to Israel where she began a career as a
trainer.
KELLER Andreas (1955) Germany
This Germany field hockey player has one of the best collections of prizes of anyone in his sport.
He was twice world champion with the West German team and won Olympic gold in Barcelona in
1992 against Australia. But this was not his first Olympic medal. He had already picked up silver
medals in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul four year later.A physical education teacher, Keller had all
the means at his disposal to become a champion hockey-player. His father, Carsten, had been
Olympic champion in 1972, when the side beat Pakistan, and his grandfather, Erwin, was Olympic
runner-up in 1936 at the Berlin Games, in other words, in front of the home crowd.
KELLY Jack (1890-1960) United States
This rowing champion came to stardom in Antwerp in 1920 with medals in the skiff and the double
scull, together with fellow American, Costello.He took his revenge on the British who had excluded
him from the rowing competitions in London because they were not open to manual workers. At
the time, Kelly was a bricklayer and had a series of 125 consecutive victories.Four years after his
double victory in Paris, he picked up another gold medal with Costello in the double scull. Later on,
his little girl became a Hollywood star who went on to be a Princess in Monaco. He was also the
father of Jack Kelly Jr who was himself a rowing champion in 1956.
KENDALL Bruce (1964) Barbara (1967) New Zealand
A regatta racer since his childhood, it was on a windsurf board that the New Zealander was to
attain Olympic victory. He won on the waters of Seoul in 1988 four years after coming third when
windsurfing first became an official Olympic event. He was back in the running in Barcelona in
1992, but ended up at the bottom of the podium. Even so, he had the fortune to see his sister
Barbara win the women's event. Barbara Kendall was still at the top in her sport at the Atlanta
Games in 1996, but failed in her quest to win a second gold medal. She was beaten by Chinese
wind-surfer Lai Shan Lee.
KENTERIS Konstantinos (1973) Greece
Having come to athletics via the 400m and frequently being injured, this Greek athlete hadn't won
a single international competition before his triumph in the 200 metres in Sydney. Having become
a sprinter only a year earlier, Kenteris' progress was impressive. It was only after he completed
very fast finishes in the heats and semi-finals of the 200m in Sydney that the Greek 100 metre
champion thought he had any medal hopes.His approach to running and way of negotiating the
bends enabled him to reach for the stars. Just like his compatriot Thanou, who finished second
behind the unbeatable Marion Jones, Kenteris showed that Greek athletics is in good shape four
year before the 2004 Games in Athens.
KHORKINA Svetlana (1979) Russia
Having become famous for her magnificent figure, which she displayed in the Russian edition of a
major girlie magazine, the gymnast proved herself at the Atlanta Games in 1996, where she won
the asymmetric bars and came second in the overall team competition with the Russian squad.She
went to Sydney with the intention of winning gold in the overall competition, just as she had at the
preceding world championships. But she failed, to the disappointment of all her fans. Even so, he
retained her title in the asymmetric bars and won another team silver. It was with these laurels
that she retired. That is quite good for a woman who it was said was too tall for a gymnast and had
for a while been forced into rhythmic and artistic gymnastics.
KHRISTOV Ivailo (1960) Bulgaria
The featherweight boxer, bronze medallist in Moscow, finally won the gold medal in the lightweight
category in Seoul in 1988. Born in Turkey and persecuted for it in his adoptive country, Bulgaria,
he finally got his true reward.Until then, he had used several different identities to hide his real
name: Ismail Hjuseinov.
KIEL - Germany
It was in the city on the shores of the Baltic that the sailing competitions took place in 1972 for the
Munich Games.The water was a long way from the Olympic Stadium in Bavaria - over 700 km, in
fact. The games organizers are not obliged to have all the Olympic facilities in one place, even
though it is preferable.
KIELY Thomas (1869-1951) Ireland
At the St Louis Games in 1904, the decathlon as such did not yet exist (it was introduced in
Stockholm in 1912). However, there were ten different competitions. And these were won by Kiely,
an Irishman.Kiely could have had his fare to St Louis paid by Great Britain, but he preferred to buy
his own ticket to give the Emerald Isle her first gold medal.
KILLANIN Michael Morris (1914 - 1999) Ireland
Lord Killanin was the sixth president of the IOC.A former journalist, producer and company
director, he chaired the Irish national committee until he was appointed president of the worldwide
Olympic movement.A debonair personality, Killanin's presidency will be remembered for his open
mind. He battled against the use of drugs while showing tolerance to professionalism, something
that his predecessor, Avery Brundage, fought tooth and claw. When he handed over the IOC
presidency to Juan Antonio Samaranch, he was unanimously elected honorary life president.
KILLY Jean Claude (1943) France
Along with Toni Saler, Jean-Claude Killy is one of the greatest ever champions of Olympic alpine
skiing. He won three golds at Grenoble in 1968, by which time he had dominated world skiing for
three years.However, despite his victories in the downhill and slalom, he only finished third in the
special slalom. Luckily for him, the French ski resort was shrouded in fog that day. The
commissioners watched the film of the race and saw that the two faster men had each missed a
gate. They were relegated in favour of Killy who thus won his third gold medal in the space of a few
days.Since then, Jean-Claude Killy has become an astute businessman and competition organizer:
the Albertville games in 1992 and the Tour de France cycle race.
KILOMETRE LANCE
This is the most breathtaking winter discipline in which competitors fly over the snow at over 200
kph.A demonstration sport in Albertville in 1992, the event was saddened by the death of a Swiss
competitor who crashed during warm-up. That accident compromised the future of the discipline at
the Olympics... particularly as the winner, France's Prüfer, admitted that he lost contact with the
snow during his downhill run.The rocket man reached 230 kph.
KIM KYONG HUN (1976) South Korea
Kim, the first Olympic Taekwondo champion in the over-80kg category, profited from his
controversial semi-final victory over Frenchman Pascal Gentil, who had largely dominated the
fight.However, in the final Kim Kyong Hun did not waste his chance against Australia's Trenton.On
the podium, he invited the Frenchman to join him on the top step. The latter refused, preferring to
savour the honour for 2004 in Athens.
KIM Nelly (1957) Russia
The tiny Eurasian gymnast had to be exceptionally good in Montreal in 1976 to better the great
Nadia Comaneci in the floor and vault exercises at a time when the Romanian was unbeatable.Four
years later in Moscow, the young Russian kept her floor title and won two other gold medals with
the Russian team. With five golds, she had a glittering career, sadly eclipsed by the reign of Nadia
Comaneci.
KIM SOO-NYUNG (1971) South Korea
It was ate the Los Angeles games of 1984 that the Koreans reached the height of their powers in
the archery event. Since then, they have dominated the discipline. In 1988 the young Korean Kim
Soo-nyung started to pick up Olympic medals ; to date she has won four, three of which were
gold.In 1988, she won gold in the individual and team events, picking up her first two medals. She
again won gold in the team event in Barcelona, but, second to her countrywoman Cho Youn-jeon,
she won a silver medal in the individual event.
KIM YOUNG HO (1971) South Korea
By becoming the Olympic foil champion at the Sydney Games, the South Korean became the first
Asian winner of a major fencing competition.He discovered the sport on television as a child and
immediately wanted to be a fencer.A left-hander like the majority of the best specialists, the
Korean is handicapped by his small stature in a sport in which tall athletes take advantage of their
reach. In order to progress, he moved to Europe. Through hard work he was finally able to achieve
his aim: to become the best.Kim Young ho will now devote his efforts to training young Korean
fencers in the hope of being able to defend his title in Athens.
KINGDOM Roger (1962) Great Britain
Kingdom was the greatest 110 m hurdles champion of the 1980s. He was twice gold medal winner
in his specialty in Los Angeles and Seoul.He still managed third place in the 110 m hurdles at the
world championships in 1995.
KIPKETER Wilson (1970) Denmark
Although Wilson Kipketer has dominated the 800m for many years, the Kenyan-born Danish triple
world champion between 1995 and 1999 was never destined to win an Olympic gold.After being
barred from competing in Atlanta because of a conflict with his former athletics federation, he
failed again in Sydney in 2000, beaten on the closing straight by Schumann of Germany, of whom
nobody had expected such a feat.
KIRK Oliver (born in 1884) United States
C'est un exploit jamais renouvelé que réalise aux jeux de Saint Louis en 1904 le boxeur américain
Oliver Kirk. Après s'être imposé dans la catégorie des poids coqs, celle des 54 kg, il empoche une
deuxième médaille d'or lors des mêmes jeux, cette fois dans la catégorie supérieure des 57 kg, les
poids plumes. Aucun autre boxeur a depuis remporté deux médailles d'or dans deux catégories de
poids différentes.
KIRKSEY Morris (1895 - 1981) United States
The eclectics of this great American champion is only equalled by his speed. Silver medallist in the
100 m behind the great Charles Paddock, it was with his countryman that he became an Olympic
champion in the 4x100 m relay team at the Antwerp games of 1920. However, traces of another
title that he won in Antwerp cannot be found in the Olympic archives.He was winger in the
American rugby team that won the gold medal by beating France 8-0.
KIRZEINSTEIN-SWEWINSKA Irina (1946) Poland
This Polish girl has one of the greatest collections of medals in world athletics - the games are
designed just for people like her. Born in a Russian refugee camp, she arrived in Poland at the age
of 8 and rapidly became the best sprinter in the country, thanks to her extraordinary power of
acceleration.Silver medallist in the 200 m and the long jump at Tokyo in 1964, she also won the
4x100 m with the Polish team.In Mexico City, she was Olympic champion in the 200 m, beating the
world record.In Munich, she was bronze medallist over her favourite distance.Aged nearly 30 in
Montreal, she went in for the long sprint and took a new gold medal in the 400 m. In 1998 she
became a member of the IOC after being the president of the Polish athletics federation. Irina
Szewinska is an econometric engineer.
KIWI
The name given to the New Zealand team that has produced so many great champions, particularly
in running.It is also the name of a flightless bird found only in New Zealand and which is the
emblem of the national team.But it may be best known around the world as a green-fleshed fruit formerly known as the Chinese gooseberry - grown mainly in New Zealand and eaten by practically
every athlete in the Olympic Village in Barcelona. The antipodean producers delivered 15 tons of
the stuff!
KJUS Lasse (1971) Norway
Discovered at the Lillehammer games, where this total skier won the gold medal in the combined,
the Norwegian was less lucky in Nagano, four years later.Less lucky, but still good: he took two
silver medals, in downhill and combined. Since then, he has been one of the main coordinators of
the alpine skiing World Cup.
KLAMMER Frantz (1953) Austria
The Austrian was the best downhill skier of the 70s. Several times World Cup winner, he was
crowned Olympic champion at Innsbruck in 1976.
KLEIN Martin (1884 - 1947) Estonia
The Estonian wrestler was unlucky at the Stockholm Games in 1912. Semi-finalist in Greco-Roman
wrestling in the 82 kg category, he took over 10 hours to beat his opponent. In those days, there
were no time limits on matches.Too exhausted, he was unable to compete in the final and
abandoned the gold medal to the Swede Johanson, who won it on a bye.
KLEMENTIEV Ivan (1960) Russia - Latvia - Poland
Klementiev's career has been one of the strangest in Olympic history. Olympic C1 canoeing
champion in Seoul under the Soviet flag, he took part in the Barcelona games in Latvian colours,
only taking a silver.In between times, he collected seven world titles for himself, for Russia, Latvia
and Poland.
KLIM Michael (1977) Australia
Although he was born in Poland, it was in the colours of Australia that this young swimmer
distinguished himself at the Atlanta Games, coming third in the 4x400m medley relay. But it was in
the waters of the Aquatic Center in Sydney that Klim created a sensation.The world champion and
record-holding butterfly specialist beat the record in the 100 metres freestyle in the 4x100m relay
to help Australia win the event. He subsequently won another gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle
and a silver in the 4x100m medley. That was a consolation after failing to win the 100 metres
butterfly, coming second to Frolander of Sweden.
KLIMKE Reiner (1936) Germany
Dr Klimke had to wait until the end of his career as a horseman before winning a gold at the
Olympic Games.He was 48 when he took two gold medals with his horse, Alherich, in the dressage
at the Los Angeles games in 1984. He won the individual medal and the team medal with Uwe
Sauer and Herbert Krug.
KLIMOVA Marina - PONOMARENKO Sergei - Russia
Dashingly elegant on the ice, these Russian skaters are also a couple in real life.Bronze medallists
in Sarajevo, silver medallists in Calgary, they finally won the gold medal in Albertville in 1992
before taking a well-earned retirement from the sport.
KLOCHKOVA Jana (1982) Ukraine
This young Ukrainian swimmer returned from Sydney with a wonderful crop of medals and two
world records without having provoked much enthusiasm among the crowds. However, at the age
of 18 she completed the double in the 200 and 400m individual medley, demonstrating her
qualities as an all-round swimmer.Klochkova also won a silver medal in the 800m freestyle behind
Bennett of the United States.
KOCH Marita (1957) Germany
The first woman athlete to break the 48-second barrier in the 400 m, Marita Koch became Olympic
champion in her specialty in Moscow. At that time, she was unbeatable.She broke 16 world
records, including the 400 m, which she still holds to this day.She was a triple gold winner at the
1983 World Championships in the 200 m, 4x100 m and 4x400 m. This success certainly owed
much to her abilities, but also to her coach, the famous Wolfgang Maier. He was her coach for 16
years before becoming her husband the moment his career ended.
KOCSIS Sandor (1929-1979) Hungary
A magician with his head, Hungarian footballer Sandor Kocsis led his team to the Olympic title in
1952, along with his team-mate Ferenc Puskas.In five years, the Hungarian team was defeated
only once. It was in the World Cup final against Germany. Nicknamed "Goldenhead", Kocsis
continued his professional career in Spain with FC Barcelona.
KOEHLER Thomas (1940) Germany
Along with Georg Hackl, who took over from him a few years later, Koehler is a world giant in the
luge.Several times world champion in the 60s, either alone or in a two-man team, Koehler won two
Olympic titles, individual at Innsbruck in 1964 and in the two-man luge in Grenoble, four years
later.
KOLEHMAINEN Hannes (1889-1966) Finland
The first in a very long line of Finnish cross-country runners, before Nurmi in the 20s and Viren in
the 70s.Kolehmainen won the 5000 and 10,000 m and cross-country at Stockholm in 1912. He
went on to win the marathon at the Antwerp games in 1920. An indefatigable worker, he put
himself on a vegetarian diet and sought the financial advice of one of his brothers to train like a
professional.The runner had only one regret at his first Olympics in Stockholm - that of seeing the
Russian flag hoisted to celebrate his victory. Finland was under Russian domination at the time.But
all that had long ago changed when, in 1952, he was chosen by the organizers of the Helsinki
games to light the flame in the Olympic stadium. Finland was a free country and the blue and white
flag flew proudly over the stadium.
KOLSHINSKI Aleksandr (1955) Ukraine
Facing the world champion, the Bulgarian Tomov, Soviet wrestler Kolshinski was not sure of victory
in the super-heavyweight final in Montreal in 1976. But the Greco-Roman wrestler managed to
make the champion bite the dust.From then on, Kolshinski was a thorn in Tornov's side. They met
again in the final in Moscow four years later, and once more it was Kolshinski who won.
KONDYLIS Kostantin - Greece
Kondylis was a young Greek runner who never made it to the heights of Olympic glory.
Nevertheless, he was chosen to be the first bearer of the Olympic flame from Olympia before the
Berlin games in 1936, when this ancient tradition was reintroduced.It took 12 days and 3000 relays
for the flame to arrive in the Olympic stadium.
KONG Linglui (1975) China
Kong Linglui was already considered the world's best doubles table tennis player together with
fellow countryman Liu Guolang (who won two medals in Atlanta in 1996) when he became the
Olympic champion in Sydney in 2000 after overcoming Sweden's Jan-Ove Waldner, the Olympic
champion of the Barcelona Games. Thanks to him, China is once again the sport's top nation. He
proved this in Australia by winning both the singles and the doubles together with Lui Guolang,
while compatriot Nan Wang won both the singles and the doubles together with Ju Li in the
women's section of the competition.
KONNO Ford (1933) United States
This American swimmer was the only person to win two golds at the Helsinki games in 1952.
Beaten by Frenchman Jean Boiteux in the '00 m, he took the 1500 m and excelled in the 4x200 m
relay. Still at the top in Melbourne four years later, he took the silver in the relay.
KONO Thomas (1930) United States
Crowned "Mr Universe", the man with the best muscles in the world, this Polish-American was also
twice Olympic weightlifting champion.He won his first title in the lightweight category in Helsinki in
1952 and his second in the light-heavyweight category four years later.Back to middleweight level,
he took a silver medal in Tokyo.During this period, Thomas Kono wads four times world champion
in four different categories.
KONRADS Yvan/Jon (1942) Ilsa (1944) Australia
Jon Konrads' parents left Lithuania when the future champion was only two years old. They wanted
to go to America, but Australia was to become their new home.At age 9, little Yvan - nicknamed
Jon by his parents - contracted polio and the doctors advised him to swim lengths in the pool.
Determined not to let them down, by 18 John was the best swimmer in the country.That year,
1960, he was crowned Olympic champion in the 1500 m freestyle in Rome and won a bronze medal
in the 400m and a silver in the 4x200m freestyle. He retired from competition a few months later,
having added 14 world records to his roll of honour.During the Sydney Games Jon Konrads was
invited to open the discussions of the IOC's 111th congress. His good knowledge of French enabled
him to replace an Australian television presenter who had refused to express herself in the
language of Molière.His sister Ilsa won a silver medal in the 4x100m in Rome in 1960 alongside her
Australian compatriots, including Dawn Fraser and Lorraine Crapp.
KORBUT Olga (1955) Russia
Olga Korbut was the very first child gymnast to attract attention at the Olympic Games. She won
two gold medals on the beam and on the floor in Munich, but failed in the all-round competition. At
the same time, she and the rest of the Soviet squad picked up two more team titles in Munich in
1972 and in Montreal four years later. She was twice a silver medallist at Montreal, on the beam
and asymmetric bars.Olga Korbut broke away from the classicism of the Russian school. The public
loved her charm and suppleness. Juries were more severe and found her performances too
spectacular. They refused to award her all the victories at the major international meetings.
KOROIBOS - Greece
Koroibos went down in history at the Atlis stadium in Olympia. He was the very first winner of the
stadium race.His victory earned him the privilege of seeing his name carved in white marble, added
to the register of the Elaeans.It could be said that the history of Olympic champions began with
him.
KORZENIOWSKI Robert (1969) Poland
Having already become the Olympic champion in the 50km walk at the Atlanta Games, this Pole
became the surprise winner of the 20km walk in Sydney, an event with which he is usually ill at
ease. He won out on the track, benefiting from the disqualification of Mexican opponent Segura,
who crossed the finishing line first, but had briefly lost contact with the ground. It is in the 50km
that the Pole is strongest. With victory under his belt, all the pressure was off, and he repeated the
feat, winning the long-distance event too. It is a unique double in the annals of Olympic
walking.With three Olympic gold medals, this Polish athlete, who lives in France, shows he is easily
the best walker of his generation.
KOSS Johann Olav (1969) Norway
Though ill with an inflamed pancreas, Koss still won the 1500 m Olympic speed skating title at
Albertville.Two years later, back home in Norway and obviously feeling much better, he excelled
himself by becoming triple Olympic champion at Lillehammer in the 1500, 5000 and 10,000
metres. In the last competition, he smashed the world record by over 12 seconds.The national hero
now has a statue inside the Hammar Longship, where the speed skating competition took place.
KOSTADINOVA Stefka (1965) Bulgaria
The Bulgarian high jumper took practically every gold medal at the Atlanta games in 1996. Already
world champion in 1987 and 1995, second in the competition in Seoul in 1988, only an Olympic
title had escaped her.She secured it in Georgia by leaping a bar set at 2.05 m. The Bulgarian had
cleared that height for the 20th time in her career. She therefore remains one of the greatest
figures in her chosen sport and still holds the world record of 2.09m attained in 1987.
KOZAKIEWICZ Wladislaw (1953) Poland
During the Olympic pole-vaulting competition at the Moscow Games in 1980, the spectators
whistled at all non-Soviet contestants. Suddenly, this Polish athlete launched himself into the sky,
cleared 5.78m, bettered the world record and won the gold medal.Back on solid ground, he
couldn't resist giving the crowds in the Lenin Stadium the finger. Little did he know that this would
become one of the symbols of Polish resistance to Soviet power. A few years later he was forced to
emigrate to Germany.
KOZMA Istvan (1939-1970) Hungary
How far would this Hungarian wrestler have gone if his career had not been cut short by his
untimely death at the age of 31? No-one can tell, but short as it was, his career was well
starred.Twice Olympic champion in the heavyweight category in 1964 and 1968 against the
Russian Anatoly Roshin, he was sorely missed at Munich four years later. It was only then that
Roshin, his legendary opponent, snatched the title.
KRAENZLEIN Alvin (1876-1928) United States
One of the greatest champions of the early 20th century, winning four gold medals at the same
games.His quadruple success came in Paris in 1900. Kraenzlein was distance champion in the
absence of Prinstein, his most dangerous competitor, who chose not to take part so as not to run
on a Sunday. The two champions could have clashed on the Monday, but Kraenzlein refused. The
two men even got into a fight over the matter.However, this title was not won by default, as over
the next few days he took the 110 m hurdles, the 60 m and the 200 m hurdles. The last two
disciplines disappeared from the Olympic programme many years ago. Above all, Kraenzlein was a
marvellous hurdler, who invented the technique of jumping with the leg outstretched over the
hurdle.
KRAUSE Barbara (1959) Germany
At 21, a ripe old age for a swimmer, Barbara Krause dominated world swimming in the early
eighties after her compatriot and rival, Kornelia Ender, retired.Krause was queen of the Moscow
games where she took the 100 and 200 m freestyle titles.
KRAYZELBURG Lenny (1975) United States
Having been trained at the tough Ukrainian school until the early Nineties and long considered a
promising Soviet swimmer, Lenny Krayzelburg emigrated to the United States with his parents in
1989 to avoid military service.There he worked as a pool attendant. But one victory as a junior
would decide his fate. He enrolled at university in California and became the world champion in the
100 and 200m backstroke the following year. In the meantime he became an American citizen.In
Sydney in 2000, the economics major proved his good form by winning the 100 and 200m
backstroke, his specialities. He collected a third gold medal with the US 4x100m medley relay
team.
KRONBERGER Petra (1969) Austria
The Austrian skier whose style and class lit up the Albertville games.She left the French Alps with
two gold medals, won in the combined and the special slalom.She was the only sportswoman to
take two gold medals at Albertville.
KROVOPUSKOV Viktor (1948) Russia
In the late 70s, the best sabre fencer in the world. He took four gold medals at the 1976 and 1980
games, first individually and then in the team competition with the Russian formation of which he
was the star.
KUIPER Hennie (1949) Netherlands
Few Olympic road cycling champions have ever made a successful professional career. But Hennie
Kuiper is one of them.Olympic champion in Munich, three years later he became world road cycling
champion. One of the great heroes of the Tour de France, with a special talent in the mountains,
Hennie Kuiper twice finished second in the race, behind Thévenet in 1977 and Zoetemelk in 1980.
KUKOC Toni (1968) Croatia
Many times winner of the US basketball championships with the Chicago Bulls and a partner of
Michael Jordan's, Toni Kukoc has always lent a hand to the Croatian selection at the Olympic
Games.The former Yugoslav world champion has been on the podium at two games, taking the
silver at Seoul in 1988 and Barcelona in 1992.
KULAKOVA Galina (1942) Russia
Taking part in her first games in Grenoble in 1968, Kulakova rounded off her Olympic career in
Lake Placid in 1980.In the interim, this excellent cross-country skier won 4 gold medals in the 5
and 10 km and the relay, 4 silver medals, 4 bronze medals and 5 world titles.In short, she was the
top specialist of the seventies.
KULEJ Jerzy (1940) Poland
Few boxers have succeeded in retaining the titles they won at earlier games. But Jerzy Kulej,
winner in the 65 kg category at Tokyo in 1964 was once again covered in gold at Mexico City, four
years later.A point to note is that the Russian Lagutin also showed the same prowess at these two
games.
KUMBERNUSS Astrid (1970) Germany
Triple world champion in the shot-put between 1995 and 1999, Astrid Kumbernuss has an
impressive physique. However, she wasn't spared from injury and considered retiring from
competition on several occasions.The Olympic champion in Atlanta, she had to make do with a
bronze medal in Sydney.
KURLOVICH Alexander (1961) Byelorussia
Kurlovich's past does not plead in his favour. Arrested by Canadian customs officers in 1984 when
caught in possession of anabolic steroids that he was intending to sell, he earned a two-year
suspension from his federation. He used this time wisely, however, and trained hard. His return to
competition was impressive. In the space of six years, he snaffled four world titles and two Olympic
medals at Seoul and Barcelona in the almighty super-heavyweight category.During that time, he
also broke 35 world records.
KUSUMA WIRATAMA Alan Budi (1968) Indonesia
First Olympic badminton champion at Barcelona in 1992, Kusuma was not a favourite for the final.
But just before his turn came, his fiancée Susi Susanti took the women's title.Her victory gave him
a boost and he won easily against his opponent who was later to become world champion. Love
conquers all!
KUTS Vladimir (1927-1975) Russia
When Vladimir Kuts entered the stadium in Melbourne in 1956 to run the 10,000 m final, the public
booed him in reproach for the Russians' sending the tanks into Budapest.But the war of attrition
that he fought against the Briton Pirrie to win the race won him the public's heart and they cheered
him on to victory.The former navy gunner followed his first Olympic victory two days later with a
win in the 5000 m. This time, the Australian crowd applauded non-stop from start to finish.
KYNISKA - Greece
The King of Sparta's daughter, she was the first woman to earn a crown at the games at
Olympia.Her moment of glory came in the chariot race. Six teams were in competition and women
were allowed to take part. But the stadium itself, where the athletes competed naked, was strictly
out of bounds to married women. Only little girls and adolescents were allowed in.In honour of her
victory, a white marble statue was raised to her at Olympia.
LACROSSE
An Olympic sport at the 1904 and 1908 games and a demonstration sport in 1928, 1932 and 1948,
lacrosse began in France, where it was first played in the 16th century, but very little documentary
evidence exists.Lacrosse mixes the rules of soccer and field hockey. It is played on a hard surface
or clay. The object is to score as many goals as possible against the opposition.At the two games
where lacrosse was an official sport, Canada won both gold medals. The silver was won in the first
final by the United States and in the second by Great Britain.
LADOUMEGUE Jules (1906-1973) France
Along with Finn Paavo Nurmi, Jules Ladoubmègue was the world's top middle distance runner in
the nineteen twenties. Too young, he was overtaken in the 1500 m at Amsterdam in 1928 and took
home the silver medal.Four years later in Los Angeles, he was the clear favourite over the distance,
having in the meantime broken 10 world records in the 1500 and 5000 m. Unfortunately for him,
the rules at that time were merciless. For slightly bending the rules of amateurism, he was banned
from all the competitions. Heavy hearted, he watched his long-time rival run to victory, the Italian
Beccali, whom he had always beaten.Ladoumègue never recovered from that heavy blow. After a
career as a music hall artist, he died in despair, penniless.
LAGUTIN Boris (1938) Russia
This Russian boxer began his Olympic career in Rome in 1960, taking the bronze medal in the
super-welterweight category.At the following games in Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico City in 1968,
Lagutin had not put on an ounce in weight, still fighting in the 71 kg category. Both times he took
the Olympic title, a rare occurrence for boxers, who usually turn professional after winning an
amateur title. But what was usual in the West was not in Russia at the time.
LAKE PLACID - United States
A regular candidate to host the winter games, Lake Placid won the selection race for 1932 and
1980.At the first games, the New York State city did not have enough snow. It had to be ferried in
by refrigerated truck so that the games could take place.In 1980, US skater Eric Heiden won every
medal for which he competed on the rink. That year, the USSR and East Germany planned to
boycott the Winter Olympics in response to the US boycott of the summer games in Moscow. In the
end, they abandoned their plans and dominated the competitions.A point to note: the 1980 games
were scheduled to take place in Vancouver, but the Canadian city pulled out at the last minute for
financial reasons.
LAMOUR Jean François (1956) France
The media's favourite French fencer has a rare force of character. Jean-François Lamour won two
Olympic titles in 1984 and 1988 in the sabre, a discipline not much favoured by his compatriots.He
only just missed his third consecutive title in Barcelona, though he was still able to mount the
podium to accept the bronze medal. A trained physiotherapist, Jean Francois Lamour was for a
while a political advisor on sporting matters.
LANCIEN EVEN Nathalie (1970) France
Previously only ever gaining a place in track cycling events, Nathalie from Brittany astounded her
team-mates by winning the points race in Atlanta in 1996. Her gold followed on from that of fellow
Frenchwoman Félicia Ballanger in the speed competition, confirming the excellence of the French
Olympic cycling team. The French brought nine medals back from Georgia, including four golds.
LANDVOIGT Jöro and Bernd (1951) Germany
Jöro and Bernd Landvoigt won two Olympic rowing titles in the coxless pair category in 1976 and
1980. Four years before their first gold, they made a name for themselves by winning a bronze
with their team-mates in the East German eight.The two brothers were also four times world
champions in the 1970s. The twins are as much a team in real life as they are in a boat.
LANE Alfred ( born 1891) United States
Five Olympic golds crowned the career of this American marksman who was as handy with a pistol
as with a revolver.He took three golds in Stockholm in 1912 and finished his career eight years
later in Antwerp, though he took no medals home that last time..
LANES
Lanes were introduced to the athletic track at the 1908 London games to ensure that each of the
400 m competitors had enough room. During this event, the three American finalists obstructed
the British competitor. The judges at the time, who were all British, decided on a re-run the
following day. This time, ropes separated each athlete. This device proved to be a waste of time,
because the three Americans refused to run a second final, and the Englishman Haswelle ran the
400 m alone. Thus it was decided that lanes would be added to the track, to separate the runners.
The ropes initially used have now been replaced by white lines incorporated on the ground.
LANGE Thomas (1964) Germany
Wearing the colours of the newly reunified Germany, Thomas Lange won a gold in the skiff
competition at Barcelona.Four years earlier in Seoul, he had also taken the gold for the skiff, but
that time for the German Democratic Republic.
LANGUAGES, OFFICIAL
French and English are the official languages of the International Olympic Committee. At
Committee sessions, simultaneous translation is provided in German, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.
However, the Olympic rules state that if there is a point of disagreement between English and
French from the official point of view, the French is the authoritative version.That is a hangover
from Pierre de Coubertin. But traditionally, Kings and Presidents have always opened the games in
the language of Molière. However, inn Los Angeles in 1984, US President Ronald Reagan broke with
the rules. He declared the 23rd Olympic Games "open" - not "ouverts" - which aroused anger in
many quarters. Since then French, which is losing ground in the world as a whole, is falling into
disuse at the Olympics. Thus the Games in Lillehammer, Atlanta, Nagano and Sydney were opened
in the language of the host nation despite recriminations by the IOC president.
LAPEBIE Guy (1916) France
Though the French remember cyclist Roger Lapébie because of his 1937 victory in the Tour de
France, they tend to forget his brother, Guy.And yet Guy Lapébie made a name for himself in
cycling at the Berlin games in 1936, winning three medals, including two golds. His first medal
came on the track, while the others were won out on the road. He helped the team to a gold and
won an individual silver medal.Out on the road, he should have won, but in the sprint, fellow
Frenchman Charpentier held onto his shirt, overtook him and won. Lapébie put away his ill feelings
and did not make a complaint, so as not to penalize the French team.
LARSSON Gunnar (1951) Sweden
Larsson was the top medley swimmer in the early seventies. His only rival was the American
MacKee who twice finished second behind Larsson in the 200 and 400 m medley.The 400 m final
was an extremely close-run contest. Larsson touched first only two-thousandths of a second ahead
of MacKee.Swimmers are normally only separated by hundredths of a second in official timing.
LATYNINA Larissa (1934) Ukraine
This beautiful Soviet gymnast was queen of the floor for over 10 years. She remained unbeaten for
seven whole years. She won three gold medals in that exercise in 1956, 1960 and 1964.Besides
being so strong on the floor, she excelled on several different types of apparatus, making her the
sportswoman who has won the most medals at the Games. In her twelve-year international career,
she carried away 18 medals - 9 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze. An absolute record!The ultimate
perfectionist, the Ukrainian athlete composed the music to which she performed, based on folk
songs. She revolutionised the floor exercises, creating completely original movements.At the end of
her brilliant competitive career, she became a gymnastics teacher and was the national coach until
the early Eighties.
LAURIE Ran (1915) WILSON John (1914) Great Britain
At the London games in 1948, these two British oarsmen demonstrated that it was possible to be a
top athlete and have a true career.They were Olympic coxless pair champions, taking a sabbatical
to compete in the games. The two champions were civil servants for the British government in the
Sudan
LAUSANNE - Switzerland
In this Swiss city on the shores of Lake Geneva are the headquarters of the International Olympic
Committee. The IOC is still in the same premises, in the grounds of the historic Château de Vidy,
but their main offices are now in an extension, half-buried for environmental reasons.Switzerland
was chosen to be the seat of the IOC because it was a neutral independent country. Pierre de
Coubertin had taken up residence there at the turn of the century. As the spectre of war loomed
over Europe, he wanted the IOC and its archives to be in a safe place. Not far from the IOC is the
new Olympic Museum which exhibits pieces from the collection of the international sporting
movement.
LAVROV Andrei (1962) Russia
Having already become an Olympic handball champion in Seoul and Barcelona, the Russian
goalkeeper added another Olympic gold to his list of honours when his team beat Sweden in
Sydney.At the age of 38 the man they call "the wall" is still one of the best goalkeepers in the
world. His speciality is saving penalties. Following his victory in Australia he now has the honour of
winning three titles in three different strips: the red one of the Soviet Union in 1988, the green
strip of the CIS in 1992 and the white of Russia in 2000.
LAZUTINA Larissa (1970) Russia
Lazutina and her compatriot, Danilova, were the queens of cross-country skiing in Nagano.While
Danilova took the 15 km, Lazutina snaffled the 5 km, 10 km and relay races. And if she was not on
the top step of the podium, she was always either on the second or third.Already a member of the
champion Russian relay team at Albertville and Lillehammer, she finally won an Olympic gold in her
own right, the logical step up from the 1995 world championships when she won every
competition.
LEBRUN Jacques (1910) France
At the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, 12 regattas had to be won to be sure of a gold medal.
Frenchman Jacques Lebrun was in the lead after the twelfth, but a navigation error in the ninth
regatta cost him his Olympic title - he was disqualified.Luckily, the jury relented and, a few hours
later, gave him back his gold medal.
LEDNEV Pavel (1943) Ukraine
A winner of seven medals at the games, two of which were gold, this Ukrainian pentathlete is the
most decorated of his discipline. However, in order to write his name into Olympic History in
indelible ink, he would have needed to win the gold medals in the individual events: he won them
as part of the Ukrainian team in Munich in 1976 and Moscow in 1980. In the individual events,
Lednev came second in the Montreal games an three times third in Mexico, Munich and Moscow
between 1968 and 1980.
LEE Sammy (1920) United States
For a long time, this Korean-born American diver devoted more time to his medical studies that to
his sport.But he did not go unnoticed. He won the high platform in 1948 and 1952 before going full
time into sports medicine. He was also the trainer of the US Olympic divers when his compatriot
Webster won golds in 1960 and 1964.
LEE Willis (1888 - 1945) United States
Best marksman with shotgun and rifle at the 1920 games in Antwerp, Lee took eight medals back
with him to the States.What is more, six of them were golds. He was the sportsman who won the
most medals at Antwerp.
LEGIEN Wolfgang (1963) Poland
Two consecutive Olympic judo titles in Seoul and Barcelona are proof enough of enormous talent
and a strong force of character suited to top-level competition.That brought him victory in the light
middleweight category in 1988 and the middleweight in 1992.
LEMMING Erick (1880 - 1930) Sweden
This Swedish athlete found his true vocation in the javelin.At the Paris games in 1900, Lemming
proved to be a versatile sportsman by excelling at the pole vault, the high jump and the discus. But
he revolutionized the javelin competition by throwing it like a spear, whereas the other competitors
threw it with two hands, holding the end.This technique earned him two Olympic titles in 1908 and
at home in Stockholm in 1912.
LENGLEN Suzanne (1899-1938) France
Born into a well-to-do family, little Suzanne profited from her father's advice to advance swiftly.
What's more, her game was very modern for the time. She won the French Open and Wimbledon
tournaments six times and remains to this day one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Suzanne Lenglen so dominated the world of women's tennis that she only conceded one set in the
1920 Olympic tournament at Antwerp to reach the final and win. While she was at it, she won the
mixed doubles with her compatriot Max Decujis.Suzanne Lenglen was the first Frenchwoman to win
a gold medal at the games. She was the first champion to wear extravagant clothes on court. She
died of leukaemia at the age of 39.
LEONARD Sugar Ray (1956) United States
In the eighties, Leonard was considered to be one of the best and most gifted boxers of his
generation.He won many world titles in three different categories: lightweight, welterweight and
super-welterweight.Before his professional career, Sugar Ray Leonard won an Olympic lightweight
title in Montreal.Despite his superb record, he retired from the ring in 1983 owing to a problem
with his sight. He made a successful comeback in 1987, taking the world title from Marvin Hagler
who, until then, had had a line of nearly 60 consecutive victories.
LEONIDAS of RHODES - Greece
The runner from Rhodes brought glory to his island home in the ancient games.He won nine times
at three Olympiads between 164 and 152 BC. He did three consecutive "triacteries", which means
that he won three times at the same games.
LESAGE Xavier (1885-1969) France
The best dressage rider at the 1932 Los Angeles games won easily after the Swedish competitor
Bertil Sandström was declassified for encouraging his horse.At the same time, Lesage led the
French selection to victory in the Olympic team competition.
LEWDEN Pierre (1901- 1989) France
For financial journalist Pierre Lewden, athletics was little more than a hobby. But Lewden was a
phenomenon who could have become an Olympic champion if not for his size.On the small side, he
nonetheless managed to jump almost thirty centimetres more than his own height at the 1924
Olympic finals in Paris. Lewden jumped 1.95 m at came third in the competition. He held the
French record for twenty years. Four years later in Amsterdam he involuntarily became the
spokesman for the French squad. The story unfolded on the day of the opening ceremony. The
French bus was turned back on its arrival at the Olympic stadium by an over-zealous security
official who thought he had been snubbed by members of the delegation the night before. The
French therefore refused to take part in the march-past of athletes. After the Dutch organisers
apologised, Pierre Lewden was asked to promise on behalf of the squad that they would take part
in the Games.
LEWIS Carlton (1961) United States
One of the greatest, if not the greatest Olympic champions of all times.From 1984 to 1996, the US
sprinter won no less than 9 gold medals for sprinting and long jump, including four at the Los
Angeles games. A remarkable athlete and an exceptionally good son, he slipped one of his medals
into his father's coffin and promised him that he would win more. He kept his promise, probably
even more than he hoped he would.Benefiting from the disqualification of Canadian Ben Johnson at
Seoul in 1988, Lewis became a double Olympic champion, winning the 100 m and the long jump.
Even though Johnson had been disqualified for using drugs, Lewis comforted him.He was triple
Olympic champion in Barcelona as part of the teams for the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, also taking
gold in the long jump for the third consecutive time. Unfortunately, Lewis was unable to hold on to
his 100 m title, as he had missed the stringent US selections just a few months before the
games.But the great champions finest exploit was at Atlanta in 1996, when he won his fourth long
jump gold. He might have hoped to win a tenth gold medal with the US relay team in the 4x100 m,
but the trainers did not want him... and the Americans were beaten in the final by the Canadians. A
champion like Lewis surely deserved more consideration !
LI NING (1963) China
By winning six medals, three of them gold, at the Los Angeles Games in 1984, Chinese gymnast Li
Ning showed his fellow countrymen what they could achieve. Even so, he was unable to win the
overall competition, in which he only came third. He is the first Chinese to win an event at the
highest level of world gymnastics.Nicknamed "the panther", he won the floor exercises, the rings
and the pommel horse.After becoming a shrewd businessman selling his own brand of sporting
goods, Li Ning played himself in a short film entitled "The Golden Child".
LI XIAOSHUANG (1974) China
Even though the shadow of Vitaly Scherbo hung over the all-round competition in the gymnastics
discipline for the Atlanta games in '96, thanks to his six gold medals won at the previous games, it
was dominated this time by the Russian Nemov and the Chinese Li Xiaoshuang, who was at the
time world champion.It was thus logical that the later won. The talented and impassive Chinese
was the first gymnast from his country to win this competition.
LIDDELL Eric (1902 - 1945) Scotland
Gold medallist in the 400 m at the 1924 Paris games, Scotsman Eric Liddell was a true hero, whose
story is told in the movie masterpiece, "Chariots of Fire".With a liking for the short sprint, he also
competed in the 200 m, finishing third. He would also have liked to line up for the 100 m, but the
race was held on a Sunday. His religious convictions prevented him from trying his luck.After his
hour of glory in Paris, he returned to his missionary work in Asia, where he was to meet his death
in a Japanese prison camp.
LIGHT, HIT
The electronic scoring system has become the fairest way to referee fencing competitions. The light
comes on when one of the protagonists scores a hit on his adversary. The electronic scoring system
was introduced for the epee and foil in 1964, but was only adopted for the sabre twenty years
later.But in the beginning, temporary power failures created problems. French fencer Jean-Claude
Magnan fell victim to one at the Tokyo Games in 1964 - it may have cost him the gold.
LIGHTBODY James (1882-1953) United States
At 18, Lightbody was a young American sprinter who competed unsuccessfully in the Paris games.
Four years later, he decided to tackle longer distances at the 1904 games in St Louis. And he was
right to do so - he led the 2500 m steeplechase from start to finish. He won two more gold medals
in the middle distances, carrying off the 800 m and 1500 m races.
LILLEHAMMER - Norway
In memory of the victims of Sarajevo, where the games were held ten years earlier, the sportsmen
attending the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer observed a minute's silence at the opening
ceremony. That sad note aside, these were happy games in the true tradition, celebrated under
sunny skies in the crisp Norwegian air.These games marked the (temporary) fall from power of the
traditional Alpine skiing nations - the Austrians, the Swiss and the French. This time, it was the
Norwegians' turn to thunder down their home slopes to victory, taking a total of 26 medals in
skiing and many other disciplines besides. The Russians, competing under their own flag,
demonstrated that they were still up among the best, gleaning 11 gold medals.
LILLIEHOOK Gustaf (1884 - 1974) Sweden
The modern pentathlon was introduced at the 1912 games in Stockholm. And it might have been
invented especially for Gustaf Lilliehook, who was its very first Olympic champion.He beat all his
fellow Swedes who came in from second to fifth. Even today, the modern pentathlon is still a
Scandinavian specialty.
LILLOE-OLSEN Ole Andreas (1883 - 1940) Norway
This Norwegian shooter managed to win gold five times during the events at the games in Antwerp
in 1920 and Paris in 1924. He won a gold medal in the shooting a running wild boar event with one
or two projectiles, on his own and with his team. The arrival of Lilloe-Olsen sounded the knell for
the Swahn family from Sweden who had dominated the discipline up to that moment in time.
LINSENHOFF- SCHINDLING Liselott (1927) Germany
This German horsewoman has one of the finest records in dressage. First selected for the Tokyo
Games in 1964, she won two silver medals and a bronze, either individually or in her team.But it
was in Mexico City that she won her first team gold medal.She finally won an individual title at
Munich in 1972, becoming the first woman Olympic champion horse rider. A few days later, she
helped win the team silver. His daughter took up the baton during the Seoul games in 1988. She
was victorious on her horse named Courage as part of the German team in the team dressage
event.
LIPA - OLENIUC Elisabeta (1964) Romania
This Romanian rower had an exceptional Olympic career which began at the Los Angeles Games in
1984 and ended on Penrith Lakes in Sydney. During that time she picked up 8 Olympic medals,
four of them gold.This young woman with an impressive physique won the Skiff in 1984 under her
maiden name before collecting only a silver and a bronze in Seoul. In Barcelona she again won the
gold medal in the Skiff, as well as a silver in the pairs.As a member of the Romanian eight in
Atlanta and Sydney she was again crowned twice. She will now return to an ordered life in
Bucharest, where she is a policewoman.
LOBACH Marina (1966) Byelorussia
Though no-one had heard of her before the 1988 games in Seoul, the Byelorussian gymnast won
the rhythmic all-round competition, beating all the favourites, including Dunaska of Bulgaria and
Russian star Timoshenko.Lobach almost won no medals at all, as she was late on one of the
exercises. Luckily, her pianist speeded up the tempo to try and let her know she was running late.
She got the message, performed more quickly and danced her way to victory.
LOGVINENKO-DOBRANCHEVA Marina (1961) Russia
She was the first woman to win 5 medals for shooting, of which two were gold, at the games. She
was the best pistol markswoman in Barcelona in '92 where she won the 10 m air pistol event and
the combined event. Already a Bronze medallist in Seoul, Marina Logvinenko-Dobrancheva also
won two new medals in the air pistol event in Atlanta in '96, picking up a silver and a bronze.
LONDON - Great Britain
In 1908 and just after the war in 1948, the British capital played host to the summer games.Rome
had been chosen to organize the 1908 games, but the Italian capital stepped down. Pierre de
Coubertin, then still President of the IOC, was not much in favour of the idea, thinking that the
Brits would never be ready in time. But, contrary to expectations, in just ten months, the British
organizers built all the necessary facilities.These games were to reveal American athletes
Sheppard, Ewry, Flanagan and Sheridan, and Hungarian swimmer Von Halmay.In 1948, the
President of the British Olympic Committee moved heaven and earth to host the games and make
the phoenix of the Olympic movement rise from the ashes of six years of world war.The Germans
and Japanese were not invited. They were held responsible for a war that had cost 45 million
lives.The opening ceremony took place at Wembley Stadium in a London that lay partly in ruins
from the war that had ended just three years before.Heralding the coming of a new world, two
women stood out from the rest: Frenchwoman Michèle Ostermayer and Dutchwoman Fanny
Blankers-Koen who both collected gold medals.
LONG DISTANCE
The Ethiopians, Kenyans and more recently Moroccans, have long dominated long distance
running. They took over in Olympic events from the Scandinavians, particularly Finns, who had
dominated these events for years. Distance running includes events such as the 3000 m
steeplechase to the 5000 and 10.000 meters.
LONG JUMP AND TRIPLE JUMP
The principle of these events is straightforward: to jump as far as possible from the take-off bord,
in a single stride in the case of the long jump and in three strides in the case of the triple jump.In
order for records to be recognised officially, wind speed must not be greater than 2 m per
second.In classical times contestants in the long jump would hold weights in their hands and swing
their arms forward to give them greater momentum.The history of the long jump records that the
American Jesse Owens was the first to break the 8 m barrier. But in 1968 US athlete Bob Beamon
who leapt an astonishing 8.95 m in the long jump, pulverizing the world record by over 50
centimetres.The first requirement of a long jumper is to be a fast runner in order to give the body
enough momentum. This is why many sprinters have won the event, beginning with Carl Lewis,
who was four times Olymoic champion between 1984 and 96.The history of the triple jump is
marked by the names Prinstein, Ferreira Da Silva, Schmidt and especially Sanaeiev, who were all
several times champions.
LONGO Jeannie (1958) France
The dream of the world's best woman cyclist of the 80s and 90s was to become Olympic champion.
And she had won absolutely everything - except an Olympic title!Often taking the silver, bad luck
always stalked her.In 1984, her chain came off, just as she was about to win. Fate struck again in
Seoul and Barcelona.She had to wait for the Atlanta games in 1996 to make it. A few kilometres
from the finish, she sprinted off and arrived ahead of the pack. Her Olympic dream had finally
come true!A few days later, she tried for the double in the time trial... but only gained a silver. As
a competitor in Sydney at the age of almost 42, Jeannie Longo took part in her fifth Olympic
Games. Once more she tried to win a gold medal in the time trial, and once more she missed it by
a fraction. She only won the bronze medal. But the French champion is insatiable. A few weeks
after the Sydney Games, she was in Mexico, going for the world one-hour long distance record. In
sixty minutes she clocked 44.767 kilometres, improving the record by almost 700 metres. It was
her fifth world record in this event.
LOPES Carlos (1947) Portugal
Silver medallist in the 10,000 m at Montreal in 1976, the little Portuguese runner was the star of
the marathon at the Los Angeles games in 1984.Already world cross-country champion that year,
he gave Portugal its only gold medal under the hot Californian sun.
LORENZ Dietmar (1950) Germany
A mechanic in the East German army and a talented judoka on all the tatamis of Europe, Lorentz
came to fame at the 1980 games in Moscow when he beat Frenchman Angelo Parisi in the allcomers event.He deserved to win, as he was the lightest competitor in the final table. But in his
own middleweight category, he only took home the bronze.
LOS ANGELES - United States
Twice an Olympic city - in 1932 and 1984 - Los Angeles is closely associated with the Olympic
movement.But in 1932, California was not an easy place to reach. The Europeans, for instance, had
to take a boat across the Atlantic, then make their way from the East Coast to the West Coast by
train - a marathon two-week journey!But once there, it was all worth it. Gary Cooper, Charlie
Chaplin and the Marx Brothers starred in the opening show. The Olympic podium was created for
the occasion.In 1984, LA won the games without a battle - there was no competition. The deficits
accumulated by the previous organizing cities discouraged even the strongest wills from making a
bid.The Americans do not have that kind of worry. Sponsors put up a good deal of the money. So it
was no surprise that the organizers made a good profit.On the sports front, with the USSR and
East Germany staying away in response to the US and other countries' boycott of the Moscow
games, Romania came second in the medals table behind the United States. At these games, the
GRS became an official part of the Olympic programme.
LOUGANIS Greg (1960) United States
The greatest diver of all time, winning both the springboard and the high platform in 1984 and
1988.The quadruple Olympic champion, who has also collected many world titles, is a technical
virtuoso.At the 1988 games in Seoul, Louganis had just found out that he was HIV-positive. An
injury sustained during his first dive decided him to withdraw from the competition. But after a few
stitches, he got back on the diving board and won.But it really is a miracle that the child that
started life in a children's home became a diving champion.When he was very small, Greg Louganis
had a terrible fear of heights! Under the guidance of Samuel Lee, an Olympic champion in the
Fifties who quickly recognised he had the makings of a champion, Louganis learnt how to dive and
overcame his vertigo. After retiring from competition, Louganis published a book about the choices
he faced in his life and his fight against AIDS. He is now a spokesman on AIDS.
LOUYS Spiridon (1873 - 1940) Greece
Lots of running clubs today bear the name "Spiridon" in honour of the Olympic title won by Louys
in the first marathon of the modern era, run in Athens in 1896.The title made him a hero in
Greece, a country that has produced few world champion sportsmen in modern times.After his
victory, Spiridon, a shepherd, was supposed to marry the daughter of Georgios Averoff who had
financed the stadium restoration. But he was having none of it and slipped away into
anonymity.But Greeks still use his name to encourage people to hurry up!On his death, his family
had no scruples about making some money out of him and sold his gold medal. Mind you, at the
time they were made in solid gold! Spiridon Louys made a brief appearance in 1936, when he was
nominated the flag-bearer of the Greek national squad.
LOVELOCK John (1910 - 1949) New Zealand
Olympic 1500 m champion at the Berlin games in 1936, this New Zealand runner also broke the
world record by one second.
LOWE Douglas (1902-1981) Great Britain
Lowe is one of the few double Olympic champions in the 800 m, winning in 1924 and 1928.But he
was not bothered in the least about breaking records: his technique was simply to stick close
behind the leaders and beat them in the home straight.And it certainly served his purpose...
LUGE
It may look just like fun, but this discipline became a full part of the Olympic programme at the
1964 winter games in Innsbruck.You need to be in tip-top physical condition to take the 10 bends
of the Olympic run at breakneck speed.The luge itself weighs no more than 20 kg.
LUI GUOLIANG (1976) China
Table tennis-player Lui Guoiang travelled to Sydney to defend the two Olympic titles he had won in
Atlanta in 1996. He only succeeded in retaining one, the doubles, together with fellow countryman
Kong Linghui. By contrast, it was his doubles partner who snatched the individual title, while Lui
Guoliang only managed to win bronze.The first player to achieve an Olympic double, he then
managed another double at the world championships in 1999. Needless to say, this player was one
of the greatest specialists in his sports in the late Nineties and the man who helped make his
country one of the strongholds of table tennis.
LUNDE Peder (1942) Eugen (1887 - 1963) Norway
This young Norwegian skipper won the Flying Dutchman class at the 1960 games in Rome.It runs
in the family. His mother and father had won the silver medal eight years earlier at Helsinki in the
5.50 m category, while his grandfather, Eugen, was Olympic champion in Paris in 1924 in the 6 m
category.
LUYS Mireya (1967) Cuba
Mireya Luys is one of the world's most successful volleyball players. She was the Olympic champion
in Barcelona and Atlanta and world champion in 1994 and 1998 All she needed was one more
Olympic title to book herself a place in the history books forever. That's precisely what she did with
another victory for the Cuban volleyball team in Sydney.However, injury almost robbed Luys of her
medal. She had a back operation in mid-1999. After a period of intense preparation, she again had
people talking about her powerful smashes. She regained her top form and led her team to a new
world title.
MACHINE, COUNTING
This was invented for the Atlanta games to make boxing matches fairer.Four judges, one at each
corner of the ring, operate the machine by pressing a button each time a decisive punch is given.
So that the right boxer is credited with the punch, three of the four judges must activate their
machine in the same second.Juan Antonio Samaranch himself pushed for this machine to be
introduced. In doing so, boxing, which was threatened with exclusion from the programme after
the Seoul games, has been restored to its rightful place. During the Sydney 2000 Games, the
officials who refereed the Olympic competitions were filmed by "spy cameras" positioned at the
four corners of the ring. This was done as a trial to assess the referees' subjectivity with the aim of
putting an end to controversial decisions. The filmed referees were allowed to commit three or four
errors, but no more. One of them has been barred. However, this did not prevent Cuban president
Castro, a great boxing fan, to denounce the injustices he said "his" boxers had been subjected to
during the Sydney Olympics.
MADISON Helene (1913 - 1970) United States
Swimmer Madison spearheaded the team that took all the medals - bar one - at the 1932 games in
Los Angeles. She herself won 3 gold medals in the 100 and 400 m freestyle and relay, establishing
three world records as she went.
MAGNESIA
This is the white powder that weightlifters rub on their hands to stop them slipping or dropping
their weights.This excellent non-slip material is extracted from rock that was first mined near the
ancient city of Magnesia in Asia Minor.
MAGYAR Zoltan (1953) Hungary
A worthy successor of Itsvan Pelle, the man who took Hungarian gymnastics to its highest level in
the thirties, Zoltan Magyar was two times Olympic champion on the pommel horse at the 1976
games in Montreal and those in Moscow in 1980.During the latter, whilst it should be taken into
account that the Americans and Japanese were absent, Magyar helped his little country to third
place in the all-round team competition.
MAHRE Phil and Steve (1957) United States
These twin brothers were the first Americans to join the greats of world skiing.After three World
Cup victories, Phil took the gold in the special slalom in Sarajevo. Brother Steve, a giant slalom
specialist, was on the podium for the silver.
MAIER Herman (1972) Austria
The best skier of his generation, who, since the mid-nineties has dominated the World Cup, the
world championships and won at Nagano in 1998.In Japan he crashed in the downhill, his favourite
competition, but made up for it in the Super G and the giant slalom, in which he took both
golds.The man they call "The Herminator" in reference to the cinematic hero, the Terminator, who
emerges as the victor from all situations, did even better the following year, winning the World Cup
in the downhill and the Super G and exceeding 2000 points in the season. He picked up four out of
a possible five Cristal Globes. That will give you some idea of his complete mastery of the two
disciplines.
MALIVOIRE Bernard (1938) - MERCIER Gaston (1932-1974) - SALLES Raymond (1920) France
Bernard Malivoire was only 14 years old when, with Raymond Salles and Gaston Mercier, he won
the coxed pairs competition at the Helsinki games in 1952. He was the cox because he weighed
less than 50 kg.He is still one of the youngest ever medal winners at the games.
MALLIN "Harry" Henry (1892 - 1969) Great Britain
This English boxer was twice Olympic champion in the middleweight category in 1920 in Antwerp
and four years later in Paris. Whilst his first victory was not contested, his second success in Paris
was, and greatly so.Faced with the Frenchman Brousse in the quarter-finals, the Englishman won
after a very contentious decision made by officials even though two of the three referees classed
him as beaten.From then on, he was booed by the Parisian public at the winter Velodrome crowd
right up to the final where he beat his countryman Elliot.
MANGIOROTTI Eduardo (1919) Dario (1916) Italy
13 medals, including 6 golds, crowned the long Olympic career of this Italian fencer. But most of
his titles were won in teams. His only individual medal was won in 1952 at Helsinki beating his
brother Dario in the final.Mangiorotti took part in no less than five Olympics between 1936 and
1960. IF not for the war, he could easily have fenced in seven! It was his father, Guiseppe, a
former Olympic athlete at the London Games of 1908, who taught him the basics of fencing and
forced him to use his left hand because it is an undoubted advantage in the sport.His elder brother,
Dario, picked up a team gold and two silvers.
MANKIN Valentyn (1933) Russia
This Russian is one of the greatest Olympic sailors and won four medals during his career, three of
which were gold, in three different categories of boat. First of all, he won the individual Finn event
in the Mexico games of 1968, before winning in the Tempest category with Dydyra four years later
and coming second in 1976, this time with Mussochenko. He was again on the top step of the
podium in Moscow in the star category, along with team-mate Akimenko.
MANOLIU Lia (1932) Romania
Starting her career as a discus thrower at the 1956 games in Melbourne and going on to win two
bronze medals in Rome and Tokyo, Manoliu finally gained her gold at the fourth attempt in Mexico
City, 1968.Her appearance at Munich, four years later, was only a cameo role, but the length of her
Olympic career - 16 years - is nonetheless remarkable.
MARATHON
Though now an athletics competition, the marathon was originally the exploit of one man. In 490
BC, the soldier Philippides ran from the village of Marathon to Athens to tell the people of the
Greeks' victory over the Persians. He ran the 42.196 km without stopping and died from
exhaustion at the foot of the Acropolis.In memory of that brave deed, linguist Michel Bréal, a friend
of Pierre de Coubertin's, revived the race for the 1896 games in Athens. He demanded no other
recompense than to present the medal to the winner.These days, marathon runners are well
prepared. But in the early 20th century, some runners did not stop at cheating. At the 1900 games
in Paris, for instance, the winner covered part of the course in a car. At St Louis in 1904, the
winner drank a secret brew to keep going. And four years later, Italian Dorando Pietri had to be
held up by spectators to cross the finishing line (he was relegated).Later was to come the era of
Zatopek, Mimoun, Bikila and Cierpinski, whose painstaking preparation and training earned the
discipline its great reputation.
MARKIN Viktor (1957) Russia
400 m champion at the Moscow games in 1980, the Russian athlete added a second medal to his
collection in the 4x400 m relay, won by the Soviet team.
MARSH Mike (1967) United States
Double Olympic champion at Barcelona in 1992, Marsh took the 200 m gold and the 4x100 m gold
with the US relay team.His two victories were enhanced by breaking two world records.
MARTINEZ Miguel (1976) France
Undoubtedly too young in Atlanta, the small French mountain bike-rider ended up on the third step
of the podium. But in Sydney it was a genuine reigning world champion who lined up at the start of
the Olympic cross-country event, which he then comfortably won.Despite his small stature and
light weight, the man the specialists have dubbed "Miguelito" has mastered the art of mountain
biking like no other. It was his father who introduced him to cycling. Mariano Martintez effectively
had a glorious professional cycling career in the Seventies, rivalling the great Eddy Merckx in the
mountains. His son preferred mountain biking, a sport more in vogue with his generation.
MASTENBROEK Hendrika (1919) Netherlands
Taking advantages of the weaknesses of the American swimmers, Rie Mastenbroek took three gold
medals in the pool at the Berlin games in 1936.She won the 100 m and 400 m freestyle and led
the Dutch team to victory in the 4x100 m relay.
MASTERKOVA Svetlana (1968) Russia
This Russian athlete will undoubtedly remain the brief heroine of the 1996 Games in Atlanta. The
winner of the middle-distance double - the 800 and 1500m - she became famous at the age of 28.
Masterkova doesn't very much like spending long sweaty hours training. That no doubt explains her
late emergence and her choice to run only the 1500m in Sydney after winning the world
championships in Seville a year earlier.It was not enough, and she didn't even make the podium.
MATHIAS Bob (1930) United States
Before England's Daley Thomson in the 80s, American Bob Mathias was considered to be the best
decathlete in the world.He won two consecutive titles in 1948 and 1952 in London and
Helsinki.When he won his first title, he was not yet 18. He retired from athletics after his second
gold medal win. But Mathias was by no means worn out physically, as he only went in for two or
three competitions a year. From then on he was able to devote himself to the cinema, where he
appeared in the film "Maciste". He would even become a Californian representative in the American
Congress after embarking on a career in politics.
MATTHES Roland (1950) Germany
The world's best backstroke swimmer dominated the scene in the late 60s and early 70s, taking
the 100 m and 200 m golds at Mexico City and Munich. His long, slim physique was perfect for the
discipline.He made an attempt at two further gold medals in Montreal, four years later, but was
beaten by US swimmer John Naber.In 1978, Roland Matthes married Kornelia Ender, still
considered to be the best woman swimmer of all time. The two champions have since divorced.
MATTHEWS Vince (1947) COLLETT Wayne (1949) United States
At Munich, Vince Matthews took the gold in the 400 m, with Wayne Collet in second place. On the
podium, they were astonishingly nonchalant, twiddling their medals in their fingers while the Stars
and Stripes was playing.They did it in support of equal rights for Blacks in the United
States.Immediately, IOC President Avery Brundage expelled them from the American team.With its
two best members gone, the US relay team was unable to retain the 4x400 m title it had won in
Mexico City four years earlier.
MAURY Serge (1946) France
The finn is to Olympic sailing what the skiff is to rowing: the only discipline in which competitors
are alone. The organizers supply the boats so that everyone has the same chance of winning.At the
Munich games in 1972, nobody wanted boat no. 13 - they were all too superstitious. But
Frenchman Serge Maury took it and won on the water at Kiel.Taking the world title the following
year, he proved that his gold win was not simply down to good luck.
MAYER Helena (1910-1953) Germany
Olympic champion in the foil at Amsterdam in 1928, Helena Mayer, a Jewish fencer, was herself
used as a foil by the German Olympic Committee that selected her for the Berlin games in
1936.She was selected at the same time as athlete Gretel Bergmann.By selecting the two
sportswomen, the German authorities tried to prove that they were neither racist nor anti-Semitic,
but that did not fool many people.
Mc MAHON Brigitte (1974) Switzerland
Nearly 500,000 supporters gathered in the streets of Sydney to watch the first Olympic triathlon.
They primarily came to watch the first Australian triumph. The result may have proved
disappointing, but not the spectacle.The battle between Swiss athlete McMahon and her Australian
rival Jones eventually ended in favour of the former, and it was she who won out in the sprint to
carry off the very first triathlon medal at the Millennium Games.
McCORMICK KELLER Patricia (1930) United States
The best diver of the 1950s.The Californian won four times at the Helsinki games in 1952 and in
Melbourne four years later.Her first successes were in acrobatic diving and high springboard.After a
year off to give birth to her son, she was back in time for the Melbourne games, repeating her
Helsinki performance.
McEWAN Jamie (1952) United States
This US canoeist took the bronze medal in the downstream at Munich in 1972, the year the
competition disappeared from the Olympic programme.It was another 20 years before the
downstream once more became an Olympic sport in Barcelona.McEwan, then 40, was still
canoeing. He went to Barcelona and took fourth place in the competition.
McGRATH Matthew (1878-1941) United States
A truly long career: in 1908 he won the silver medal in the hammer, and four years later took the
gold.He was in Paris for the 1924 games and won a second silver medal.He had just turned 48, an
age when many athletes are already grandfathers.
McLANE James (1930) United States
In his short career, this young swimmer won three gold medals, gaining two in London in 1948 in
the 1500 m and the relay.Four years later in Helsinki, he celebrated his 21st birthday by earning a
new gold medal in the 4x400 m with the US team.
MEAD-LAWRENCE Andrea (1943) United States
With a two-second lead over her pursuer, this American skier took home the gold for the giant
slalom at the Oslo games in 1952. It was something that had never before been seen at the winter
games.An out-and-out winner, she also got the gold in the special slalom. Two golds at the tender
age of 19 were a promising start to her career. But, alas, she never followed up her success in
Norway.
MEADE Richard (1938) Great Britain
British horseman who gave his finest performance at Munich in 1972. He took the gold in the
individual showjumping competition before going on to help win the team gold.He thus retained the
title he had won with the British team in Mexico City four years earlier.
MEAGHER Mary (1964) United States
The only swimmer to rival the East German champions in the eighties and favourite at the Moscow
games in the 100 m and 200 m butterfly - for which she was the world recordholder - she was
unable to go to the Soviet Union because of the Western boycott.But she made up for it four years
later in Los Angeles, winning both categories in her favourite swimming style.
MEANTYRANTA Eero (1937) Finland
The finest cross-country skier of his generation.He took home seven medals from the 1960 and
1964 games, including 3 golds. He was the first to beat Swede Jernberg who had dominated the
competition until then.But in Grenoble in 1968, Meantyranta had top be content with a placing.
MECIR Miroslav (1964) Czech Republic
Beating American Tim Mayotte, one of the best servers on the professional circuit, Miroslav Mecir
was the first Olympic tennis champion for eighty years, the game having been excluded until the
Seoul games in 1988.For a long time, Mecir was seeded one of the world's top ten players.
MEDAL
It is the modern tradition to award the top three sportsmen in an Olympic competition with a
medal.Gold for the first, silver for the second and bronze for the third (in boxing and judo, two
bronzes are awarded to the defeated finalists).For the first time in a long time, the gold medals at
Barcelona were in solid gold. Until then, they had been made of vermeil, a gold and silver
alloy.Before medals were awarded, the winners in certain disciplines, such as shooting, were given
a simple certificate.In ancient times, the winners at the stadium were given a crown of laurels or
an olive branch that raised them to the rank of a living god and, just like today, brought them
many other benefits in kind.
MEDIA
Just 11 journalists covered the 1896 games in Athens. Over 15,000 of them will be there to report
on the exploits of the athletes at the Sydney games in 2000.These figures highlight the difference
between the games then and now - they began as a friendly, fairly upper class meeting, but have
since become the world's greatest sports and media event.These days, two-thirds of the entire
population of the planet will be rooting for the athletes for the two weeks.In the early 20th century,
there were only newspapers to carry the results, but the arrival of radio after World War One and
television in the 60s have turned the Olympics into a media festival.At Atlanta, the Internet made
its appearance, and in the years to come it should help keep people even better informed of the
latest Olympic news.In 1998, the Nagano web site received over 650 million visitors from all over
the world, while 35 million surfers went to consult the official sites during the Sydney Games,
leaving 9 billion page impressions.
MEDLEY
In a swimming medley of four different strokes the order in which the contestants swim them
differs in individual and in team events.In individual events the swimmer starts with the butterfly
stroke, swims the second length in the backstroke, the third in the breaststroke and finishes in free
style. In team events on the other hand the first swimmer starts with the backstroke and is relayed
by the breaststroke swimmer, followed by the butterfly stroke before the last swimmer finishes in
free style.In the Olympic Games medleys are competed for over 200 m and 400 m by singles and
4x100 m and 4x200 m by teams.
MEDVED Aleksandr (1937) Russia
Ten times world champion and top wrestler from 1964 to 1972, Medved's record is
amazing.Olympic middleweight champion in Japan, he won the gold in the heavyweight category in
Mexico City and in the super-heavyweight category in Munich.Though often lighter than his
opponents, he always managed to put them off balance with his phenomenal speed.
MELBOURNE - Australia
Melbourne was the first city in the southern hemisphere to host the games. That was in 1956. At
the time, that posed quite a few problems, including for the Olympic flame, which had to be taken
by plane to Oceania. That was a first.The delegations themselves took three days to get to the
capital of the state of Victoria. Only the horsemen and their mounts were spared the journey:
Australian law banned horses from entering the country. The equestrian events were held in
Stockholm.Another first was that the summer games took place in November and December, since
the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere. That was a problem for northern hemisphere
sportsmen who were not used to competing at that time of the year.Several countries did not make
the trip owing to the events in Hungary. Russian tanks had been sent into Budapest to put down an
uprising. Some Middle Eastern countries refused to take part in protest against British, French and
Israeli intervention in Egypt over Suez.It was because of this unhealthy political climate that, in a
gesture of solidarity, the athletes decided to parade arm in arm, without their national flags. It was
a breath of fresh air in a world that was rife with international tension.
MEMORABILIA
The members of the International Olympic Memorabilia Federation (IOMF) collect Olympics-related
objects other than stamps and coins.They collect all sorts of things, from mascots to Olympic
torches to button badges.Anything that bears the official stamp of the IOC, the National
Committees or the Olympic Organizing Committees is eminently collectable: entrance tickets,
accreditation cards, accreditation badges, uniforms, the lot!Besides being treasured by collectors,
many of these pieces find their way into the Olympic Museum.
MENNEA Pietro (1952) Italy
An athlete who had an exceptionally long career. He was just 20 when he gained a bronze medal at
Munich in 1972.He was 28 when he won his 200 m gold and broke the world record on the track in
Moscow in 1980. That year, the best American runners were prevented from competing because of
the Western boycott (but he still broke the world record, all the same!).
MERODE Alexandre (Prince de) (1934 – 2002) Belgium
In the fight against drug taking, the IOC appointed this eminently cultivated man to head the
medical committee over thirty years ago. He was vice-president of the International Olympic
Committee. Despite the abuses uncovered every day, Alexandre de Mérode's work had not been in
vain. The spectacular sanctions taken against Ben Johnson in 1988 did much to limit drug taking,
though it had still not been eradicated. Mérode was also behind femininity testing and the
systematic tests performed at every games since Grenoble in 1968. It was his idea, yet again, that
world weightlifting officials should go after the cheats, as that discipline was under threat of
removal from the Olympic programme. And he it was who urged the last anti-drugs conference in
Lausanne to formulate a charter to restrict the use of dangerous substances by athletes.
De Merode's role declined following the creation in 1999 of the World Anti-Doping Agency, an
independent body designed to lead the global campaign against banned drugs in sports.
METCALFE Ralph (1910-1978) United States
It would be hard to find anyone as unlucky as Ralph Metcalfe, the American sprinter who won two
medals - a silver and a bronze - in the 100 m and 200 m at Los Angeles in 1932.In the 100 m,
Metcalfe was beaten by a hair's breadth by his fellow American Eddy Tolan, who earned himself the
nickname "Twinkletoes".In the 200 m, Metcalfe was even more unlucky. He was led the race but
only came third. The judges miscalculated the length of his lane and he had to run three metres
further than his opponents.But, ever the good loser, Metcalfe did not ask for the race to be rerun.
He did not want to spoil Tolan's Olympic double.Metcalfe finally got his gold medal four years later
with the US team led by Jesse Owens. He then abandoned athletics in favour of politics where he
became, no doubt, an honest congressman.
METSCHUCK Caren (1963) Germany
This East German swimmer won three golds at the Moscow games in 1980, two with her team in
the 4x100 m freestyle and the 4x100 m medley, and an individual gold in the 100 m butterfly.In
that competition, she beat her compatriots, Pollack and Knacke, who took silver and bronze. A
perfect illustration of the quality of East German swimmers at the time.
MEXICO CITY - Mexico
The choice of the Mexican capital to host the 1968 games raised many objections because of the
city's altitude (2240 m) and the already severe pollution.What is more, the games narrowly missed
being cancelled owing to the student unrest that was shaking the country. The bloody repression
caused 300 deaths. The army used bazookas to silence the students' opposition to the
government.Despite the difficult situation, the games finally opened on the appointed
date.Beforehand, many national delegations underwent altitude training to avoid acclimatization
problems.This was the first time that the Games were a true media event. They were used as a
political platform by African-American athletes to protest against the segregationist policy in the
United States.In Mexico City, the games came firmly into the modern world. They saw the first sex
tests for female athletes, heralding the anti-drug tests we know today.But if we had to pick just
one image from Mexico City, it would be that of US athlete Bob Beamon who leapt an astonishing
8.95 m in the long jump, pulverizing the world record by over 50 centimetres. The pictures of his
jump went all around the world and are the enduring memory of the Mexican games.
MEYER Deborah (1952) Unites States
Along with long jumper Bob Beamon, this American swimmer made the headlines in Mexico
City.Suffering from the altitude, she did not improve on her world records, but nonetheless took
away three gold medals in the 200, 400 and 800 m freestyle, an exploit that would seem
impossible today over such widely differing distances.Deborah Meyer was only sixteen. Later on,
she broke 16 world records.
MEYFARTH Ulrike (1956) Germany
This high jumper's exploit was to win two Olympic titles twelve years apart. She won her first gold
aged 16 in Munich, becoming the youngest ever female athletics champion. Her second gold came
in Los Angeles.In between times, she was the first woman to jump higher than 2 m.
MICHELER Elisabeth (1966) Germany
1991 world whitewater slalom kayak champion, Micheler won the first Olympic title in that
discipline in Barcelona the following year.Canoeing and kayaking had been a demonstration sport in
Munich, but disappeared from the Olympic programme for the next twenty years. It is now one of
the most sought-after titles.
MICHELOT Roger (1912) France
The young boxer took the gold medal at the Berlin games in 1936, repeating the exploit of his
fellow Frenchman, Jacques Despeaux.It was no easy victory. In the final, he was pitted against the
German Vogts, who had all the crowd behind him.Probably more than the medal itself, Michelot
was proud of forcing Hitler to remain standing while they played the Marseillaise.
MILITOSSIAN Israel (1969) Armenia
At Seoul in 1988, Militossian took the silver medal in the 70 kg category for the Soviet Union, but
at Barcelona in 1992, he won the medal for the CIS.Militossian was then able to dedicate his
victory to his Armenian compatriots and his family, who had died in the terrible earthquake that
shook the country just a few months before the games.
MILO OF KROTON - Greece
One of the greatest champions of the ancient Olympian Games.In the space of twenty-four years,
from 540 to 516 BC, Milo won six Olympic titles. He took his first when he was just a teenager.
Throughout his career, Milo was thought of as a living god and poets sang his praises, turning him
into a legend.One story goes that, one day, he killed an ox with his bare hands and ate it in one
go.Another has it that he saved the life of a family whose house was falling in on them. He held up
a column of the villa so that they could escape.On the other hand, his biographers state that he
made himself carry an increasingly heavy weight every day to build up his legendary strength.
MIMOUN Alain (1921) France
The best and most popular French runner of all time.Born in Algeria, he rapidly rose to prominence
as a specialist in the 5000 and 10,000 m. Unfortunately for him, he was prevented from gaining
international stardom by the Czech Emil Zatopek, who beat him more often than not. Three times
silver medallist in 1948 and 1952, Mimoun had his moment of glory in 1956 when he won the
marathon in Melbourne.He was still running for France at the age of 45, and at almost 75 he was
given the honour of carrying the flame to celebrate the opening of the Centenary Conference in
Paris in 1994. He was delighted to accept and commented on the fact with his characteristic cheeky
humour.
MIN GAO (1970), China
On account of a stiff foot arch, Min Gao (who has been dubbed "the little devil") practices
stretching her toes and has to attach her feet to her bed at night to try to straighten them while
she sleeps. Such determination in the face of problems would be crowned with success. In
Barcelona this Chinese diver kept the medal she won on the 3 meter springboard during the 1988
Seoul Games. Afterwards, she retired from competition and emigrated to the United States. She
showed that China is now the top country in this discipline. Her fellow countrywoman, Mingxia Fu,
also won a medal in Barcelona for the high dive which she repeated in Atlanta, four years later.
MINGXIA FU (1979) China
Since the early 90s, she has been the best woman diver in the world.Olympic champion on the high
springboard in 1992 in Barcelona, she successfully defended her title at Atlanta and also took the
gold for acrobatic diving.She was only 14 years old when she won her first title and now figures as
one of the youngest Olympic champions of all time. Mingxia Fu had promised to pick up a fourth
gold medal at the Sydney Olympics, but just failed to achieve much more. Having won the gold in
the acrobatic diving, where she beat team-mate Jingjing Guo, she finished second in the new
Olympic discipline of synchronised diving with the same partner. Just two years earlier, the small
Chinese woman had given up diving. She had decided to study economics because she was fed up
with the many hours of daily training.
MIRROR, PARABOLIC
Used to light the Olympic flame at Olympia.The ceremony takes place every four years, a few
months before the games. The ritual is exactly the same as that used for the ancient games.Vestal
virgins take up their positions in front of the temple of Hera, goddess of marriage and motherhood,
and, reflecting off the mirror, the sun's rays light the Olympic flame.And so the flame is pure,
immaculate sunlight.In the olden days, the Greeks used a skaphia which they placed so that the
sun's rays would be concentrated and ignite the dried grasses they had set on it.
MITTERMAIER Rosi (1950) Germany
Rosi Mittermaier topped the world skiing bill in 1976, the year of the Innsbruck games at which she
won two gold medals for the downhill and the special slalom.She was expected to gain a third gold
in the giant slalom, but only finished second.That same year, she won the World Cup for alpine
skiing.
MIYAKE Yoshinobu (1939) Japan
A silver medallist in Rome in 1960, the Japanese weightlifter took the gold for the 64 kg category
at two consecutive games, in Tokyo and Mexico City. While at the top, he broke his own world
record 26 times.His parents had been very poor and it was a great reward for them to see him win,
since they had sold all their cattle to help him make his dream come true.
MOCANU Diana (1984) Romania
An unknown before the Sydney Olympics on account of her youth, this petite Romanian left
Australia covered in gold. She won the 100 and 200m backstroke, where she outclassed all her
opponents, notably the French reigning world champion and former compatriot, Roxanna
Maracineanu.Since then, she has seemed like a possible heir to the great Hungarian backstroke
swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi.
MOCKRIDGE Russel (1930 - 1958) Australia
An amazingly versatile cyclist.A road cyclist at the London games of 1948; he lined up on the track
in Helsinki for two Olympic tandem titles with Lionel Cox and the kilometre time trial.He returned to
road cycling to complete the Tour de France twice in the 1950s.In 1958 he was killed during a race
in Australia.
MOE Tommy (1972) United States
Practically unknown before the Lillehammer games, this young daredevil came to prominence by
winning the downhill and taking second place in the Super-G. Since then, the young Alaskan has
rarely repeated any of the talent he showed in Norway.
MONEY
The Olympic movement's main source of income comes from television broadcasting rights, and
from sponsoring contracts with major companies. Ticket sales, coins, stamps and medals, referred
to as numismatics and memorabilia, provide additional income. The IOC is therefore funded
exclusively from private sources and is totally independent of any state or government
subsidy.These funds are nearly all redistributed. The host city receives 20%, national committees
receive 70% and the IOC keeps less than 10%.In 1985, the IOC set up a programme called TOP in
order to diversify its sources of income. It includes partnership contracts with major multinational
companies, most of which are American. For example, over the 1993-1996 period, this programme
provided the IOC with over 300 million US$.
MONTGOMERY Jim (1953) United States
Montgomery will remain forever in the annals of Olympic swimming for being the first to complete
the 100 m freestyle in under 50 seconds.That is how he won the gold at Montreal in 1976, just as
his rival, South African Jonty Skinner, did even better in a local competition. Luckily for
Montgomery, South Africa was still excluded from Olympic and international sport at the time. The
Wisconsin-born swimmer subsequently won two more gold medals, one with the American 4x200m
freestyle team, the other in the 4x100m medley.He would also be the seven-times world
champion. His glory was anything other than fleeting.
MONTI Eugenio (1928) Italy
A well known figure in bobsleigh circles, even though he waited a long time before winning his first
gold medal.His career began in Cortina in 1956 with a silver medal.At Squaw Valley, four years
later, the bobsleigh was not on the programme because the organizers had not been able to build a
suitable run in time.At Innsbruck in 1964, he had to abandon his bob to two of his compatriots at
the last minute.But finally, at Grenoble in 1968, he won two Olympic titles in the two-man and
four-man bob competitions.In his career, he won a dozen world titles.
MONTREAL - Canada
The cost of organizing the 1976 games in Montreal was so astronomical that they were almost
cancelled. Spending was four times higher than forecast.What is more, the facilities were not all
completed when the games started.Today, some of the facilities are in an advanced state of
decay.The government of Quebec and the IOC therefore had to compensate for the deficit,
estimated at some US$13 million. The IOC was able to help with the money from the broadcasting
rights.The Montreal games were boycotted by African countries who protested against the
participation of the New Zealand Team. The Kiwis had sent their national rugby team on a tour of
South Africa while apartheid was still in full swing.So, on the eve of the opening ceremony, 400
athletes were requested to return home by their governments, after the IOC refused to disqualify
New Zealand.On another note, two new disciplines were introduced for women: basketball and
handball.Performance-wise, two women made history: the young Romanian gymnast Nadia
Comaneci and German swimmer Kornelia Ender.Among the men, Cuba's Juantorena and Finland's
Viren were double Olympic athletics champions. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) promotes
and coordinates, at international level, the fight against doping in all its forms. Through this
autonomous agency, the Olympic Movement and the world's public authorities have intensified
their efforts to keep drugs out of sport. Agency will start its operations in Montreal during March April 2002. Today, its headquarters is in Lausanne.
MORALES Pablo (1965) United States
Just beaten by Michael Gross in the 100 m butterfly final at Los Angeles in 1984, Morales had the
gold snatched from him by Alex Baumman in the 200 m butterfly.World recordholder in the
specialty in 1988, he was beaten at the US selections and had to watch the games on
television.After a three-and-a-half-year absence, during which his mother died of cancer, he
decided to train for the Barcelona games, wanting to win a gold in his mother's memory.He
succeeded in the 100 m butterfly and thereby ended his run of bad luck at the Olympic Games.
MORCELLI Noureddine (1970) Algeria
Three times world champion in the 1500 m from 1991 to 1995, Morcelli was still desperately
chasing an Olympic title when he turned up in Atlanta in 1996.He was the favourite, but Morocco's
El Guerrouj was determined to make his life a misery. Luckily for Morcelli, the Moroccan tripped
and fell in the last lap, just as he was about to break out from the pack.Morcelli took advantage
and finally won his gold medal.
MORELON Daniel (1944) France
The uncontested master of track cycling from 1968 to 1975.Morelon dominated the speed
competition like no other and won three golds at the Mexico City and Munich games. His strength
and power simply left his opponents standing.He missed his third consecutive gold medal by a hair
in Montreal, beaten by Czech cyclist Tkac.But he already had a third gold medal, won in Mexico
City in the tandem competition, no longer on the Olympic programme. He was paired with Pierre
Trentin who, a few days earlier, had won the time trial, with whom he would win ten world
championships.Since then, Daniel Morelon has trained young French track cyclists who, thanks to
him, are still the best in the world.
MORROW Bobby (1935) United States
Texan Bobby Morrow is one of the few white sprinters ever to win three titles at the Olympic
Games.At Melbourne in 1956, with fellow Americans Holliday and Sime injured, he won the 100
and 200 m and led the US team to victory and a new world record in the 4x100 m. Having become
the coach of Jim Hines, he helped him become Olympic champion in Mexico in 1968 and world
record-holder, the first person to finish in under 10 seconds.
MOSCONI Alain (1949) France
Having just relieved Mark Spitz of his world 400 m freestyle record, Alan Mosconi was one of the
favourites for the Mexico City games.Unfortunately for him, he grew several centimetres in one go
and this change in his morphology forced him to modify his style just months before the
competition. At a disadvantage, he took only the bronze in the 200 m butterfly.
MOSCOW - Russia
When Moscow was awarded the games in 1980, it was the first time the Olympics had been given
to a city in a communist country.But when the vote was taken, the Soviet forces had not yet
invaded Afghanistan. That move brought with it the threat of a boycott by Western countries. True
to their word, the Americans stayed at home. Sixty other nations followed suit and the Moscow
games will always be remembered as the one from which the most countries stayed away. Only 80
countries competed.Once again, the host city spent much more money than the games brought in.
The Russians invested colossal sums in organizing the games, even moving entire buildings just to
widen the streets. And that was not the only thing new on the streets of Moscow - for the very first
time, the Russians allowed in foreign multinationals as sponsors, whose logos were arrayed along
the avenues... But even that was not enough.These games saw the introduction of women's field
hockey to the Olympic programme. They also celebrated the return of the Africans, some of whom
were extremely successful in the stadium, while Nadia Comaneci still dominated women's
gymnastics and her Russian counterpart Ditzhatin did the same in the men's discipline.
MOSER-PRÖLL Anne-Marie (1953) Austria
Though held to be the greatest woman skier of all times, Anne-Marie Moser-Pröll only ever won one
gold medal at the Olympics and that was at the end of her career at Lake Placid in 1980.Yet MoserPröll won 4 world titles and the World Cup for the downhill six times between 1971 and 1979.And
so, in 1972 in Sapporo, she had to be content with two silver medals, coming in behind the Swiss
Marie-Thérèse Nadig.
MOSES Ed (1980) United States
Considered America's greatest breaststroke hopeful after he set two world records in the 100 and
200m in the short pool in 1999, Ed Moses failed at least in part at the Sydney 2000 Games. At the
Aquatic Center the US swimmer was surprisingly beaten by Italy's Fioravanti, whom no one had
expected to win. Moses didn't even make the podium in the 200 metres. Without a doubt he was
still reeling from his victory in the 4x100m medley relay together with fellow countrymen
Krayzelburg, Crocker and Hall.He will get another chance in Athens in four years time because he
has abandoned the idea of becoming a professional golfer for the time being.
MOSES Edwin (1955) United States
When Moses won the 400 m at Montreal, some said it was only because Uganda's John Akii-bua
had withdrawn. The Africans were boycotting the Canadian games.But Edwin Moses was
unbeatable and chalked up some 150 consecutive victories over the distance.Not in Moscow
because of the US boycott, he took back his crown in Los Angeles in 1984 and showed himself to
be one of the greatest champions of the century. He subsequently took part in the Seoul Games,
where he picked up a bronze medal.
MOTA Rosa (1958) Portugal
Reigning European and Olympic champion at Seoul, bronze medallist at the previous games in Los
Angeles, the little Portuguese simply ate up the kilometres of asphalt with, apparently, no ill
effects."Running is my life", she had said after not being selected for the Portuguese team destined
for Seoul. The Sports Minister had to intervene to change the decision. Her success at the games
was one in the eye for her detractors.
MOTTO
The Olympic motto, "Citius, altius, fortius» was suggested to Pierre de Coubertin by a friend who
was a teacher, Abbot Didon. It means "Faster, higher, stronger". Apparently, one of the men
responsible for re-launching the marathon, the linguist Michael Bréal, prompted Abbot Didon to
suggest this motto.It should be noted that Pierre de Coubertin never wrote nor probably never said
that at the games, "It is the taking part that counts". However, he is thought to have said, in
substance, that it was necessary to take part in order to gain the best results possible.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
This outdoor sport has grown enormously in popularity in the last few years, because it makes it
possible to go almost anywhere on a bicycle. Mountain bikes are what started the revival of sales of
all kinds of bicycles all over the world a few years ago.Competition mountain biking includes three
events: a downhill race covering a distance in altitude between 400 and 800 m over a distance of 4
to 8 km, the trial, a course through woodland, and the cross-country. It is the latter sport that is
included in the Olympics.Mountain biking was first appeared as an Olympic sport at Atlanta in
1996, and rapidly became a popular event.
MOUSSAMBANI Eric - Equatorial Guinea
Eric Moussambani did not have the sporting qualities to feature in the pantheon of the Olympic
movement. This swimmer had never swum more than 50 metres in succession before going to the
Sydney Olympics. He entered the 100m freestyle heats and became a star of the Games in a
matter of two minutes.When his two opponents in the heat were disqualified, Moussambani found
himself swimming alone, keeping his head above water and only just completing the 100 metres.
He almost drowned of exhaustion 10 metres from the finish. However, encouraged by the
spectators, the audacious athlete managed to complete the distance in 1:52.72, more than a
minute slower than the world record, which had been beaten the same day. From there on
Moussambani became the embodiment of the Olympic ideal, which holds that its competitions are
open to all. All the Australian newspapers featured him on their front pages for days on end.
MOVEMENT, OLYMPIC
The Olympic movement serves to provide young people with the means to combine sport and
culture.It includes the international sports federations, the national Olympic committees, the
Olympic Games Organizing Committees, national sports associations, clubs, their officials and
sportsmen themselves.Nearly 200 countries have their own national Olympic committee. The
International Olympic Committee has the power to exclude any country that does not comply with
the ethics of sport, i.e. that the rules, practices and training are the same for each and
everyone.That was why, because of its apartheid policy, South Africa was excluded from the
Olympic movement for a long time.
MUNICH - Germany
For the first time since the highly controversial 1936 games in Berlin, Germany was chosen to host
the 1972 Olympics.But once again, the result was dramatic. Relations between Israel and her Arab
neighbours were seriously strained. The crunch came at dawn in the Olympic village. A Palestinian
commando unit took several members of the Israeli delegation hostage. Carnage ensued and nine
sportsmen died. Some wanted to halt the games, but IOC president Avery Brundage said that they
must go on. His decision was hotly contested, but he asked the organizers to arrange for a day of
mourning. The Israelis themselves approved of the games' continuing, but went home to bury their
dead. The Egyptian delegation left, too, for fear of reprisals.On the sports front, three new events
made their appearance on the Olympic programme: handball, archery and the whitewater slalom
for canoeing-kayaking.But it was an American who really left his "mark" in Munich - swimmer Mark
Spitz, who won seven gold medals in seven competitions.
MUSEUM, OLYMPIC- Switzerland
On the shores of Lake Geneva, not far from the IOC in Lausanne stands the Olympic Museum.
Once located in a former casino, it houses the personal collections of Pierre de Coubertin and his
successors and those of the various international sports federations.There is also a permanent
exhibition on the Olympic movement from ancient times to the present. At the Olympic studies
centre, which houses over 6000 works, students and researchers can find all kinds of documents
on the Olympic movement.Projection rooms, an auditorium and a gift shop complete the facility,
which stands in extensive landscaped grounds.
MUSKETEERS - France
Henri Cochet, René Lacoste, Jacques Brugnon and Jean Borotra were nicknamed the Musketeers of
French tennis after their Davis Cup victory in 1927, a trophy they retained for six years
running.Three years earlier, still relatively unknown, Henri Cochet won two silver medals at the
Paris games. He was beaten in the singles final and in the doubles, in which he was paired with
Jacques Brugnon.Jean Borotra and René Lacoste were the bronze medallists in the same doubles
competition.
MUTLU Halil (1973) Turkey
It is no insult to this small Turkish weightlifter to point out that his sporting path is identical to that
of his role model, Naim Suleymanoglu. Mutlu was also born in Bulgaria, and his name had also
been Bulgarianised to Huben Hubenov. Both men are Muslim.His reign began in 1994, when he
won the world championship in the 54kg class. This was followed by a series of victories in
European and world championships. He pocketed the Olympic 56kg title at the Atlanta Games en
route.As a result, the other "pocket Hercules", as Naim Suleymanoglu is named, went to Sydney as
the overwhelming favourite. Mutlu won his 56kg category and confirmed he has almost become the
equal of his elder brother, who failed on Australian soil.
MUTOLA Maria (1972) Mozambique
This petite Mozambican runner got her revenge at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Unbeaten
between 1992 and the Olympic final in Atlanta in 1996, she was a strong favourite to win the
800m, but was surprisingly beaten by Russia's Masterkova. It was her first defeat in 50 races.There
followed a series of failures. Beaten at the world championships in 1997, robbed of her world
indoor championship title, defeated at the 1999 world championships in Seville, Maria Mutola finally
won the event in Sydney on the national holiday in Mozambique, her home country. This was the
small African nation's first gold medal.Having got the recognition she wanted, the athlete - who
lives in the United States - can now devote herself to football, her second passion.
MYYRAE Jonni (1892 - 1955) Finland
Before the First World War, this Finn was the first man to throw the javelin further than 65 m. But
he only came 7th at the Stockholm games.After the war, he was the world's best and took two
consecutive Olympic titles, at Antwerp in 1930 and in Paris, four years later.
NABER John (1956) United States
The American backstroke swimmer is said to backed by God. What he certainly is a hard worker,
who beat the world champion Roland Matthes in the Montreal pool over 100 and 200 m. Two gold
medals and a world record for the 200 m capped this irreverent act.In the latter event, his time
was so impressive because it was quicker than Mike Brumel's record in the 200 m butterfly, even
though the backstroke is a slower stroke.
NADI Neto (1894-1940) Italy
Although the value of the first gold medal won by this Italian in the foil contest in Stockholm in
1912 is debatable, because the French withdrew following a dispute over a point of rule, his
performance in Antwerp eight years later was quite exceptional. He won five gold medals: two for
single épée and foil and three gold medals per team event in each of the three weapons.His bother
Aldo was also part of that triple Olympic champion combination in teams. After becoming a
professional he remained unbeaten for many years and won the world title in 1930 just before
taking the reins at the Italian fencing federation.
NADIG Marie Thérèse (1954) Switzerland
Two feats make her one of the best skiers of her generation. She twice defeated the world's best
female skier, Anne-Marie Moser-Proel in the Sapporo games in 1972. She did this in the downhill
and in the giant slalom, the two sovereign events.
NAGANO - Japan
Following the 1972 Sapporo games Japan again hosted the winter games at Nagano in 1998.This
town of some 400,000 inhabitants at the heart of the Japanese Alps on the island of Honshu is one
of the favourite resorts of Japanese skiers.At the time of the games, bad weather plagued the
organisers, who had postpone events several times.As for performances, it will be remembered
that the Norwegian cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie got three new gold medals and became the
most decorated athlete of the winter games. Among the ladies Larissa Lazutina also helped herself
to the Olympic gold. She took three medals. Finally in speed skating the Netherlands dominated
this sport by winning five of the nine finals.
NAKAYAMA Akinori (1943) Japan
This Japanese has one of the finest records in the world in gymnastics. Even though he only took
the bronze at the general contest at the Mexico and Munich games he still won four gold medals
(two on apparatus and two for team events) and four other medals. Nakayama was to become
world champion seven times, five of them on his own.
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
It is the responsibility of each national Olympic committee (of which there are almost 200
throughout the world), to develop and protect the Olympic movement in their respective countries.
It is their duty not only to spread the Olympic ideals, but also to ensure the creation of
organisations dedicated to Olympic education. Each national committee should also promote top
level sport and definitively registers each participant for the games from the national federation's
selection.
NAZIS
The Berlin Olympics put the rise of Nazi Germany on show to the world.Hitler used these games as
a loudspeaker, just as he had at the winter games at Garmisch-Partenkirchen a few months earlier.
In order to hoodwink the world about their true intentions, the Nazis put on a whole series of
pretences, such as selecting Jewish women athletes, for instance.But the swastikas raised over the
Olympic circles and the hundreds of brown-shirts guarding the main installations showed that the
machine was in motion. When the German delegation gave Hitler the Nazi salute during the
opening ceremony there could no longer be any doubt, but it was too late to go back. Only one
politician in Europe, Pierre Mendés-France had seen what was coming, and opposed the allocation
of credits to enable the French team to go to Berlin.
NEHMER Meinhardt (1941) Germany
Nehmer, who was several times bobsleigh world champion between 1976 and 1981, is also a triple
Olympic champion of the sport. He won both the two and four man bobsleigh events in 1976 at
Innsbruck.He won another two seat event four years later at Lake Placid.
NEMETH Imre and Milkos (1946) - Hungary
Like father like son! Imre Nemeth won the hammer throwing event at the London games in 1948.
Technique helped him win, not physique, as would have been the case nowadays. Indeed, he was
known as "the mosquito".He later became the director of the largest stadium in Budapest. His son
then became javelin Olympic champion at Montreal in 1976. This was the first time in the history of
the Games that father and son had become Olympic champions.
NEMOV Alexei (1976) Russia
Having already shot to fame in Atlanta in 1996, where he picked up six medals (two of them gold),
this Russian gymnast again became the greatest medal-winner at the Sydney Games with six more
medals and two new golds. But Nemov did even better this time, winning the overall competition,
in which he had been beaten by Chinese gymnast Li Xiaoshuang in 1996. That was his main
objective.It appears that the reign of this atypical gymnast is long from over. A reveller and
seducer in his everyday life, he is a rigorous worker in the gymnastics halls, and his movements
are often aerial and spectacular. He loves both spectacle and spectators.
NERO (37- 68) ancient Rome
The mad bloodthirsty tyrant who ruled Rome until 68 AD took part in the Olympic Games at
Olympia and was awarded many prizes. This was not too difficult, as he forced all his rivals to
withdraw.But these excesses were nothing compared with the murders of Britannicus, of his
mother Agrippina, and putting Rome to fire and the sword a few years before he passed away.
NESTY Anthony (1967) Surinam
Nesty became a national hero in his South American country after becoming Olympic champion of
the 100 m butterfly stroke at the Seoul games in 1988. He now lives and trains in the United
States, where he has made much progress.He competed again four years later in Barcelona, where
he took a bronze medal for the same distance.
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands have been a great sporting nation ever since the games began, and was one of
the first countries that wished to organise the Olympic Games, which they were given in 1928.Over
the years great champions such as Fanny Blankers-Koen in athletics, Anton Geesink in judo and Rie
Masterbroek in swimming have given this small European country, but great nation, a considerable
reputation.But it is in the winter games, and particularly in speed skating, that the Netherlands
excel. The quality of this nations contribution make it one of the best in the world.
NEVZOROV Vladimir (1952) Russia
One year after winning a mid-middle weight world title the Russian judoka took an Olympic prize at
Montreal in 1976. This victory unfortunately was his last.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand was one of the very first nations to take part in the games.In athletics this country
has produced three formidable runners: Jack Lovelock, Olympic champion of the 1500 m in Berlin,
John Walker, Olympic champion over the same distance in 1976, and especially Snell, who won the
800 m in Rome in 1960 and in Tokyo 1964.But the Kiwis are best known for their success at
nautical sports, having won many medals for sailing, canoeing and rowing.
NEWSPAPERS
Today the press occupy an essential place in the Olympic movement. During the games,
newspapers the world over increase their circulation considerably according to the exploits of their
compatriots. And yet, at the beginning of the century, the games only held slight interest for the
papers. A large country like France, for instance, had only one special envoy at the Athens games
in 1896 and that was the writer and journalist Charles Maurras, known for his nationalistic and
monarchist ideas, denouncing the cosmopolitan ideas of international sport and the predominance
of the English language. Since then television has been showing the exploits of the athletes live,
supplanting the importance of the newspapers. For instance, when the French newspaper l'Equipe,
suggested that delegations give up their flags and their hymns, given the boycott of most Western
countries in 1980, only 16 showed any support.
NGENY Noah (1978) Kenya
It seemed that nothing could prevent Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj from successfully defending his
Olympic title in the 1500m in Sydney in 2000. Unbeaten over the distance for many months, the
Moroccan was the overwhelming favourite. No one expected the small Kenyan Noah Ngeny, who
had already shown his ability to keep up to El Guerrouj, but had never beaten him.In Sydney,
Ngeny continued to sprint on the straight when the Moroccan slowed down. He passed him and
won. At the age of 22, his preparation in Australia and the United States far from the high Kenyan
plateaux seem to have borne fruit.
NI XIONG (1974) China
In spite of his youth, Chinese diver Ni Xiong took part in his fourth Olympics in Sydney. He won a
silver medal in Seoul at the age of just 14 in the high-diving competition won by the legendary
Greg Louganis, a bronze medal in Barcelona, a gold in Atlanta and another in Australia. This time
round he won the 3m springboard event. No doubt we can expect to see him in the running again
in Athens in 2004, attempting to win a fifth medal in five appearances at the Olympics.
NIEMANN-KLEEMANN Gunda (1969) Germany
Was the best woman speed skater of the Albertville games in 1992, where she won the 3000 and
5000 m events.Gunda Niemann-Kleemann won two more silver Olympic medals at Lillehammer two
years later, but she did not wait for the games to reach the top: she was world champion four
times between 1991 and 1995.
NIEMINEN Tony (1976) Finland
This Finn was only 16 years old when he won the ski jump event at the Albertville games. Two
years later on the big jump at Lillehammer he failed to live up to the promise he showed in Savoie.
NIGERIA
The Super Eagles as they are known at home gave Africa its first gold medal in the soccer
tournament at the Atlanta games in 1996. They beat Argentina in the final after knocking out the
Brazilians in the semi-finals.Yet the Nigerians were not supposed to compete in the Olympics. They
had been suspended from international competitions for having refused to take part in the African
national championships. Fortunately they were granted an amnesty just before the games.This
team, built around two stars, Okocha and Kanu, managed to beat the two Latin American countries
even though the latter had brought many international football stars to Georgia in the hope of
winning the gold medal.
NISHI Takeichi (1902 - 1945) Japan
This horseman, the surprising winner of the show jumping event at the Los Angeles games in
1932, is the only Japanese to have ever won the event at the Olympic Games.He later became a
brave soldier in the Pacific war, and took his own life when he was about to be captured by
American troops.
NIYONGABO Vénuste (1969) Burundi
The absence of the Ethiopian Gebre Selassie, who chose to only compete in the 10,000 m race at
the Atlanta games in 1996, enabled this runner from the tiny African country of Burundi to step on
the highest stage of the podium after the 5,000 m event. This is quite a feat when one considers
that Burundi had only been accepted in the Olympic circle three years earlier.
NONES Franco (1941) Italy
He was the first cross-country skier to defeat Scandinavians in the winter games. Since then the
Russians have taken over. Nones won the 30 km cross-country event at the Grenoble games in
1968
NORDWIG Wolfgang (1943) Germany
Was the first European to win the pole vaulting event at the Munich games in 1972, an event that
had been dominated by the Americans for more than 70 yearsNordwig took advantage of an
Olympic rule then forbidding the American athletes from using the fibreglass poles they usually
used in international competitions.He made a breach, and from then on the sport was dominated
by Europeans, After his games Nordwig, who is a professional engineer, made his own fibreglass
poles. At that time fibreglass poles were not imported to East Germany.
NORELIUS Martha (1910 - 1955) United States
This American athlete was Olympic champion of the 400 m free-style swimming event at the Paris
games in 1924, and kept her title in Amsterdam in 1928.A few days later she joined her partners in
the 4 x 400 m free-style relay race on the highest step of the podium for a third gold medal.
NORWAY
The Norwegians, who have always been regarded as a good sporting nation, developed their own
athletic policy during the Lillehammer games in 1994.That year Norway showed its ability to
organise fine games, simply and naturally, after having already organised the ones in Oslo in
1952.Norway is now the best nation in the world at the winter games, and has already won more
than 200 medals, 8 of which were won by Bjorn Daehle alone, a cross-country skier who holds the
record for the highest number of medals won at the winter games. Norway has made a name for
itself at the summer Olympics thanks to canoeist Hollman, the triple Olympic champion in Atlanta,
and in Australia through its women's football team, which now looks like knocking the United
States off the top spot. It beat the American side in the Olympic tournament in Sydney.
NOURIKIAN Norair (1948) Bulgaria
This double Olympic champion Bulgarian weight-lifter made his mark in Munich in 1972 in the 64
kg category.Four years later in Montreal be was reclassified in the 59 kg category and won
again.This is undoubtedly a unique performance in the history of weightlifting in the Olympic
Games.
NOWAK Cecile (1967) France
All Cecile Nowak needed to make her happy, after being several times European champion and
once world champion, was an Olympic medal. This she got in Barcelona thanks to terrific willpower:
she had to go on a drastic diet to be able to fight in the 48 kg category and win in Catalonia.
NOYELLE André (1931) Belgium
This Belgian racing cyclist went on to a respectable professional career after twice being Olympic
champion at the Helsinki games in 1952. He won the singles road race before doubling his success
thanks to the team event.
NUMA Mauro (1961) Italy
This Italian became Olympic foil champion in 1984 both in single and team events.He later went on
to win many times in the World cup and in international championships.
NUMISMATICS
The International Federation of Olympic Numismatics, better known as IFON, is an official Olympic
federation founded by the president of the IOC in March 1993. It groups people and organisations
who collect coins, banknotes and Olympic tokens. Since it was founded IFON has played a major
part in forming an impressive collection of official and sports coins which are now in the Olympic
Museum in Lausanne.
NURMI Paavo (1897-1973) Finland
Nurmi, who was the best middle and long distance runner of the 1920s, broke more than 15 world
records over 1500, 5000 and 10,000 m making him one of the greatest champions of all time.He
was 3 times Olympic champion in Antwerp in 1920, 5 times gold medallist in Paris four years later
and won a ninth gold medal in Amsterdam in 1928.He would have probably won a tenth gold medal
at the Los Angeles games of 1932 but he was banned for life from all competition for involvement
in professional activities just before the games in California started.Nurmi was dubbed "the
scientific athlete" on account of his methods of preparation; he always ran with a gold chronometer
in the palm of his hand.
NYKAENEN Matti (1963) Finland
This ski jumping champion is one of the last giants of the sport. He was Olympic champion in
Sarajevo in 1984 and won three more events at Calgary four years later. He was the despair of his
rivals, who claimed he had "bird hormones" that enabled him to remain hanging in the air for so
long on each of his jumps. Nykaenen himself claimed that his secret was simply sleep. He would
have a nap for a few minutes just before each jump in order to avoid stress.For many years
Nykaenen held the record for the longest jump, soaring more than 186 m before touching the
ground.
O'BRIEN Dan (1966) United States
O'Brien, who was decathlon world champion three times in the early 1990s is one of the most
accomplished all round athletes of his generation.He was ousted from the Barcelona games in the
course of the American selections, but made a comeback at Atlanta with no real competition.On
that occasion he beat the Englishman Dailey Thomson's legendary record by getting close to the
magic figure of 8900 points. However, it was fate that held that O'Brien's Olympic story would not
have a happy ending. Having torn a muscle he was again absent from the American selection trials
and thus could not participate in the Sydney games.
O'BRIEN Parry (1932) United States
Was the greatest shot putter of the century. It was O'Brien who invented the new putting
technique: by starting his swing with his back to the stop, with his legs bent, he rotates in such a
way as to give maximum propulsion to the shot.He was Olympic champion in 1952 and kept his
title four years later in Melbourne. Parry O'Brien remained unbeaten for ten years, but he only took
the silver medal in Rome in 1960, when he suffered his first defeat.
O'CALLAGHAN Patrick (1906 - 1991) United States
This American athlete, originally from Ireland, was for many years the best hammer thrower of his
generation in the early 1930s.He was twice Olympic champion, first in Los Angeles in 1932, then
four years later in Berlin.
O'CONNOR David (1969) United States
Only a bronze medallist along with his country men in the all-round team competition at the
Sydney games in 2000, he won the individual event in front of two Antipodean rivals, the
Australian Hoy and the New Zealander Todd, a former two-times Olympic champion.In this event,
O'Connor was leading by a long way at the end of the first two days of competition, but he was on
the brink of wasting all this effort in the show jumping event, before getting a grip on himself just
in time and winning on his horse "Custom Made".
O'NEILL Suzie (1973) Australia
As a child, Suzie O'Neill was scared of water. A coach managed to vanquish her fear of water by
putting her in a swimming pool and preventing her from getting out.The Australian swimmer has
since made up for this by becoming one of the world's best. Olympic champion for the 200 m
butterfly in Atlanta, she only came second in this category in Sydney. However, she won gold in
the 200 m freestyle and also in the team relay event. A bronze medallist in Barcelona, Suzie O'Neill
had climbed on to each step of the podiu before finishing her career. She has recently been elected
to the Athletes Committee of the IOC.
OARSOME FOURSOME - Australia
These four Australian rowers inherited the nickname of the "Oarsome Foursome" after their victory
in the coxless fours at the Barcelona games in 1992. The four men are called Cooper, Green, Mc
Kay and Tomkins. Such is their popularity in Australia that they registered their nickname as a
trademark and market it as a commercial brand name, with a crowd of sponsors after their
signatures.Even so, the four men did not give up rowing and, as is logical, they retained their
Olympic title on the water course in Atlanta.McKay was the only remaining member of this brilliant
team to be present in Sydney, as number two in the Australian eight.As regards their successors in
the coxless fours, they came third in the Olympic final which was won by the British including none
other than a certain Steve Redgrave.
OATH
The official oath is a solemn moment at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.While the flag
bearers of each country gather in a semicircle around the ceremonial platform, one of the host
country's athletes rises to the podium. Holding the Olympic flag in the left hand the athlete raises
the right hand and recites the following words: "We swear that we will take part in the Olympic
Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations that govern them and desirous in
participating in them in the spirit of sportsmanship for the honor of our country and for the glory of
sport".
ODA Mikio (born in 1905) Japan
The first ever Japanese gold medallist.He made his mark in the Amsterdam games in 1928 in the
triple jump event.
OERTER Alfred (1936) United States
This American remains to this day the greatest discus thrower in history.Al Oerter, who was
Olympic champion four times between 1956 and 1968, needed only a single try in Melbourne to
win his first gold medal. He was then a mathematics student and only twenty years old.Four years
later he hurled his discus more than 59 m and won a second title. He then took up muscle building
and threw the discus 61 m in Tokyo before nearing 65 m in Mexico for a fourth gold medal.He did
not take part in the Munich games because he had lost too much weight, and his heart was not into
going to Montreal, but Oerter was surely able to win many more medals.In 1980 he could have
taken part in the Moscow games if the Americans had not boycotted them. He remains the best
thrower in America.This fine athlete who loved competing even more than medals became an IT
engineer.
OLSSON Staffan (1964) Sweden
Silver medallist in Barcelone and Atlanta, the Swedish handballer Staffan Olsson came to Sydney to
win the gold medal that was missing from his roll of honour. Three times European champion and
twice world champion, he was only interested in the gold medal. Once again, though, he failed:
Sweden were beaten by Russia in the final of these millennium games.The collective strength of sht
Swedish team and the force of Olsson's strike in attack were not sufficient to accomplish this
objective.
OLYMPHILEX
This is the name of the exhibition that is held every year around the world, showing the stamps
released during the organising period of the games.The IOC has even set up and International
Federation of Olympic Philately which promotes the publication of studies and articles in the field of
philatelyThe "Olympia Prize" is awarded for the three most beautiful stamps released to celebrate
and commemorate the games.
OLYMPIA
This little city in the Peloponnese is where the Olympic Games were held for several centuries in
ancient Greece.Today there is still a sanctuary at Olympia at the centre of which are the vestiges of
the temple of Zeus. Nothing remains of the huge statue of the King of the Gods carved by Phidias,
except a few ruins of his workshop. This huge complex was destroyed by looters on the order of
the emperor Theodosius III and by two earthquakes in the 6th century AD. For one thousand years
the site of Olympia was buried under a thick layer of silt.The first excavations were made at the
end of the 18th century, and most of the treasures were discovered by German archaeologists in
the 19th century. The best preserved part is the Olympic stadium.
OLYMPIAD
This is the time before or after the Olympic Games. This period is four years between summer
games and between winter games, but only two years between one and the other.This is because
in 1992 it was decided to stagger the summer and winter games. Until then both competitions had
taken place in the same year.Thus after the Albertville and Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, the
next winter games took place in Lillehammer in 1994 before the summer games which were held in
Atlanta in 1996.
OLYMPIC ORDER
This is an honour that is only bestowed on the greatest champions, those who, whether in the
stadium or in their lives, contributed to the lustre of the Olympic movement. The Olympic Order is
a gold ornament depicting the five Olympic circles on a crown of laurel leaves.This honour has been
bestowed on athletes such as Jesse Owens, Fanny Blankers-Koen and Jean-Claude Killy, and more
recently Alberto Tomba or Steffie Graff.
OLYMPIC RINGS
The five Olympic rings, coloured blue, red, black, yellow and green, today represent the most
famous of global logos. It is said that 90% of the world's inhabitants are able to identify it.Pierre de
Coubertin designed the symbol after the First World War and commissioned a small spinning mill to
weave it. It was at the 1920 Games in Antwerp that the flag with its distinctive five coloured rings
was raised for the first time. According to unofficial reports, the five interlocking rings symbolise
the five continents.
OMNES Philippe (1960) France
When he received the gold medal at the Barcelona games in 1992 this fencer put an end to forty
years of failure by individuals for his country, which remains the best nation at the foil.He took
over from Christian d'Oriola, a major figure of this sport in France.
ONO Takashi (1931) Japan
This Japanese gymnast, who earned thirteen Olympic medals between 1952 and 1960, shone at
the horizontal bar in Melbourne in 1956 and in Rome in 1960. He also did very honourably at
vaulting and in the general competition in which he finished only 0.05 point behind the Russian
Olympic champion Chukarin.Ono opened the way to the Japanese school which won more
recognition in 1968 and 1972. This gymnast's strength lay in attempting difficult figures and
carrying them off.
OREILLER Henri (1925-1962) France
This French skier, whose name means "pillow', was hardly one to rest on his laurels.Oreiller was
the first French skier to win a gold medal, at Saint Moritz in 1948, where he distinguished himself
in the downhill and combined events, the latter on a pair of old skis, because his talismanic own
skis on which he won the downhill event had just been stolen. He earned a third, bronze, medal for
the slalom.He loved speed, and died a few years later driving a racing car on the Montlhéry circuit.
ORGANISING CITY
The organisation of the Olympic Games is never entrusted to a country, but to a city. This tradition
naturally goes back to the choice of Olympia to organize the games of the Greek world. The
application procedure for cities that wish to host the games is always the same. The town council
has to make the first application. It must answer a motivation questionnaire and obtain financial
support from the government.Seven years before the games the IOC makes a selection of
candidate cities and elects one of them in a secret ballot.This system has in recent years given rise
to allegations of corruption. Organizers have been accused of making the kind of donations likely to
attract votes from members of the Olympic committees.Once it has been designated the chosen
city must set up a working committee in charge of organisation. The committee is responsible for
building the sports installations and housing, dealing with the media, organizing sports and cultural
events and drawing up a report on the celebration of the games.In return the city enjoys worldwide
publicity thanks to the media coverage of the games.
ORTLIEB Patrick (1968) Austria
This Austrian skier was virtually unknown when he took the Olympic title in the downhill event at
Albertville in 1992.That day he wore the number 1 and had the advantage of good weather,
whereas his rivals had to cope with very difficult snow conditions. This feat was the start of a
career that made him one of the best downhill racers of his generation.Patrick Ortlieb has since left
the slopes to go into politics.
ORTON Georges (1873-1958) Canada
This runner would have become the first Canadian Olympic champion had he represented his own
country in the games.Unfortunately for him, he was entered for the 1900 Paris games as a member
of the University of Pennsylvania, so it was for the United States that he won the 2500 m
steeplechase and got the bronze medal for the 400 m hurdles.
OSBORN Harold (1899 - 1975) United States
This American athlete managed a rare feat in the games since he not only won the decathlon in the
1924 Paris games but also won an individual event, the high jump.Another American, Jackie
Joyner-Kersee, has since achieved the same performance.As to Osborn, he used a trick that led to
a change in the rules: he would push the bar up against the stops to prevent it from falling.
OSBURN Karl (1884-1966) United States
The American rifle marksman, who won eleven medals, including five gold, between 1920 and
1924, remains to this day the greatest medallist of his sport in the games. However a number of
events for which he won medals no longer exist in the Olympic programme.One of these was the
free style rifle shooting in three positions.
OSLO - Norway
The choice of Oslo as a venue for the 1952 winter games was a natural enough one since Norway
claims to have invented skiing.Just as they would at Lillehammer twenty-two years later, the
Norwegians liked to show their difference, by organising games that were enthusiastic, popular and
fun.That year in Oslo 100,000 spectators watched the ski jumps. These games marked the return
of Germany and Japan to the Olympic fold.These games saw the rise of the Italian skier Colo, who
won the downhill event, and of the Norwegian speed skater Andersen who took three medals on
the Norwegian ring.
OSTERMAYER Micheline (1922 - 2001) France
This athlete, who graduated from the Paris music conservatory, might have made a name for
herself as a pianist, but instead chose athletics, to become a double Olympic champion and win one
bronze medal at the London games in 1948.She made her mark in such various sports as shotputting and the discus, teaching herself the rudiments in only two weeks before the games. She
also finished third in the high jump.After her athletic career she went on to be a concert pianist and
music teacher.
OTTEY Merlene (1960) Jamaica - Slovenia
Merlene Ottey has one of the finest athletic records in the world, yet never became an Olympic
champion. Bronze and Silver medals rewarded her Olympic finals, which were always brilliant but
never victorious.She did win three gold medals, but these were in the world championships in 1993
and 1995At Atlanta she went for the gold in the 200 m race, hoping to beat the French runner
Marie-Josée Pérec, but once again had to give way. After testing positif for nandrolone in '99, a
result that she contested, she was disqualified from the world championships. Unless she is proven
to be guilty of taking banned substances, the International Athletics Federation has authorised her
to resume competition just before the Sydney games. She took part in the 4x100 m relay winning
a silver medal as part of the Jamaican team, yet her presence in Sydney had been in question for a
long time, several Jamaican athletes having staged a protest in the Olympic village at her inclusion
in the team.This end to her career spoiled 20 years spent at the top level. But in 2002, Merlene
Ottey's request to run for Slovenia instead of her native Jamaica. She was granted Slovenian
citizenship earlier this year.
OTTO Kristin (1966) Germany
This German swimmer was queen of the Seoul games, which also revealed another swimmer, the
American Janet Evans, who won three gold medals.Otto did even better, winning six gold medals
for three different strokes: free-style, butterfly and backstroke. This record demonstrated the
extent of her talent and her physical capabilities. She was rewarded for this feat with a very
valuable gold crown.Although she had achieved a feat comparable to that of Mark Spitz in 1972 her
return went almost unnoticed.She was a victim of the enduring suspicion in which East German
swimmers were held. Yet this tall girl had a staggering record and deserved better than the scorn
she was shown. She soon gave up swimming due to back problems.But Otto's career was tarnished
for a good many years later, when an American laboratory claimed to have proof that all the top
East German swimmers of the 1980s used drugs. Having become a journalist, she did not deny
these allegations, only stating the she did not know the nature of the products that she was
injected with.
OVETT Steve (1955) Great Britain
A single title crowned the career of this brilliant middle distance athlete who won the 800 m in
Moscow in front of his compatriot Coe.During this period he beat several world records over 1500
m and the mile. An avowed rival of his countryman Sebastian Coe, the two set off on a race for
records which swelled their rolls of honour and their wallets.Suffering from Asthma, his career as
an athlete finished during the 1500 m at the Los Angeles games in 1984, leaving the track on a
stretcher.Since then, Ovett has become and official in British sport.
OWENS "Jessee" James Cleveland (1913-1980) United States
James Owens is and will forever remain one of the greatest Olympic athletes of the between the
wars period, not only because he won four gold medals at the games, but because he got them in
Berlin in 1936 in front of a furious Hitler. What was to follow was less dreamlike. Having lost his
amateur status, he became professional and took part in shows which tarnished somewhat his
image. He tried cinema acting, but without success.Finally, he was named as roving ambassador
for the third world by President Eisenhower, thus ensuring his upkeep during his days as an old
man.To make up for the scorn it once showed him, the city of Berlin has recently renamed one of
its streets Jessee Owens. It can be found just next to the Olympic stadium.
OXYGEN
When Mexico City was awarded the games in 1968 a cry of alarm went out from doctors, coaches
and athletes, who knew that in the Mexican capital, which is perched on a plateau at 2240 m
altitude, oxygen is scarce. The oxygen level is one third lower there than it is at sea level, and any
effort lasting more than a minute would tax athletes heavily.This was shown, for instance, in the
10,000 m race which was won by Temu, a runner from the high plateaux. His time was very much
better than that of any achieved at the time.
PACE Darrel (1956) United States
This American, who was Olympic archery champion in 1976 and 1984, would probably have won a
third gold medal in Moscow in 1980 had his country not boycotted the great international gettogether. For many years he retained the record for the greatest score achieved in a single round
with 1341 points.
PADDOCK Charles (1900-1943) United States
Charles Paddock, who was double Olympic champion of the 100 m and 4x400 m in 1920 in
Antwerp, and won several silver medals over 200 m, was long considered to be the fastest man in
the world. He could probably have done much better, but would have had to train more
assiduously, which he always refused to do!Paddock joined the US army during the second world
war and died in battle. He had become a national hero, and an American navy vessel was named in
his honour.
PAHUD DE MORTANGES Charles (1896-1971) Netherlands
This Dutchman won four times in the Olympic Games, and each time on the same horse,
Marcroix.Mortanges won the three day event as an individual in 1928 in Amsterdam and in 1932 in
Los Angeles. He was also double Olympic team champion in 1924 in Paris and in 1928, this time
riding a horse named Johnny Walker.
PAJOT Marc and Yves (1953 et 1952) France
Before becoming one of the greatest skippers of transatlantic races and leading the French
challenge in the America Cup Marc Pajot distinguished himself on Olympic lakes on a smaller sailing
craft, the flying Dutchman.In partnership with his brother Yves they got the silver medal in Munich.
PALM Kerstin - Sweden
This foil fencer never reached the top of Olympus, indeed she barely came fifth in Mexico in 1968
and sixth in Munich four years later.Yet Kirstin Palm was probably the most assiduous of all
Olympic participants. She competed in seven Olympic Games from 1964 in Tokyo to 1988 in Seoul.
She must have been a firm believer in the saying that "the important thing is to take part".
PALUSALU Kristjan (1908 - 1987) Estonia
Was the best wrestler in the 1936 Berlin games. He was twice Olympic champion in both sports:
free style and Greco-Roman wrestling. On both occasions he won in the super heavyweight
category for men over 130 kg.
PANCRATIUM
This form of unarmed combat practised in the games in ancient Greece was exceptionally violent.
All blows were allowed and were sometimes fatal. Biting, however, and gouging out one's
opponent's eyes were not allowed, but that seems small comfort.This contest fascinated the crowds
that filled the stadium at Olympia. It was also the sport that produced the greatest financial
rewards for winners. The Greek Polymidas, who was considered to be one of the greatest Olympic
champions of antiquity excelled at this contest.
PANKRATOV Denis (1974) Russia
The Russian swimmer Pankratov, who already held the world record for the 100 and 200 m
butterfly stroke was, with his compatriot Popov, the star of the Atlanta games in 1996.While Popov
dominated free style, Pankratov won both the 100 and 200 m butterfly stroke events. The fact
remains that whilst Popov was again on the podium during the Sydney games, Pankratov had
totally disappeared.
PAPP Lazlo (1926) Hungary
The Hungarian boxer Papp is the first champion in his country to be allowed to turn professional, so
brilliant was his domination in the amateur world. After becoming middle weight Olympic champion
in London in 1948, he was again twice crowned in the super welter weight category in Helsinki in
1952 and in Melbourne four years later.Papp's career continued until the early 1960s, when he won
the European championship. After 32 professional fights and as many victories he hoped to fight
for a world champion's belt. Unfortunately he did not win the title of world champion, so his
permission to box as a professional was withdrawn. He thus became coach of the Hungarian team.
PARALYMPIC GAMES
The very first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. At the time, it featured 400 athletes
from 23 countries.Forty years later in Sydney, the record for the number of participants was
beaten with 4000 athletes and 125 countries represented.Eighteen events were featured at these
Games: Athletics, basketball, boccia, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, goalball, judo,
weightlifting, swimming, shooting, archery, tennis, table tennis, sailing, volleyball and the new
sport of wheelchair rugby. Handicapped sportsmen and women are rarely invited to the Olympics.
The Paralympic Games are held in the month after the Olympics. Since Seoul in 1988, the
competitions for the two Games have been held at the same locations. But it is not impossible that
events reserved for the handicapped may make their way into the official Olympic Games. The
champions will just be that much more exceptional ! During the Atlanta games in 1996, a 1500
metre race for wheelchairs was run as a demonstration in the Olympic stadium to publicise the
paraplegic games to be held there a few months later.
PARIS - France
Coubertin, the French educationalist who revived the Olympic Games in Greece, wanted the second
games of the modern era to be held in Paris, and he wanted them grand. He was to be
disappointed.The society figures who organised competitions attached much more importance to
the Universal Exhibition than to the games themselves. Competitions were staggered over a period
of six months. Fortunately Henri Desgranges, who three years later started the Tour de France,
saved public interest in the competitions.Twenty-four years later Coubertin hoped that at last the
games could be made a great success in Paris. A change in the president of the republic made him
fear the worst. The funds promised by the former incumbent were not forthcoming and the games
were about to be cancelled. For the first time an Olympic village, consisting of rudimentary
barracks, was built. But the swimming events this time took place in an indoor pool. They revealed
the American Johnny Weissmuller.These games nevertheless drew 44 nations and a record number
of athletes competed. Today the French capital is once again a candidate for organising the games
in 2008.
PARISI Angelo (1953) France / Great Britain
This judoka, originally from Italy, performed his feats for Great Britain and then France. As a
British subject this small man was so talented that he quickly reached world class level and was
rewarded by a bronze medal in Munich in 1972.While training in France he fell in love with a French
girl, married her and became a French national. This change in nationality prevented him from
taking part in the Montreal games, but the formidable attacker was allowed to go to Moscow in
1980. There he won the Olympic heavy weight title, opening the way to French judo, for which
Thierry Rey got another title a few days later.
PARK JOO BONG (1964) South Korea
This Korean, who was four times badminton world champion from 1985 to 1991, was favourite
when he went to the Barcelona games in 1992 when the sport became an official Olympic one. In
partnership with his compatriot Moon Soo Kim he easily won the men's double.
PATOULIDOU Paraskevi (1965) Greece
This Greek woman athlete got her gold medal when the American Gail Devers fell a few metres
before the tape in the 110 m hurdle race in Barcelona in 1992. This ex basketball player's only
ambition had been to make the finals, a hope that was more than fulfilled, and she was welcomed
home as a national heroine.
PATTISSON Rodney (1943) Great Britain
Pattison, who had already been Olympic champion in the Flying Dutchman category in 1968, beat
the Pajot brothers in 1972 on the Kiel lake and added a second consecutive Olympic title to the one
he had won at the Mexico games. This Briton, who is one of the best skippers of his generation,
won many other European and international titles.
PATTON George - United States
This young cavalry lieutenant was not yet a national hero when he went to compete in the modern
pentathlon at the Stockholm games in 1912, and indeed he only took fourth place. He was the only
non Scandinavian among the six top finalists in the event. He might well have won the gold medal
had it not been for a mistake in the shooting contest.This was the same Patton who thirty years
later with the rank of general led the American third army which liberated Europe from Nazi
Germany.
PATTTERSON Floyd (1935) United States
This American boxer is a fine example of the saying that value does not necessarily increase with
age.Before becoming one of the youngest ever world champion boxers when he was only twentyone years old, he had, four years earlier, been middleweight Olympic champion. It is no wonder
then that Floyd Patterson became a living legend in international boxing.He retained his brilliant
title for six years from 1956 to 1962.
PAVESI Carlo (1923) Italy
This Italian épée fencer won the Olympic title at Melbourne in 1956 in front of his compatriots
Delphino and Mangiarotti, but it was in team partnership with these two rivals that he won three
other gold medals between 1952 and 1960
PAWLOWSKI Jerzy (1932) Poland
Pawlowski, who was a full member of the Polish team for twelve years from 1956 to 1968, was the
fencer who put an end to a series of nine consecutive Olympic victories by Hungary in the
individual sword event.In the 1968 Mexico games, a few months before retiring from sport, he
wiped out forty years of humiliation with the tip of his sabre.The rest of his career was no less
lively. He became a spy for the West and in 1975 was condemned to more than twenty years in
prison.
PEDROSO Yvan (1972) Cuba
Three times world long jump champion, the Cuban Yvan Pedroso only dreamed of one thing on his
arrival in Sydney: winning the gold medal that should be rightfully his and which he missed out in
in Barcelona, winning a bronze, and in Atlanta where, injured, he finished in last place in the
final.Record holder for jumps further than 8,50 m, the Cuban is one of the best long jumpers of all
time. He should have held the world record after a jump of 8,96 m during a meeting in Italy, but
his jump was not ratified.After a formidable battle with Australian opponent Taurima, Yvan
Pedroso's dream came true at the Sydney games in 2000, where he won the gold medal: justice
was done.
PEE
An urgent need to relieve himself caused a judge to leave his position on the finishing line of the
3000 m steeplechase. The runners did 3400 m, a whole extra lap.On a more serious note, urine
tests are now used to detect traces of illegal substances in athletes' bodies. Urine samples are each
kept in two separate bottles so that second opinions can be given on request by the athlete
concerned. However urine tests are considered to be less and less reliable given the increasing
sophistication of drugs. Therefore all tests to detect EPO during the Sydney games were of two
sorts: urine and blood tests.Now a new method is used. Officials conduct random tests throughout
the year, both during and outside competition periods, in order to catch athletes who cheat in this
way in the act.
PELOTA
Pelota or jai-alai, a very fast relative of squash, was a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games
of 1924, 1968 and in Barcelona in 1992, but was not on the programme at Atlanta four years
later.The cradle of pelota is the Basque country of France and Spain, and is also played in several
Latin American countries, but is little known elsewhere.Many different forms of the sport exist: pala
and paleta, which are played using sorts of bats, either indoors (trinket) or in a three sided outdoor
court (fronton) on a left hand wall and in free position.Forms are also played with the bare hand,
the large cesta or chistera (the wicker basket or 'glove' used for propelling the ball or pelota) as
well as Joko Garbi (with the small cesta)The most popular form is Cesta Punta which came from
South America and is played with a large cesta. This is the sport that was demonstrated at the
games.Finally, rebot, the most difficult form of pelota according the Basques, who invented it, is
played in free position like tennis, but without a net.
PENTATHLON
At Olympia in classical times this was the most important of the games, the one for which the
crown of olive leaves was most highly prized. According to Aristotle it crowned "the finest man in
Greece".As its name suggests, the pentathlon consists of five events: running, javelin, long jump,
discus and wrestling. Only the judges knew the order of the events, a psychological dilemma for
the athletes, since they did not know which events to prepare for.The pentathlon works by
elimination until only two athletes are left in the final wrestling event.It was of course as a tribute
to those brave contestants of antiquity that the Olympic movement decided to revive this event, in
a modern form, at the Stockholm games in 1912.(See also MODERN PENTATHLON)
PENTATHLON, MODERN
Pierre de Coubertin, full of admiration for the tales and exploits of the pentathletes in classical
times, asked the organisers of the 1912 Stockholm games to revive the event.In order to bring it
up to date, they imagined a modern officer fighting valiantly for victory. In the process he had to
ride his horse, fight with his pistol and then with his sword before swimming and running.The
modern pentathlon thus includes the following five sports: riding, pistol shooting, fencing,
swimming and athletics.The Swedes, who invented the event in its present form, have dominated it
since its origin in 1912, winning nine consecutive Olympic titles. Having previously been reserved
for men, this event was opened up to women for the Sydney games, where Great Britain's Cook
won the first gold medal.
PEPONNET Thierry (1959) and PILLOT Luc (1959) France
Luc Pillot is as tall and hefty as Thierry Peponnet is short and stocky. On the same boat the small
man holds the tiller while the big one does the hauling.Having already got the bronze medal in the
470 category at the 1984 Los Angeles games, they went on to a brilliant gold in Seoul in 1988.
PEREC Marie-José (1969) France
The greatest French woman athlete of all times. Her record speaks for itself.She was twice world
champion and three times Olympic champion of the long sprint over 200 and 400 m.It was in the
1991 world championships that this girl from Guadeloupe burst on the scene by winning the title
over 400 m. One year later in Barcelona she became Olympic champion.Although she had every
reason to be satisfied she was careful not to become complacent, so left her French coach and
went off to the United States in order to train under one of the best American coaches, John
Smith.This choice was a success: she then went on to become double Olympic champion at Atlanta
in 1996 one year after a new world title over 400 m. In Georgia she even took the 200 m in front
of the favourite, Merlene Ottey.A viral infection, mononucleosis, forced Marie-José Perec to leave
the world circuit for four years. But on the eve of the Sidney games she took up a new challenge:
she wants to become Olympic champion once more and has just settled in Germany. Her trainer
this time is the very one who enabled the German Marita Koch to beat the 400 m world record.
This arduous work came to nothing. Two days before the heats started, she left Sydney, claiming
to have been mugged. This affair was seen in very bad light by the French team and the Australian
press as well as her rival Cathy Freeman who won the 400 m without opposition.
PEREZ Jefferson - Ecuador
By winning the 20 km event at the Atlanta games this walker became the first Ecuadorian to win
an Olympic gold medal.
PERILLAT Guy (1940) France
This great downhill skier would no doubt have deserved to be an Olympic champion, but had to
make do with several silver medals in the world cup events and in the Olympic Games in the
1960s.Guy Périllat won his first Olympic trophy in Squaw Valley in 1960, where he came third in
the downhill race which was won by another Frenchman, Jean Vuarnet.It was also in Squaw Valley
that he finally won a gold medal, but in the combined...Unfortunately for him, at the time this
trophy was purely symbolic, since it did not go down in the annals of the Olympic.
PERKINS Kieren (1973) Australia
In what seems to be almost a tradition in Australia, this swimmer came to the sport following
health problems in early childhood.He had gone through a plate glass door while playing with his
brother, and was made to swim to rebuild muscles after the accident.A few years later he had
become the world's top performer in the 1500 free style event for which he got the gold medal in
Barcelona in 1992, only a few days after coming second in the 400 m. He retained his gold medal
for the 1500 m in Atlanta without opposition.But all good stories must come to and end. During the
Sydney games in 2000, Perkins bore witness to the emergence of a young countryman and rival,
Steve Hackett. The latter, though full of admiration for his senior, was not overawed, as he won
gold and left Perkins to settle for the de la médaille d'argent.
PETERSON John (1948) Benjamin (1950) United States
These two brothers have shared a strange path through the circles of Olympic wrestling. Both won
a gold and silver medal,and both were beaten in Olympic finals by the same opponent: the Soviet
Levian Tediashvili.Ben was Heavyweight Olympic champion in 1972 in Munich whereas John was
beaten in the middleweight final by Tediashvili. Four years later in Montreal, John was
middleweight Olympic champion, whereas Ben was beaten in the heavyweight final by Tediashvili
who had moved u a division.
PETROVIC Drazen (1964-1993) Croatia
This legend of European basketball, who was considered to be one of the best back wings in the
world, and was several times European champion and NBA member for three seasons, was twice
Olympic vice-champion.On two occasions, together with his fellow team members Toni Kukoc and
Dino Radja, he led the Croatian team onto the podium, at the 1988 Seoul games and in 1992 in
Barcelona.Petrovic killed himself in a car crash just before his thirtieth birthday.
PEZZO Paola (1975) Italy
This beautiful Italian girl, who was the first Olympic mountain bike champion at the 1996 Atlanta
games, is still at the peak of her sport. She came third in the last world championships behind the
Canadian Alison Sydor whom she had beaten in Georgia, and says that her aim is a second Olympic
title.Narrowly beaten by the Spanard Fullana at the world championships just a few weeks before
the Olympic Games, Paola Pezzo still seemed capable of winning, as she went on to prove
majestically by winning her second consecutive Olympic gold.
PHILOMBROTAS - Greece
Was the best pentathlete of the ancient world.The Spartan Philombrotas performed the feat of
winning the pentathle, as it was then called, three times between 676 and 668 BC.
PICARD Franck (1964) France
This French skier's talents were first revealed at the Calgary games in 1988.He won the first ever
Super G in the history of the winter games a few days after coming third in the Olympic downhill
race.Four years later at Albertville, following a very bad beginning to the season, he came second
in the downhill.Picard was not to defend his Super G title for long: he fell only a few metres after
the start.
PIETRI Dorando (1885 - 1942) Italy
This diminutive Italian runner was about to win the Olympic marathon in London in 1908 when he
suffered a blackout and collapsed only a few hundred metres from the finishing line. Since he was a
long way ahead of his rivals members of the public and the officials helped him to the finishing line.
The stewards however were inflexible: he was relegated and the prize went to the American
Hayes.The little pastry cook from Capri was never to become Olympic champion, but he was
rewarded on the day after his marathon by Queen Alexandra who gave him a gold cup in
recognition of his effort.
PIHLAJAMAKI Kustaa (1902 - 1944) Hermanii (1903 - 1982) Finland
This two brothers who dominated freestyle wrestling before the war came from a long line of fine
wrestlers.Kuusta was the first to confirm his potential on winning the gold medal in the
bantamweight division in 1924. Having gone up a category, to featherweight four years later at the
Amsterdam games he had to settle for a silver. He however again won gold in Berlin in 1936 whilst
his brother Hermanii only came third: the latter had won the gold medal in this category four years
previously.
PINAIEVA Ludmilla (1936) Russia
This woman was one of the greatest kayak champions of her generation in the 1960s. She won
three gold medals in the K2 category at the Tokyo, Mexico and Munich games from 1964 to 1972.
PODKOPAYEVA Lilia (1979) Ukraine
Although this little Ukrainian gymnast was by far the best in 1996 at Atlanta, where she won the
all-round competition, her victory was greeted by total indifference. The American public was only
interested in its own gymnasts, even though they did no better than an 8th place in the games.This
chauvinism was rewarded by an American victory the team event.Meanwhile Podkopayeva went on
to win a second gold medal on the ground.
POILVE Emile (1903-1962) France
This fellow was as strong as an ox, and easily won the free style wrestling title in the middleweight
category in Berlin in 1936, beating a German wrestler. The Nazis looked on this as an unforgivable
insult to Germany, and to make a mockery of the Frenchman's victory the German officials raised
the Turkish flag and played the Egyptian anthem when he was given the gold medal.
POLE VAULTING
Pole vaulting is one of the most highly technical events of athletics.After a run up holding his pole
to one side the vaulter sticks his pole in the stop and sails upward over a bar that is usually over
six metres high. The greatest vaulter in the world is the Ukrainian Sergei Bubka who beat the world
record many times. Before Bubka the Americans won all the titles between 1896 and 1968.
POLITES OF KERAMOS - Greece
Was the hero of the 69 BC games when he won the three stadium events and thus the
triacterum.These events were the stadium race over 192 m, the double stadium race over 384 m,
and the dolic. The latter event consisted in covering the length of the ancient stadium 24 times,
which is equivalent to about 4.6 kg today.
POLITICS
In order that the Olympics remain independent, the entire movement and in particular its head, the
IOC, have always taken care not to let international politics interfere with its activities.Thus the IOC
co-opts its members from the various countries, and not the other way around.But these fine
principles are not always matched by reality. Since the games first started its history has been
punctuated with political incidents.This was true as early as 1904, when president Roosevelt chose
to hold the games at Saint Louis in order to have them coincide with the Universal exhibition,
whereas the IOC had chosen Chicago.It was even more so in Berlin in 1936, when the IOC insisted
on the German capital, while international opinion wanted the games to be moved to another city,
Barcelona as it happened then.Politics have also intruded in the form of boycotting of the games by
some countries that began at Melbourne in 1956. Other boycotts affected the 1976, 80, 84 and 88
games.In 1968 in Mexico it was American black power that intruded.Much worse than any of these
was the Palestinian terrorist attack during the 1972 Munich games.These days, apart from terrorist
incident at Atlanta, responsibility for which was claimed by a mentally unbalanced person, it seems
that since 1992 the games have entered a new era of peace and friendship in which the Olympic
Games are free of political pressure and international disputes.
POLL Claudia (1972) Costa Rica
Of German origin, this Costa Rican swimmer has an impressive physique, measuring 1,92 m. Her
size benefits her in the Olympic swimming pool, and so it came to pass that she became one of the
very first female swimming champions from Central America, winning the 200 m freestyle at the
Atlanta games.She did not manage to retain it at the Sydney games in 2000, finishing only third in
the 200 m and 400 m finals. Her rather harsh training sessions in the unheated swimming pool in
San José, the country's capital, should really have paid off.
POLLACK Andrea (1961) Germany
This East German swimmer was, with Kornelia Ender and Ulrike Richter part of the great team that
won 11 of the 13 titles attributed at the Montreal games and was suspected of using drugs.Pollack
herself won the 200 m butterfly stroke and the 4x100 m medley. She also got the silver medals in
the 100 m butterfly and the 4x100 n free style.
POLO
This sport in which two teams of mounted riders score goals by chasing and hitting a ball with long
mallet-like sticks was brought by the British from their Indian empire.Polo was played five times at
the Olympic Games. The first Olympic tournament was at the 1900 Paris games; after the 1936
Berlin games it was dropped from the Olympic programme. It is surprising that the British did not
include it in their 1948 games, because they are the keenest players, and won 3 of the 5 Olympic
titles in 1900, 1908 and 1920.The other two, in 1924 and 1936 were both won by Argentina.
POLYDAMAS - Greece
Polydamas, a native of Thessaly, was a champion of the pancratium, a contest that was a mixture
of wrestling and boxing.He was so famous for his exploits in the ancient games that legends grew
up around him. One of them tells how he strangled a lion on Mount Olympus, and another that he
died trying to hold up a collapsing mountain.
POMMEL HORSE
This gymnastic event is only open to the men. This apparatus tests balancing skills and requires
great strength in the hands, the only part of the body allowed in contact with the horse. The
routine consists of a series of continuous swinging motions. The gymnast performs alternate
circular and scissor movements with his legs as he travels down the horse.
PONLID Wijan (1976) Thailand
Originating from the birthplace of Thai boxing, in which the boxers use their fists and feet, the
victory of this little boxer from Thailand in the normal boxing competition at the Sydney games
seems to be a bit of paradox, and yet he won by a long chalk in the 51 kg category against
Kazakhstan's Jumadilov.As is the tradition for national heros in his country, a parade of 40
elephants and a celestial banquet were held for him on his return. This gold medal won by Wijan
Ponlid médaille is the second Olympic title that Thailand has won since the beginnings of the
games.
POPE
Traditionally the popes never expressed any particular sympathies or interest in the Olympic
movement.In 1960 however, Pope John XXIII willingly blessed the crowd who had come to attend
the games held in the Italian capital. The ceremony took place in Saint Peter's Square. The present
incumbent of the throne of Saint Peter, Pope John Paul II, who takes an obvious interest in sport
avoids showing any interest in the Olympic Games apart from warning sports-persons away from
using banned substances.
POPOV Alexandre (1972) Russia
Popov, a specialist of the short sprint, is one of the finest swimmers of his generation, having been
several times world champion and world record holder.He was the top swimmer at the Barcelona
games when he won the 50 m free style and the very controversial 100 m race. In the latter event
the chronometer broke down and there was a long wait for the verdict from the official timekeepers.He became a legend when he repeated his Catalonian feat in Atlanta. There he beat the
American Hall in the 100 m and 50 m free style. He thus measured up to the American Johnny
Weissmuller who until then had been the only swimmer to win two consecutive titles in the short
sprint at the games in 1924 and 1928. These two titles won in Atlanta could have been his last.
Stabbed in the street in Moscow, he spent several weeks in hospital before making a recovery.
However, several months later, he retained his word championship crown and a few weeks before
the Sydney games, he beat the world record for the 50 m freestyle. Yet, these wins hid the fact
that Popov was no longer hungry for victory.Thus in Sydney, the Russian finished in only sixth
place in the 50 m freestyle final. Several days earlier, he suffered an even greater reversal of
fortune, coming second in the 100 m freestyle, beaten by the Dutchman Van den Hoogenband.Now
a member of the IOC athletes committee, Alexandre Popov, who aims to take on Australian
nationality, will be able to devote himself to his duties.
PORTUGAL
It was not until the 1980s and the advent of two real running champions that Portugal joined the
Olympic nations. The first time was in 1984, when Carlos Lopes won the marathon.Four years later
it was his compatriot Rosa Mota's turn to become Olympic champion, this time once more in the
marathon.
POWELL Mike (1963) United States
Powell was the first athlete to beat the fabulous Olympic record set by Bob Beamon for the long
jump in at the Mexico games.Mike Powell took the record to 8.95 during the world championships
in 1991. Unfortunately for him he was twice beaten by Carl Lewis, in Seoul in 1988 and in
Barcelona four years later.
POYNTON- HILL Dorothy (1915) United States
This woman diver was the first to have retained her high diving gold medal. Following her first
victory in Los Angeles in 1932, she won again in Berlin four years later at the age of 21 - she
celebrated her birthday at the games. In between these two medals, she had more cause for
celebration, becoming Mrs Hill.She was less comfortable, however, on the springboard, having to
settle for a silver medal in Amsterdam in 1928 and a bronze medal in Berlin.
PREISS-MULLER Ellen (born in 1912) Austria
This Austrian fencer revealed herself in 1932 in Los Angeles when she won the gold medal for the
single foil event.Despite the subsequent world war and Austria's temporary exclusion, Preiss-Muller
was present at every selection for her country until the Melbourne games twenty four years after
she won her first title. During that time she won another two bronze medals. PRESS Irina (1939)
and Tamara (1937) Russia: Tamara Press was the first of the two sisters to make a mark by
winning the Olympic shot putting tournament in Rome in 1960. On the same occasion she got the
silver medal for the discus.She made history by winning both the shot and discuss events four
years later in Tokyo, a feat that has never been equalled.Tamara's sister Irina was no less of a
great athlete: after becoming Olympic champion of the 80 m hurdle race in Rome she went on to
win the pentathlon gold medal in Tokyo in 1964.It must be added however that in the late 1960s
the two sisters were under pressure to undergo a gender tests. They consistently refused. This
naturally casts some doubt as to the authenticity of their brilliant results..
PRIESTE Harry (1896-2001) United States
The oldest Olympic medallist made himself even more famous on the eve of the Sydney in 2000 by
handing back to the IOC the Olympic flag that he had stolen during the Antwerp games in
1920.After having finished third in the diving competition, he climbed up the flag pole and took the
five-ringed Olympic flag under the very nose of the Belgian police.During the handing over
ceremony, president Samaranch gave him a commemorative medal. As for the flag, it will be
displayed in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
PRINSTEIN Myer (1880-1925) United States
Prinstein, who was unfairly deprived of the Olympic title for the long jump in the 1900 Paris games
went on a few days later to win the gold medal for the triple jump.What happened is that during
the long jump contest the organisers decided to interrupt the event and resume it on the following
day, which was a Sunday. Prinstein, who had strong religious convictions, refused to take part on
the Sabbath. Four years later in Saint Louis he did become double Olympic champion of the long
jump an the triple jump and retained the title.
PRIVALOVA Olga (1968) Russia
For a long time considered as one of the best European sprinters over 100 and 200 m, having
turned thirty the Russian chose to change to the 400 m hurdles, believing that she could no longer
tolerate the explosive reactions necessary for fast races. She was right to do so as well, for in
Sydney she beat all the favourites in the 400 m hurdles. This is a real feat, given that the race in
Sydney was only her eighth over the distance.This was not her only successful conversion, since
she had started her sporting career as a speed skater.
PROZUMENSHCHYKOVA Galina (1948) Russia
Until this young Russian swimmer's victory in the 200 m breaststroke in the 1964 Tokyo games
Russia had never won a medal for swimming at the games. Now it was done.Prozumenshchykova
was to win four more, silver, medals in Mexico and Munich in 1968 and 1972.
PRÜFER Michael (1960) France
This is the one and only ever speed skiing Olympic champion.He won the title at Albertville in 1992
by shattering the world record which he raised to 229.299 km/h.At that time speed skiing was a
demonstration sport, but the death of one contestant in this event put an end to the event for what
looks to be many years yet to come in the Olympics.As to Prüfer, he won the world cup four times
in this sport.
PUGILISM
In the games of antiquity pugilism was the equivalent of today's boxing.According to some written
records it seems that unlike today when contestants wear padded gloves, pugilists wore leather
bands around their knuckles. The blows they dealt were therefore much harder.The most famous
pugilist of classical times is Diagoras, who distinguished himself some 500 years BC.
PUSKAS Ferenc (1927) Hungary
This formidable Hungarian striker led his country to victory in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic football
tournament. Two years later, with striker support from Kocsis, he was the unsuccessful finalist in
the world cup played in Switzerland.Following the Hungarian uprising in 1956 Puskas defected to
the West and continued his career in the prestigious Real Madrid club.
QUANN Megan (1984) United States
In order to show that talent is not accrued with age, this young American swimmer was twice
Olympic champion during the Sydney games in 2000. She y en 2000. She won gold in the 100 m
breaststroke and with the 4x100 m medley relay team.In addition to her talent, the little American
is especially a hard worker who, each week, spends as much time swimming as behind her desk at
school. It was a long time ago, but she chose to do breaststroke because she didn't want to put her
head underneath the water.
QUARRIE Donald (1951) Jamaica
This Jamaican sprinter had long been used to first places when he finally won the 200 m at the
Montreal games. Although he had equalled the world record for the 100 m just a few months
earlier, he was beaten in the final by the American Crawford.Four years later Quarrie went to
Moscow to defend his 200 m title, but only came third.
QUINON Pierre (1962) France
The French pole-vaulter lived his hour of glory at the 1984 Los Angeles games. He was the only
contestant to clear 5.75 m while his rivals touched the bar at lesser heights, and thus became
Olympic champion.His compatriot Thierry Vigneron who had earlier beaten the world record in this
sport was also on the podium after coming third.
RACE
There are several types of races in the Olympic Games: the long and short distance sprint, longdistance and middle-distance, as well as the hurdle races.The short sprint races are held over 100
m and 200 m. The athlete sometimes reaches speeds of 45 km/h.The 400 m is a long-distance
sprint.The 800 m and the 1500 m are middle-distance races, whereas the 5000 m, 10,000 m and
the marathon are long-distance events.For the women, the hurdle race is run over 100 m, 110 m
for the men, with the hurdles placed very close together. For the 400 m, the hurdles are placed
much further apart. Finally, for the 3000 m steeple chase, the competitors have to jump several
hurdles and a water obstacle on every lap. The water jump was introduced in the early 20th
Century by British noblemen keen to give athletes an event normally reserved for riders and their
horses.
RADMILOVIC Paul (1886 - 1968) Great Britain
This British swimmer started in competition by swimming, in which he won the Olympic title for the
4x200 m free style in London in 1908.In the same games he took part in the water-polo
tournament in the winning British team that beat Belgium in the final.Radmilovic was to win two
more gold medals, again with the national water-polo teams in the 1912 and 1920 games in
Antwerp.
RADUCAN Andrea (1983) Romania
The young Romanian gymnast was in the news at the Sydney games after having tested positive at
the end of her gold medal winning performance in the all-round competition.Suffering from a heavy
cold, she was prescribed medicine containing ephedrine by her doctor. This was a fatal error.
Regretfully, aware that she had not sought to cheat, the IOC withdrew her gold medal won in the
all-round competition, awarding it to her countrywoman who finished in second place, Simona
Amanar.Andrea Raducan nevertheless kept her gold medal won in the team all-round competition
three days earlier and the silver medal that she picked up for the vaulting horse several days later.
In spite of everything, the difficulty of her schedule, her graceful choreography and her playful
charm were rewarded.
RAYMAKERS Piet (1960) Netherlands
This tall horseman was favourite in the singles show jumping event in Barcelona in 1992. Although
he did a clear round he was pipped at the post by the German Beerbaum who managed a better
time.Raymakers made up for this in the team event in which he led his country to win the Olympic
title.
REDGRAVE Steve (1963) and PINSENT Matthew (1971) Great Britain
Redgraveis an international rowing legend, and one of the very best oars of the 1990s.He won five
Olympic titles with three different partners and in three different categories. He won his first
Olympic gold medal for the coxless fours in 1988, then with his fellow countryman Holmes the
coxless twos in 1988 and then won another medal in partnership with Pinsent in 1992 in
Barcelona.Between these Olympic feats Redgrave, again in partnership with Pinsent, won no fewer
than four world titles out of a total of 8 titles won.It was quite natural that they should partner
each other again at Atlanta for a fourth gold medal for Redgrave and a second for Pinsent.But
destiny has it that this athlete who stands nearly 2 m tall had not finished with the games nor the
glory.In Sydney, Redgrave and Pinsent took their places in the coxless fours and won once again.
Having announced his retirement, which may only be temporary, at the end of the Sydney games,
he has recently been elected as Vice-Chairman of the British Olympic Association (B.O.A).
REDMOND Derek - Great Britain
The sight of the British runner's father helping his son finish the 400 m in the 1992 Barcelona
games left a poignant memory in the minds of spectators at the Olympic stadium.Two hundred
metres into the race Redmond tore a muscle in his calf and had to stop running. His father then
leapt from the grandstand and supported his son on his shoulder to the finishing line.
REIFF Gaston (1921 - 1992) Belgium
Gaston Rieff became the first ever Belgian Olympic champion when he won the 5000 m race at the
London games in 1948.The feat was all the more impressive in that he achieved it at the expense
of Emile Zatopek who had just won the 10,000 m. They finished the race at a sprint and Reiff won
it by a short head. The Belgian then chose to retire from competition after having beaten two
middle-distance world records.
REINISCH Rica (1965) Germany
This fifteen year old German swimmer was completely unknown when she won the 100 and 200 m
backstroke events at the Moscow games.She then hung another gold medal around her neck by
winning 4x100 free style relay race.This classic product of the East German swimming industry
which churns out champions by the dozen vanished from competitions as suddenly as she had
appeared.
RELAY RACE
The relay races are run as a team. The athletes must keep to their own lane and pass the baton to
their team mate in a clearly defined area, which is no more than 10 m from the competitor's
starting point. For both the women's and the men's event, the relay is run on a distance of 4x100
m, or 4x400 m.To date, it is the United States which has won 3/4 of the men's relay Olympic titles.
In the women's relay events, the Americans have won around half of the titles for the 4x100 m,
whilst the Eastern block countries, (East Germany, Soviet Union and Poland), have shown their
superiority in the 4x400 m relay.
REPUBLIC, CZECH
This great sporting nation has produced fine champions who have distinguished themselves in
various fields such as athletics with the javelin thrower Zelezny, and particularly the towering
champion Emile Zatopek, the greatest long distance runner of the 1950s. In gymnastics Caslavska
will be remembered as one of the greatest champions of all times. At winter games the Czech
Republic has been especially impressive in ice hockey, particularly at the 1998 Nagano games,
where it took the Olympic title.
RESANTSEV Valeri (1946) Kazakhstan
This Kazakh wrestler, who was world champion in the 90 kg category for five years running, had no
difficulty winning at the Munich and Montreal games in 1976 and 80. He has distinguished himself
against all comers in the Greco-Roman sport.
RESTOUX Marie Claire (1962) France
The little French judoka threw herself into the arms of her father, who had come from France to
watch her, as soon as she had beaten the Korean who faced her in the final at the 1996 games in
Atlanta.Marie Claire Restoux who had been merely an extra reserve in the French team two years
earlier thus became Olympic champion. Meanwhile she had become a nominal favourite for the title
after winning the world championship a year before the games. Despite this fine record Marie Claire
Restoux was again only a reserve in Sidney
RETTON Mary Lou (1968) United States
The boycott by the Russian gymnasts who dominated this sport in the early 1980s helped this little
sixteen year old American gymnast who until then had been practically unknown.Mary Lou Retton
was better built and muscled than the Rumanian gymnasts who were the stars at the time; she
won the general tournament and remains the little wonder of those games.
REY Thierry (1959) France
Rey, who was already world champion in the super light weight category, is the second French
judoka to take an Olympic title after his fellow countryman Angelo Parisi in the 1980 Moscow
games. There he beat a Cuban contestant by the smallest margin possible: a koka.Thierry Rey,
who became a sports commentator during the Barcelona games, got varied reactions to his style of
commentating when he proved to be more of a supporter than a journalist.
RHODEN George (1926) Jamaica
This runner who won the 400 m in the Helsinki games is one of a generation of Jamaican runners
who are brilliant over short distances and also includes Arthur Wint.Together these two and their
Jamaican partners won the gold medal for the 4x400 m relay.
RIBEIRO Fernanda (1969) Portugal
The 1995 world champion of the 10,000 m, who comes from that formidable Portuguese school of
long distance runners, again won at the Atlanta games one year later. She beat the Chinese Wang
Junxia who a few days earlier had easily dominated the 5000 m.
RIBOUD Philippe (1957) France
Philippe Riboud, considered to be the best épée fencer of his generation, consistently failed in his
quest for the individual gold medal in the games.He was twice world champion in 1976 and 1986,
twice winner of the world cup, and twice beaten in the Olympic finals in Los Angeles and in
Seoul.His collection of trophies does however include one gold medal won in the team event in the
South Korean capital.
RICHARD Pascal (1964) Switzerland
Pascal Richard, who was already regarded as one of the best racing cyclists of his generation,
became road racing Olympic champion at the Atlanta games which attracted all the greatest
champions of the day.Before that Pascal Richard had won many victories, including four legs of the
Giro and of the Tour de France, one Tour of Switzerland, one Tour of Lombardy and a cyclo-cross
world championship in 1988.
RICHARDS Robert (1926) United States
Richards is an American church minister who became double Olympic pole-vaulting champion in
Helsinki in 1952 and in Melbourne four years later.He is a good sport and always charitable to his
rivals. He actively cheers others on to encourage them to do as well as they can in competitions.
This American's own performances are all the more creditable in that he still uses a metal pole
whereas his rivals have turned to the new more flexible fibreglass poles. No wonder he thanks God
after each of his vaults; his domination of the sport is something of a miracle.It must have seemed
a miracle too that in his last vault that made him Olympic champion in Melbourne he touched the
bar, but it stayed on its supports!
RICHTER Annegret (1950) Germany
While her namesake was shining in the swimming pools the athlete Annegret Richter was queen of
the running tracks in 1976 in Montreal where she won the 100 m and finished second in the 4x100
and the 200 m. It takes very little to miss going down in posterity.Four years before in Munich she
had already won the gold medal with the East German relay team.
RICHTER Ulrike (1959) Germany
While her compatriot Kornelia Ender dominated the free style events, Ulrike Richter beat all her
rivals in the backstroke events at the 1976 Montreal games. She got the gold medals for the 100
m, 200 m and 4x100 medley.She was one of that East German team that left Canada with eleven
of the thirteen gold medals for swimming.
RIEDEL Lars (1967) Germany
Four times discus world champion between 1991 and 1997, Olympic champion in Atlanta in 1996,
this German from the east of the country was the favourite for the gold medal in Sydney in 2000.
However, like other champions of his calibre, the Lithuanian Alkena laid down the law to him. He
had had prior warning of the emerging competition when he finished in only third place during the
world championships in Seville in 99.The fact remains that his impressive and well-proportioned
physique, Riedel is a model for the discipline. He was even asked to pose naked, body painted
gold, for a photographical tribute to the discobolus.
RIGGIN Aileen (1906) United States
This American diver was only fourteen years old when she won the springboard title at the 1920
Antwerp games. That made her the youngest Olympic champion of all times.She was to win a silver
medal in Paris in 1924 in the same sport before going on to win a bronze for swimming.
RIGOULOT Charles (1903-1962) France
This French weight lifter with a massively thick neck and chest was nicknamed "the strong man of
the Halles", alluding to his porter's job in the Paris food market. His nickname of course was really
due to his athletic feats: He beat 56 world records.He became Olympic middle weight champion in
the 1924 Paris games. He was then only twenty, and looked forward to more titles, but then turned
professional and no longer took part in the games.Rigoulot went on to a wrestling career, and
played a few minor parts in cinema.
RINGS
One of the most difficult apparatus in gymnastics, requiring the greatest physical strength. This
event is only open to the men. The gymnasts alternate swinging movements and motionless
suspension without the rings moving. Certain positions, such as the plank must be held for at least
two seconds.
RINK HOCKEY
This sport did not last long in the Olympics. It was adopted in Barcelona to please the president of
the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who had been a rink hockey goal keeper and is an ex president
of the Spanish federation.The Olympic tournament in Barcelona, which was almost unnoticed, was
won by Spain. Although this sport is much played in the United States it was not included in the
Atlanta Olympics.The basis of this sport is very similar to ice hockey, but it is played on a wood or
concrete surface and the players are on roller skates.The advent of roller blades should give the
game a new lease of life.
RITOLA Ville (1896-1982) Finland
This Finnish runner has had an exceptionally fine career.It began with sprinting, in which he beat
two world records for the 100 m, and ended with long distance running. He was five times gold
medallist, in 1924 and 1928, over 5000 m, 10,000 m and the 300 m steeplechase. Ritola was his
fellow countryman Paavo Nurmi's only real rival. Between them they shared a great many rewards
and Olympic titles. The former joiner who emigrated to the USA finished his sporting career with
won of the most impressive rolls of honour in his discipline, even to this day.
ROBA Fatuma (1968) Ethiopia
This Ethiopian, the first African woman to win an Olympic marathon, did so with a broad grin and
apparently completely effortlessly. She did this at the 1996 Atlanta games, finishing two minutes
ahead of the next runner.
ROBIN Daniel (1943) France
This exceptional wrestler is equally at home in free style and in Greco-Roman wrestling, which is
very rare these days.Although he was world champion in the 78 kg category he failed to win a gold
medal at the games. He was twice finalist in Mexico and twice got the silver medal. On the strength
of his reputation he settled in Canada as a wrestling teacher.
ROBINSON Elisabeth (1911) United States
This excellent sprinter was one of the revelations of the 1928 Amsterdam games where she won
the 100 m.Unfortunately, three years later she was in an air crash. She survived the accident but
was left with motor problems.Thanks to hard work she was able to return to competition and took
part in the 1936 Berlin games where she helped her partners win the 4x100 m. relay title.
RODHINA Irina (1949) Russia
This girl, who was triple Olympic figure skating champion, won her first victory in partnership with
Alexei Oulanov in Sapporo in 1972.She kept her title in 1976 and 1980, this time in partnership
with her husband in real life, Alexandre Zaitsev. Together these two have won ten world titles.
ROETSCH Franck-Peter (1964) Germany
It was almost against his own will that this young expert in the Nordic combination became an
Olympic biathlon champion.His trainer noticed that he had a more obvious aptitude for crosscountry skiing than for ski jumping, and oriented him towards the biathlon.We was double Olympic
champion in the 10 km and 20 km events at the 1988 Calgary games. One year earlier he got his
first world title in the sport.
ROGGE Jacques (1942) Belgium
Jacques Rogge, a personable Belgian with immaculate political skills, was elected in 2001 to take
the international Olympic Committee (IOC) into a new era. The 59-year-old surgeon succeeded
former Spanish diplomat Juan Antonio Samaranch, who steps down after 21 years in the world's
top sports post. Signaling a new beginning for an organization which was harshly criticized after
the Salt Lake City bribery scandal, Rogge pledged to protect the Olympic movement against
"doping, corruption and violence." Rogge also said doping remained the number one problem in
sport. He also promised to stay in the Olympic village in future Games in a clear statement that the
IOC, often perceived as aloof and arrogant, needed to get closer to the athletes.
ROMANIA
This country really had its hour of glory at the Los Angeles games in 1984.Romania, the only
eastern block country that did not boycott the games, came second in the official list of nations,
winning 20 gold medals.Romania has an excellent gymnastics school, the most famous
representative of which is still Nadia Comaneci, who won six Olympic titles in Montreal and in
Moscow.Following the break up of the eastern block and the revolution in Romania some athletes
who had fled the country returned home. One such was the canoeist Juravski, an Olympic
champion for the USSR in 1988, who went to Barcelona wearing the Romanian colours. However
during the Sydney games of 2000, Romania was stood out for all the wrong reasons. Several
athletes were suspended for using banned substances: weightlifters, the woman hammer thrower
Melinte and the gymnast Raducan, who had her gold medal won in the all-round competition
confiscated for having used a banned product to treat a cold. This affair provoked street protests in
Bucharest.
ROMASHKOVA - PONOMAREVA Nina (1929) Russia
This discus thrower got her first gold medal in the Helsinki stadium in 1952. During the Olympiad
she married, and only came third at the Melbourne games in 1956. Then in 1960 she returned in
top form again to win a second gold medal in Rome
ROME - Italy
Rome was to have organised the 1908 games but withdrew in favour of London. An earthquake
had just struck southern Italy, and the money allocated to organised the games was used for
rebuilding.The Eternal city finally hosted the Olympic Games in 1960, after Italy had organised the
winter games at Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956.The Rome games took place when the Korean war was
over, and the two Koreas were invited to come to Rome under a single banner. North Korea
refused, and was not to rejoin the Olympic family until 1972.It was for the Rome games that
Eurovision was created, enabling the games to be broadcast live. Rome set another record: the
figure of 5000 athletes who took part.These games consecrated two exceptional champions: the
American Wilma Rudolph, the first athlete to win three gold medals in the same games, and the
Ethiopian Abebe Bikila, who won the marathon barefoot.
RONNINGEN Jon (1962) Norway
This first class wrestler, despite being small in build, won his first world trophy in the 1985 world
championships.He was just as good at the Seoul games three years later, and even more so in
Barcelona in 1992, when he became double Olympic Greco-roman wrestling champion in the 52 kg
category.
ROSE Murray Ian (1939) Australia
Was one of the youngest Olympic swimming champions of all times. He was barely eighteen years
old when he won the 400 m and 1500 m free style and the 4x200 m at the Melbourne games in
1956. With his compatriot Dawn Fraser he enabled Australia to take the lion's share of swimming
medals in front of his fellow countrymen.This swimmer, who originally came from Britain, owes his
success to a phenomenal power of acceleration at the end of a lap.Four years later in Rome he kept
his 400 m title and got the silver medal for the 1500 m.He dreamed of a hat-trick in Tokyo in 1964,
but his federation excluded him from selection for the national team on the grounds that he had
made improper comments about the Australian officials. He followed the games from the stands,
since his qualification in communication studies in the USA enabled him to work for one of the big
American TV channels.
ROSE Ralph (1885-1913) United States
This American athlete is the greatest shot putter of all times.Nicknamed "Baby elephant" on
account of his enormous size, Ralph Rose won two Olympic titles in shot putting in 1904 and in
1908. He finished second in his sport four years later in Stockholm.Besides shot putting, Rose went
in for the discus and the hammer, for which he was twice Olympic vice-champion in Saint Louis in
1904.
ROSENDAHL Heidemarie (1947) Germany
This German athlete achieved her impressive performance in front of an audience of her fellow
countrymen, in Munich. She was wounded during the Mexico games four years earlier, and was
determined not to miss Munich.Rosendahl became Olympic long jump champion before winning
another gold medal a few days later for the German 4x100 m relay race. This German team beat
the world record.Her only disappointment was the pentathlon, in which she finished second and
had to make do with the silver medal.
ROSOLINO Massimiliano (1978) Italy
Whilst not having earned consecration during the Sydney games of 2000, the Italian swimmer at
least earned recognition. Considered to be the most complete swimmer at the games following his
victory in the 200 m medley, he finished in the wake of Ian Thorpe and Peter Van den
Hoogenband, the two monsters of the swimming world, in the 400 m and the 200 m freestyle. He
obtained a silver medal in the first race and a bronze in the second.Still young, he is making quick
and marked progress just like countryman Fioravanti, double Olympic champion in the
breaststroke. This was a surprising result for Italy, until then absent from the roll of honour in the
major international swimming competitions.
ROSS Norman ( 1896 - 1953) United States
While his compatriot Ethelda Bleibtrey was dominating the women's swimming events at the 1920
Antwerp games Ross was doing the same in the men's.He won three times, in the 400, 1500 and
4x200 events. He might even have reaped another medal in the 100 m had he not been relegated
for getting in the way of another contestant.
ROSSET Marc (1970) Switzerland
This tennis player won the Olympic tournament in Barcelona in 1992. He was then among the best
players in the world and beat two Catalans at the end, which did not go down well with the local
spectators.But this tournament also drew grudging admiration from other players who noticed that
Marc Rosset spend more time in the local night clubs than in training. He even missed the opening
ceremony, at which his gangling figure was conspicuously absent from the Swiss delegation.1992
was an exceptional year for Rosset, since a few months later he was a finalist for Switzerland in the
Davis cup.
ROTHENBURGER Christa (1960) Germany
This speed skating champion won two Olympic titles, over 500 m in Sarajevo and 1000 m in
Calgary. She was several times world record holder in the sport, and then converted to track and
speed cycling.After winning a world title in 1986 Rothenburger took part in the Seoul games where
she just missed getting a gold medal: she came second in the speed event.A pity: she would have
been the first and only woman ever to win Olympic titles at both the summer and winter games.
ROUSE Jeffrey (1970) United States
This American swimmer, who was world record holder for the 100 m backstroke as early as 1991,
only finished second at the 1992 Barcelona games, but made his come back in Atlanta over the
same distance before leading the American team in an easy victory in the 4x100 m medley.
ROUSSEAU Florian (1974) France
Florian Rousseau, who with Félicia Ballanger was leader of the excellent French track cycling team
that won nine medals including four gold at Atlanta in 1996, is certainly the top track racer of the
1990s.After being world champion of the 1 km event five times he doubled with the speed event
for which he won the world titles in 1997.In Georgia he won the gold medal for the 1 km, an event
that he had already dominated for four years. Yet it was in Sydney that he definitively became a
legend. Olympic team sprint champion along with countrymen Gané and Tournant, several days
later he won the first Olympic Keirin title, a collective sprint event invented in Japan. He would
without doubt won another gold medal during hsi stay in Australia for the individual sprint, were it
not for the fact that he was exhausted after a semi-final against his countryman Laurent Gané. He
thus lost the final to the American Nothstein.But who cares, this model of professional
conscientiousness, cut out to become national team coach, has probably not finished adding to his
roll of honour.
ROUSSEAU Michel (1936) France
This powerfully built French cyclist with an Herculean starting power and was already world
champion of his sport left no hope for his rivals on the Melbourne track, where he won the track
speed event. He became a popular athlete in Australia, and decided to settle there.
ROWING
This sporting event originated in England from the traditional boat race between Oxford and
Cambridge universities, and is one of today's major events at the games. The race takes place over
2000 m, for the one-man skiff or eight-man boat. Two red flags mark the finish line and to avoid
cheating, there is a new starting system which holds the boats back.This sport can be practised
with or without a coxswain, a light-weight team member who sits facing the direction of the race,
and guides the team, who are positioned with their backs to the race direction.
ROYALTY
Princes and princesses have always done sports in their spare time. No wonder then that some of
them have shone at the games and added lustre to their kingdoms' arms.The first royal prince to
win an Olympic medal was Crown Prince Olav of Norway who got the bronze in Amsterdam in 1928
in the yachting event.He was followed by Prince Constantine of Greece who won the gold medal at
the 1960 Rome games for another sailing event, the dragon class race.Other royal princes have
taken part in the games without winning medals, Princess Anne of England, for instance, who
represented Britain in the equestrian events at the 1984 Los Angeles games.Prince Felipe of The
Asturias tried to give Spain another medal for sailing in Barcelona in 1984, and Prince Albert of
Monaco trained very hard in order to take part in the bobsleigh event in the winter games at
Calgary in 1988 and in Albertville in 1992.More often, kings, queens, princes and princesses grace
the games with their presence when they are held in their countries.
RUBY Karine (1972) France
The advent of the snowboard, also known as snow surfing, at the Nagano games has produced two
new Olympic sports: the giant slalom and the half pipe. It was in the first of these events that the
Frenchwoman Karine Ruby won the gold medal in those games. The Canadian Ross Rebagliati did
the same in the men's event.
RUDD Birger Norway
Rudd, who was double Olympic ski jump champion at Lake Placid in 1932 and at GarmischPartenkirchen in 1936, very nearly won another gold medal, this time in alpine skiing during the
Garmisch games.Rudd won the downhill race but made a complete mess of the slalom.
Unfortunately for him at that time medals were not awarded for the single event but only for the
combination. He perhaps derived some comfort by reminding himself that he had only taken up
alpine skiing the year before.After the war he was back at the games and won another medal,
bronze this time, for the ski jump at Saint Moritz.
RUDOLPH Wilma (1940-1994) United States
The American athlete Wilma Rudolph, who was already an Olympic champion in the American relay
in Melbourne in 1956, is remembered above all as the first woman to be triple Olympic champion.
This was in the sprint in Rome in 1960, making her the heroine of those games.Despite this feat
she never enjoyed the popularity she deserved. The reason was her involvement in the anti-racism
movement. On top of that, American society, which was still very puritan, would not forgive her for
being a single mother. She married twice and divorced twice.Yet this exceptional athlete
nicknamed "the black gazelle" had come a long way. She lost the use of her legs as a child as a
result of an untreated affliction, and only recovered it as a teenager... The twentieth child of a poor
Tennessee family, sport was to chage her life. She took up basket ball before going on to athletics
only five years before winning her first Olympic medal.
RUGBY
The violent fight that broke out between French and American players in the final of the Olympic
tournament in Paris in 1924 sounded the death knell for rugby as an Olympic game. It was
dropped from the games thereafter. No doubt this exclusion from the Olympics is the reason why
rugby has not spread as universally as football and basketball. In spite of the creation of a Rugby
world Cup, the International Board officials and the IOC are having talks on a return to the Olympic
programme for the sport, which may perhaps feature in the 2008 games.
RUIZ CONFORTO Tracy (1963) United States
This little American swimmer, born of a Norwegian mother and Hawaiian father won twice at the
1984 Los Angeles games in the synchronised swimming events. She took the prize for the single
event and then for the duo in partnership with her fellow American Candie Costie.
RUNYAN Marla (1968) United States
Star of the women's 1500 m at the Sydney games, this American athlete is the first disabled
person to take part in an event with non-disabled athletes. A sufferer of Stargadt's disease, which
causes deterioration of the retina, Runyan is officially considered to be blind since
childhood.Several times paralympic champion during the Barcelona and Atlanta games, she
finished a superb eighth place in the 1500 m final of the 2000 games.
RURUA Roman (1942) Georgia
There have been many references here to Georgia, USA in the context of the Atlanta games, but
this wrestler is from the ex-Soviet state in the Caucasus. He was beaten in the final of the 63 kg
category at the Tokyo games but finally won the Greco-Roman wrestling event in Mexico.This title
was certainly well deserved, since he managed to keep it for the next five years, from 1965 to 70.
RUSKA Wilhem (1940) Netherlands
Ruska and Anton Geesink are the two greatest judokas to come out of the Dutch realm. Ruska
made his mark in the 1972 Munich games by winning a double Olympic title for the heavyweight
and for all categories just as his model Geesink had done before him in 1964.On top of this double
Ruska won two world championships in 1967 and in 1971.
RUSSI Bernhard (1948) Switzerland
In the absence of his main rival, the Austrian Karl Schranz, who was banned from the Olympics for
avowed professional activities, the Swiss Bernhard Russi won the downhill race at the 1972
Sapporo games.His racing science and willpower were enough to give him the gold medal. His
fellow countryman René Collombin came second and joined him on the podium.
RUSSIA
Russia took part in the games as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from 1952 until 1988, then
as the Community of Independent States in 1992 in Barcelona, and now, since the collapse of the
Soviet Union, once again as Russia.This nation, which sent delegations to the very first games
before the first world war, stayed out of the Olympic movement for many years. It was only in
1952 that its athletes came back under the banner of the Soviet Union, for which it provided by far
the greatest reservoir of champions.Russia remains, as she demonstrated at the 1996 Atlanta
games, one of the very top Olympic nations.Since sport was just as effective a way of impressing
the world as displays of military might or the ability to send men into space, the Soviet Union and
Russia in particular used it to the full by sending towering champions to both the summer and
winter games.To mention only a few of the greatest, remember Alexeiev in weightlifting, Ivanov in
rowing, Korbut and Chukarin in gymnastics, Medved in wrestling, Popov in swimming or Sanaiev in
athletics.At the winter games a few Russian names will forever be remembered: Skoblikova in
speed skating, Zimiatov and Kulakova in cross-country skiing, and the ice-hockey players of the
Big Red Team.Russia only organised the games once, in Moscow in 1980. These games were
boycotted by many (60) western nations following Russia's invasion of a small neighbouring
country, Afghanistan, a few months earlier. Despite the fall of communism, Russia is still a very
powerful sporting nation, finishing second in the unofficial medals table at the Sydney games of
2000, with 32 gold medals won mainly in gymnastics, shooting, athletics, wrestling or weightlifting.
It should be said that the Russian competitors had several additional motivations: President
Vladimir Putin promised 100.000 dollars to those who returned from Australia with a gold medal
around their neck.
SABONIS Arvidas (1964) Lithuania
Sabonis is considered one of the greatest pivots in the world, both because of his size - 2.21 m and his talent. He led the Soviet selection to the finals in the 1988 Seoul games where his team,
which included Tarakanov and Volkov, won.Back in the final trio in Barcelona, he only took the
bronze medal. Following a solid career in Europe, Sabonis chose to compete in North American
championships and today is the pride and joy of the Portland team which is one of the best in the
2000 championships.
SADOVYI Evgueni (1970) Russia
Sadovyi, who leads the young generation of Russian swimmers, won two Olympic titles in
Barcelona in 1992.These were the 200 m and 400 m free style races, performances that earned
him the rank of new long distance "Czar", while his fellow Russian Popov dominated the sprints.
Not content with his two trophies, he helped himself to one more gold medal with his partners in
the 4x200 m free style race.
SAILER Toni (1935) Austria
This living legend of Alpine skiing was, before Jean Claude Killy, the first to win three gold medals
in the same games; he did this at the Cortina games in 1956. He managed his hat trick at the age
of twenty-one. He was so much better than his rivals in downhill racing that he was only beaten
twice between 1955 and 1958.He was even better at the slalom, and indeed was never beaten. In
the Cortina games he finished this event six seconds ahead of the silver medallist.His amateur
career ended there. He then turned professional and did not take part in the Squaw Valley games.
SAILING
In the last few decades sailing has become one of the most prominent sports of the summer
games. The sailing programme now includes 9 events including windsurfing for the men and 2 for
the women, the 470 and windsurfing.Three events are competed for in pairs: the 470, the 49er
and the star, which are fairly large, single hulled boats.The Tornado, which is also sailed by two
people, is a catamaran, or twin-hulled craft.The Soling is a single hulled boat with a crew of
three.Finally the Finn, the laser and the Europe are three events for solitary contestants in a light
single hulled craft.The event was exceptional at the Sydney games because, for the first time,
spectators did not have to pay to watch the events, which took place on the magnificent stretch of
water in front of the famous Sydney Opera House. Usually, this sport takes place several dozen
miles away from the host city and sometimes several hundred miles away, as was the case for the
Munich games in 1972, when the sailing events took place in Kiel in the North of Germany.
SAINT CYR Henri de (1902-1979) Sweden
Although he came from an old French family it was for Sweden that this horseman got his two
consecutive Olympic titles for dressage. He won these in Helsinki in 1952 and in Stockholm in
1956.It should be pointed out that the equestrian events took place in Sweden because Australian
custom regulations would not allow the horses into the country.O both occasions Henri de Saint Cyr
beat the Danish horsewoman Lis Hartel who got both silver medals on her horse Jubilee. This
champion had all the more merit in that she had overcome and attack of poliomyelitis a few years
previously.
SAINT LOUIS - United States
The 1904 Saint Louis games are ones of evil memory. The Olympic movement was still in its youth,
and its members were not sufficiently aware of ethical transgressions that took place.These games
were openly racist, as was maybe to be expected in the segregationist climate of America in those
days.Some of the organisers decided to have African, Asian and South American peoples compete
in sports of which they knew nothing. Some thought this highly comical; it was simply scandalous.
These entertainments were called "anthropological" days, and nobody seemed offended by them,
starting with Coubertin who, fearing that the Olympic Games that he had revived might disappear,
turned a deaf ear to international criticism.These games had originally been attributed to Chicago,
but the US President at the time, Theodore Roosevelt, unfortunately as it turned out insisted on
Missouri so that they should coincide with the Universal Exhibition that was being held
there.Because of its Saint Louis' remoteness very few foreign athletes travelled to the games, and
the Americans had a field day in medals.
SAINT MORITZ - Switzerland
This elegant Swiss ski resort hosted the winter games in 1928 before being chosen again for the
1948 games.In 1928 the games started under falling snow in cold weather, but then the sun came
out, the weather turned very warm, and the organisers had to put a temporary stop to the events:
the ice rinks and pistes had become unusable.These games turned the Finnish speed skater Clas
Thunberg, the Norwegian cross country skier Thorleif Haug and the skaters Gragstrom and Soja
Henje into stars.Following the failure two years earlier in organising a new version of the Northern
games, the Saint Moritz gathering can be said to have definitely launched the winter Olympic
Games.In 1948 Switzerland, which had been neutral, was unaffected by the war. It was thus in a
good position to host the games which were not attended by Germany and Japan.These winter
games took the Olympics into the modern age. The most obvious sign of this was the great crows
of radio reporters on the spot.The games revealed two real champions: the American skater Dick
Button and the French skier Henri Oreiller.
SAITO Hitoshi (1961) Japan
Was one of the greatest judokas of the 1980s.Following a world title in 1983 Saito won twice in the
heavyweight category in the Olympic Games, in 1984 in Los Angeles and four years later in Seoul.
As winner of the only Japanese medal at the games in South Korea, Saito became a national hero.
Along with his famous countryman Yamashita, he is now one of the Japanese national coaches.
SAKAI Yoshinori (1945) Japan
This nineteen year old Japanese was chosen to carry the Olympic flame to the bowl in 1964
because he was born on the 6th of August 1945, on the day the atomic bomb was dropped. Sakai,
more than anybody, symbolised the Olympic ideal that Pierre de Coubertin had hoped for: "air and
light for all".
SALCHOW Ulrich (1877-1949) Germany
Salchow was the first ever Olympic figure skating champion.He got two prizes at the 1908 London
games, before the winter games had been instituted. He had no difficulty winning the title in this
sport which he had dominated for more than ten years. Ulrich Salchow did brilliantly in the set
figures, scoring points that would make up for his less perfect performances in the free figure
events. He was also to write a reference book on the subject.After the first world war Salchow
attempted to win another title at the age of forty-two at the 1920 Antwerp games. Unfortunately
he fell and only finished fourth.
SALNIKOV Vladimir (1960) Russia
This Russian swimmer, who was unbeaten over 1500 m for nearly ten years, remains the top long
distance specialist.His exceptionally long athletic career enabled him to win four Olympic gold
medals between 1980 and 1988. In 1980 he took all the European championship, world
championship and Olympic championship titles. He was record holder of the 400 m and 1500 free
style events, and was unrivalled at the Moscow games. He was the first athlete to swim 1500 m in
under 15 minutes. A few days later he won a third gold medal in with the Soviet relay team in the
4x200 m free style event.He was unable to go to Los Angeles in 1984 because of the Soviet
boycott, but got his fourth gold medal for the 1500 m at Seoul in 1988.
SALT LAKE CITY - United States
Salt Lake City has applied several times to organise the winter games and has now been chosen to
organise them in 2002. The fact remains that they did not obtain the status of host city by
following the rules. The two bid committee managers were relieved of their duties after accusations
that they used corruption to land the games. They are alleged to have offered large sums of money
to a dozen IOC members so as to influence their choice.After Lake Placid (twice), Squaw Valley and
Calgary, this will be the fifth time North America hosts the Olympic winter events. Salt Lake City is
an unusual city, because it was founded by a religious community, the Mormons, who felt they
were persecuted elsewhere in the United States.The town, which lies at the foot of the Rocky
Mountains, now has a population of nearly 175,000, and is enjoying considerable building and
economic growth. This is no doubt why the city has put itself forward to host the games and
become better known.
SALUMIAEE Erika (1962) Estonia
The rise of the French cyclist Félicia Ballanger, the world's best track sprinter, put an end to
Salumiaee's domination of women's track cycling. The Estonian girl nevertheless won the first two
gold medals for women's speed cycling in Seoul in 1988 and in Barcelona in 1992. At the same
time she was world champion of her speciality and record holder of the 500 m.She competed again
in Atlanta in 1996 but had to bow to the Frenchwoman who beat her in the Olympic final. That still
left her with the silver medal.
SAMADOV Ibragim (1971) Russia
Samadov, who somewhat lacked the sporting spirit, is one of the few athletes to have refused the
medal he was offered. It is true that this Russian was awarded a bronze for lifting the same weight
as his rivals on the two higher steps on the podium at Barcelona in 1992.The bone of contention
was a point of rule that states that in a case of equality it is the weight-lifters' body weights that
decide the outcome, and Samadov weight 50 grams more than his rivals!His refusal to accept the
medal caused him to be banned from the games. He has since been suspended for life by the
international federation.
SAMARANCH Juan Antonio (1920) Spain
This ex rink hockey player and captain made the Catalans' dream come true by successfully
applying for his home town, Barcelona, to host the 1992 Olympic Games.Juan Antonio Samaranch,
who was elected to head the international Olympic committee in 1980, was to remain president of
the IOC for a few more months. To do this he forced a vote enabling him to retain the presidency
beyond the maximum of eight years provided by the two mandates.Samaranch is an ex diplomat
who was Spanish ambassador in the USSR following the renewal of diplomatic relations between
the USSR and Spain. It was at this time that Moscow hosted the games and he became president
of the IOC.Under Samaranch's presidency the International Olympic Committee acquired first rate
political, economic and sporting powers. Juan Antonio Samaranch made this organisation highly
respected throughout the world.However incidents of corruption revealed in 1998 marred this
achievement. As those presumed guilty have been dismissed, the IOC should regain its credibility.
Profoundly affected by the death of his wife during the Sydney games, the IOC present had to
leave Australia suddenly before bravely returning in the middle of the first week.Juan Antonio
Samaranch is an art lover; he has endowed the Olympic museum with his large collection of
stamps. medals and sporting emblems. He now devotes himself full time to the Olympic
movement, and like the founding father of the games, Pierre de Coubertin before him, lives in
Lausanne. He will give up the presidency in July 2001 after having revealed the name of the host
city for the 2008 games.
SANAEIEV Viktor (1946) Russia
With his three consecutive gold medals, Sanaeiev is the greatest Olympic triple jump champion of
all times.This Georgian athlete was twenty-two years old when he won his first title in Mexico in
1968, before going on to repeat his performance in Munich four years later and then win a third
gold medal in Montreal in 1976.In 1980 he ass, alas, only 11 cm short of winning a fourth gold
medal in front of his admirers, when he was beaten by the Estonian Uudmae. An agricultural
engineer, promoted to colonel in the Red Army after his triple success, did not stay on Soviet soil,
emigrating to Australia.Three other athletes achieved an Olympic double in this sport before
Sanaeiev: the American Prinstein, the Brazilian Da Silva and the Pole Schmidt.
SANCTUARY
This is the name now given to the sports site at Olympia, at the centre of which once stood the
temple and the huge stature of Zeus. Little is left of this complex today.During the games in
antiquity the sanctuary was out of bounds to married women, whereas unmarried girls were
allowed in. It should be remembered that athletes competed naked. This rule was made in order to
prevent spectators from encouraging their favourites.Poets and writers also came to watch the
competitions, Thus Aristotle called the pentathletes the "finest men in Greece".Since the sanctuary
was entirely dedicated to sport and games played in a spirit of peaceful rivalry between the
different city states of Greece, weapons were naturally banned on the site.
SANDRAS Gustave (1872-1954) France
This French gymnast was the very first gold medallist in the 1900 games. All the medallists of that
general competition were, as a matter of fact, French. Noël Bas, the silver medallist, was, by the
way, a star dancer at the Paris Opera house.
SAPPORO - Japan
The 1972 winter games organised in this large city on the island of Hokkaido started with a
bang.The best downhill racer at the time, the Austrian Kark Schranz, was banned from the games.
He had just criticised the president of the ICO in articles in the press. The latter, Avery Brundage,
was a fierce opponent of any kind of professionalism on the part of athletes, and threatened to
resign if Schranz were not disqualified.These first winter games to take place in Asia began badly,
but were to end well, even though a storm on the last evening turned the town into a quagmire.A
far as sports go, these games launched the Soviet skater Rodnina who was to retain supremacy
title eight years running.The games were dominated by the Soviets, while the Italian Gustavo
Thoeni and the Swiss Marie-Thérèse Nadig performed brilliantly on the slopes.
SARAJEVO - Bosnia - Herzegovina
In 1984 this great city of the ex Yugoslavia became an Olympic capital when it hosted the winter
games.The city later suffered martyrdom when the Serbian and Bosnian fought each other in a
merciless war.Almost nothing remains of the Olympic site and the skating rink on which the double
German Olympic champion Katerina Witt won her first title.At the Lillehammer games ten years
after the Bosnian gathering participants at the opening ceremony were asked to observe a minute's
silence in memory of all those who fell under the bombs and bullets at Sarajevo. In Sydney, a
multiethnic team represented Bosnia, made up of Bosnian Muslims, Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian
Croats.
SAUTIN Dimitri (1974) Russia
This Russian diver wanted to show the whole extent of his talent at the Sydney games in 2000,
and, moreover, retain his Olympic 3 m springboard title that he won in Atlanta, four years hence.
He wasn't able to repeat this success, but what he did achieve deserves respect: he finished on the
podium in each of the events in his discipline.Gold medallist for the synchronised high dive along
with countryman Lukachin, he only came second in the synchronised springboard event, this time
along with Dobroskok.However, in the individual events, due to a messed-up dive, he didn't
manage to retain his springboard gold medal, coming third in a competition dominated by Ni Xiong.
He finished in the same position for the high dive, beaten this time by Tian Liang and Hu Jia.
SAVON Felix (1967) Cuba
In Sydney, by winning his third gold medal in the 91 kg category, the Cuban boxer Felix Savon
became a legend just like other great Olympic pugilists such as Lazlo Papp or fellow Cuban Teofilo
Stevenson.A gold medal winner in Barcelona and Atlanta, Savon's roll of honour would have
probably been more prestigious had Cuba not boycotted the games in Seoul. With six world
championship titles, he has been champion since 1986. He has an extraordinarily long reach which
enables him to keep his opponents at a good distance. In Sydney, cut above the arch of the
eyebrow during the semi-final, he tried everything to avoid being hit again, but with 30 seconds
left before the end of the bout, his Russian opponent Ibgagimov hit the bull's-eye. Savon
benefitted from the referees indulgence who stopped the fight for medical reasons, thus allowing
the Cuban boxer to finish his career with an impressive roll of honour of 380 victories for only 17
defeats.He should now go on to use his university diplomas to the advantage of a country to which
he has remained faithful in spite of being made numerous propositions to turn professional and to
fight against those who dominate the professional boxing scene.
SCHARER Eric (1946) Switzerland
This Swiss champion is the greatest figure in bobsleigh events in the 1970s and 80s, yet he only
once managed to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games, in the two man bobsleigh in 1980 at
Lake Placid.To this title he added two silver and one bronze medals. Besides these, Scharer was six
times world champion and came second several times between 1975 and 1986.
SCHEMANSKY Norbert (1924) United States
This American eight lifter, who was the first Olympic champion in the 90 kg category, competed in
four Olympic Games between 1948 and 1964. Such a long athletic career is rare.He brought back
one gold medal from each of those games, and he won bronze and silver medals in the
heavyweight category.
SCHENK Arold (1944) Netherlands
A fall at the start of the 500 m speed skating event robbed this Dutchman of a hat trick at the
Sapporo games in 1972. He did however win the 1500 m, 5000 m. and 10,000 m races.Schenk
was the best in his sport in the late 1960s and early 70s, during which time he beat many world
records and won three world titles.The only skater to occasionally frustrate Schenk's domination of
the sport was his fellow countryman Cornelius Verbeck.
SCHERBO Vitaly (1972) Bielorussia
This Bielorussian athlete was the hero of the 1992 Barcelona games, where he won six gold medals
in gymnastics, including four in singles events on the same day. No gymnast had ever achieved
such a feat before. He however failed to win the ground and fixed bar titles.Scherbo was not
talkative; journalist gave him the "lemon prize" for athletes who are least cooperative with the
press.He became world champion in 1994 and is very popular in his small country where he is
nicknamed "the extra terrestrial".He was less fortunate at Atlanta where he only won bronze
medals; still, he got no fewer than four.
SCHILLES Maurice (1888 - 1950) France
A clause in the Olympic regulations deprived the French cyclist Maurice Schilles of a second gold
medal at the 1908 Olympic Games in London.Following his victory on the tandem with his partner
André Auffray the judges considered that he had exceeded the time limit in the speed event. It
must be pointed out that owing to the tactical conditions of the race he had to wait for his rival to
take off before attacking, and his rival never did take off.Schilles consoled himself by going on to
win another silver medal for the 5000 m race.
SCHMIDT Jozef (1935) Poland
Schmidt was the favourite contender for the triple jump and the 1960 Rome games, and had no
difficulty in taking over the title from the Brazilian Ferreira Da Silva who had won the last two.Four
years later in Tokyo the Polish triple jump champion repeated the feat despite a painful knee
following a surgical operation: he had to have an injection before jumping.He was back again at
the Mexico games where he only reached the final. Although his jumps were as good as his first
two winning Olympic jumps he only finished 7th this time. In four years the sport had made
progressed enormously.
SCHNEIDER Vreni (1964) Switzerland
This Swiss skier was known for her indomitable will power in life. Among other achievements she
raised her four brothers when her mother died.After becoming one of the top skiers of her
generation she left Calgary in 1988 queen of the games. She won twice in slaloms.These two gold
medals came after her first world title in 1987 and her two world cups for slalom in the same
year.Schneider was back in Lillehammer two years later where she won the ladies' slalom and thus
her third gold medal.
SCHOCKEMOHLE Alwin (1937) and Paul (1945) Germany
These two German horsemen were the leaders of the Olympic team that won the silver medal in
1976 and 1984.However it was as an individual rider that the older brother Alwin distinguished
himself by becoming Olympic champion in Montreal in 1976. On his horse Warwick Rex he
managed a round without a single fault, the first time in nearly fifty years that an Olympic show
jumping champion achieved such a feat.Alwin Schockemohle was still a very young rider when he
won his first gold medal in teams in the 1960 Rome games.
SCHOLLANDER Donald (1946) United States
Donald Schollander, dubbed "the blond god", showered the 1964 Tokyo games with his talent when
he won four gold medals in the 100 m, 400 m, 4x100 m and 4x200 free style events. The only
event he did not win that year was the 200 m, and that was for a good reason: it was not on the
programme at the Japanese games. The previous year Schollander set a new world record for that
distance at under 2 minutes.The American swimmer was to win a fifth gold medal in Mexico in
partnership with others in the American free style 4x100 m relay team.At the tender age of 24
years old, he became the youngest member of the IOC, and wrote a book about the Olympic
ideology.
SCHRANZ Karl (1938) Austria
The sporting career of this Austrian skier is a long series of misfortunes. Yet Schranz remains one
of the great figures of world skiing, and one of the greatest downhill racers.At Innsbruck he made a
mess of things and only got a silver in slalom. In 1968 in Grenoble he coincided with Killy who was
then the undisputed master. He thought for a moment that he might have won a gold medal in
slalom, but was disqualified for having missed a gate.Finally in Sapporo in 1972 he was disqualified
even before the games began for professional activities. His comments in the press on the pseudo
amateurism of skiers angered the president of the ICO, Avery Brundage, who demanded his
disqualification.Schranz, then thirty-three years old, decided to retire from competition.
SCHUHMANN Carl (1869-1946) Germany
Despite his small size Schumann was Olympic wrestling champion in the 130 kg category in the
1896 games in Athens.He did this just for fun. His real sport was gymnastics, in which he won
three gold medals, on the vaulting horse, on the parallel bars and on the horizontal bar in teams,
all in these same Athens games.Schuhmann seemed keen to have a go at everything; he also put
himself down for weight lifting, and managed to lift a two arm bar, as it was called at the time,
which earned him a bronze medal.
SCHUMANN Jochen (1954) Germany
In Sydney to win a fourth Olympic gold medal for sailing, the German failed in his quest, but his
roll of honour that he started at the Montrel games of 1976 is remarkable.During 25 years at the
top level, Schumann, from the ex-East Germany, was Oympic champion in the Finn category in
1976. He had to settle for finish outside the medal placings in 1980 and could not take part in the
1984 games due to the boycott by countries from the Eastern Bloc.Back for the Seoul games in
1988 in the soling event, teamed up with two team-mates, Jaekel et Flach, he rediscovered the
wonderful feeling of winning a gold medal. He went to Barcelona to defend this title but only
managed to get on to the bottom step of the podium before winning gold again in Atlanta in 1996
with the same team-mates.That year, he was elected yachtsman of the year. His opponents
consider him to be the "master of his art". However, Schumann refutes this title, pointing out that
Denmark's Elvströem won four gold medals between 1948 and 1960.
SEDYKH Youri (1955) Russia
This Russian athlete was the top hammer thrower of his generation. He was twice Olympic
champion, in the 1976 and 1980 games.He stayed away from Los Angeles, as did all Russian
athletes, but was back in the fray in 1988 in Seoul where he had to make do with a silver medal.
SEISENBACHER Peter (1960) Austria
After dominating European judo in the heavyweight category this Austrian won at world level in the
1984 Los Angeles games and in Seoul in 1988, taking two Olympic titles in the 130 kg
category.Between these two games he became world champion 1n 1985.
SEIZINGER Katia (1971) Germany
Katia Seizinger is one of the greatest skiers of the 1990s and a towering world figure in Alpine
skiing. She could scarcely have had a more impressive career: five Olympic medals including three
gold.She had already won a gold medal for the downhill race in Lillehammer, and kept her title in
Nagano in 1998, which put her in that legendary category of the greatest Olympic stars such as
Tomba.To this day she is the only woman to have won two titles running in such a difficult and
hazardous event as the Olympic downhill race.In Japan Katia Seizinger picked up a second gold
medal, this time in the combined event, which shows what an accomplished all round skier she
is.In addition to this Olympic glory Seizinger has a world super G title and six downhill and super G
world cups.
SELECTION
These days not anyone can compete in the Olympic Games. In order to be admitted, athletes have
to prove that they are well trained and capable of winning an Olympic medal, or even of reaching
the final in their sport.A few months before games open athletes must pass selection tests
organised in their own countries or else have obtained their ticket in the course of the last
international competitions to be held before the Olympics.Once an athlete has passed the tests or
acquired the minimum number of points for qualification that athletes own national committee
gives its approval and validates the athlete's participation in the games.Thus in 1992, even though
Carl Lewis was double Olympic 100 m champion he was excluded from the American selection
because he had only come fifth in the national selection trials.
SEMENOVA Ouliana (1952) Lithuania
This tall (2.10 m) basketball player ensured the victory of the Russian team in the 1980 games
tournament almost single handed.This victory allowed her compatriots to keep the title they won
four years earlier in Montreal.
SEOUL - South Korea
The Korean capital that hosted the 24th Olympic Games was also the stronghold of a dictatorship,
an embarrassment to many Koreans who made pledged international friendship and openness to
the world. As it turned out the Korean games were among the finest of the last few decades. The
Koreans made great efforts to ensure their success. Seoul was transformed for the occasion, not
only architecturally but also politically.These games revealed the swimmers Matt Biondi, Tomas
Darnyi, Janet Evans and Kristyn Otto, and confirmed the talents of Carl Lewis and Florence Griffith
Joyner's short-lived supremacy.On the eve of their collapse East Germany and the Soviet Union
once again demonstrated their domination of international sport.
SEPTEMBER, BLACK
Was the name of the Palestine organisation that mounted a terrorist attack during the 1972 Munich
games in which 16 people died. As well as the Israeli athletes who were the target, five members
of the PLO commando were also killed.One of the survivors of the terrorist group claims that
Germany did a deal with the group. He claims that he German chancellor Willy Brandt gave in to
the commandos' demands and freed the three palestinians prisoners they wanted. Brandt has
always denied the allegation.
SERCU Patrick (1944) Belgium
This Belgian cyclist is one of the greatest track racers of all times.His speciality was the six day
event, which he won 88 times. In Tokyo we won the fastest one kilometre event, for which he had
already won several world championships.After his track racing career he became a professional
road racer, demonstrated his talent as a sprinter many times and won the green jersey in the Tour
de France in 1974.
SERIESE Angelica (1966) Netherlands
This judoka has been so successful in the 72 kg category in international competitions that she no
doubt deserved to win an Olympic title in Barcelona in 1992.Unfortunately for her she never
reached the Olympic final.She did however win one Olympic gold medal, but that was in 1988 in
Seoul, where judo was only a demonstration sport.
SHEA Jack (1911 - 2002) United States
Jack Shea, the america's oldest living Winter Games gold medalist died from injuries in a car
accident at 91 a few days before Salt Lake City Games. Jack Shea won two gold medals in
speedskating at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, his hometown. When the Winter Games
came for the first time in 1932, the 22-year-old Shea skated past the Scandinavian stars to win
gold in the 500-meter event. He also won the 1,500 meters. After he graduated from Dartmouth in
1934, Shea was a stronger competitor and had a chance at winning more Olympic medals at
Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936. But Lake Placid had a large Jewish community whose rabbi asked
him not to compete in Hitler's Germany, and Shea agreed. Then in 1980, he made it a personal
quest to help persuade the International Olympic Committee to stage the Winter Games in his
hometown again. When the Olympic Torch Relay came through the village three weeks before Salt
Lake City Games, Shea carried the flame into the Olympic Speedskating Oval where he had won his
gold medals, and he lighted the cauldron.
SHEPPARD Melvin (1883-1942) Great Britain
Sheppard, who was the best middle distance runner in world competition at the beginning of the
century, won the 800 m and 1500 m in the 1908 London games.One in the eye for the police, who
had turned him down on the grounds that he had a weak heart!In the 800 m the judges tried to
get him to beat the world record by placing the finishing line 5 m further on. Sheppard, who knew
the distance and exactly how much effort he had to make, stopped dead at 800 m and beat the
world record anyway. No fool he!
SHERIDAN Martin (1881 - 1918) Ireland / United States
Sheridan, who originally came from Ireland, was the first Olympic discus champion, and the 1904
Saint Louis games. At that time the discus technique was no more elaborate than in throwing a
stone.Sheridan kept the title in London four years later, but the sport was what was then called
"free style discuss. At the same time he won the classical discus event, which is closer to the event
such as it is practised today. He was the first athlete to use the modern technique which consists in
using centrifugal force to gather momentum and throw the discuss much further.Sheridan was to
win five gold medals in all, including those he won at the extra games played in Athens in 1906.
SHINOHARA Shinichi (1973) Japan
Heavyweight world champion and champion in all categories in 1999 in Birmingham, this Japanese
judoka is a national hero in his country. He was therefore favourite to win in Sydney. In the final
he came up against the Frenchman David Douillet who was injured a year previously and thus
unable to bar his path in England.Yet, in Sydney, whilst the combat often turned to the advantage
of the Japanese, it was the Frenchman who became Olympic champion. His coaches, the famous
former judokas Saito and Yamashita, made a protest, but the judges did not change their decision.
SHOES
Ever since shoes have helped athletes win races, they have been the subject of careful care and
attention. Only Abebe Bikila opted not to use them in the marathon at the Rome Olympics in 1960.
Even so, when he won the event again in Tokyo four years later, he wore "spikes", as athletics
shoes are generally known. In the same way, Jesse Owens commissioned German cobbler Adi
Dassler to make the shoes which helped him win four Olympic titles in Berlin in 1936. These shoes
made the reputation and future of the German cobbler, who subsequently created the Adidas
brand.Thanks to elaborate research, shoes are even more effective today. In this way, Canadian
scientists have developed spikes that limit the vibrations and could help athletes break records.
These shoes may look like any others, but the materials used are treated so as to absorb the
trauma caused when the foot hits the ground. According to the researchers, a marathon runner
wearing these shoes could cut his time by up to four minutes over the 42.195-kilometre distance
because he no longer needs to worry about hitting the ground.Another example of tailor-made
shoes are those developed for Trinidadian sprinter Ato Boldon, who wore sloping shoes at the
Sydney Games in order to avoid losing his stride and thus gain speed round bends. They did not
help him win.In fencing, a major supplier recently invented asymmetric shoes. Because fencers
have one foot in front of them and the other behind, all that had to be done was to reinforce the
heel of the front foot to absorb shock and reinforce the back shoe to increase the ability to push
off. This invention could also be adapted to other sports.However, the most expensive shoes in
Olympic history were those worn in Sydney by the winner of the 400 metres: Michael Johnson. Not
everyone can afford his golden spikes, which were encrusted with droplets of 24-carat gold and
created by a major equipment manufacturer.
SHOOTING
The first gun clubs were founded towards the end of the nineteenth century, and shooting events
were included in the Olympic programme in the earliest of the modern games.Yet even at the dawn
of the twenty-first century competitive shooting has remained confidential, for the use of weapons
was long regarded as a military art rather than a sport. In the earliest games and right up to 1948
winners of shooting events were not rewarded with medals but with Olympic diplomas.There are
now thirteen Olympic shooting events that belong to one of three major categories: rifle, clay
pigeon shooting (shotgun), and pistol.The 1900 Paris games included events as recondite as
"canon" (field gun) marksmanship.
SHOT PUTTING
Shot putting is one of the throwing events in athletics. The athletes have three tries in which to
throw the shot as far as they can.The shot weighs a little over seven kilos for men and four kilos
for women. For the throw to be valid, the putter must not step outside the circle.So far two
athletes have succeeded in winning two consecutive Olympic titles: the American Ralph Rose,
nicknamed "Baby Elephant" at the beginning of the century, and his compatriot O'Brien in the
1950s.
SHOUAA Ghada (1973) Syria
This athlete really was a woman of firsts.She was the first Arab woman heptathlon world champion
in 1995. She repeated the feat the following year in Atlanta to become the first ever Middle Eastern
woman Olympic champion.In a world where women in veils still await emancipation Ghada Shouaa
became a symbol and a standard bearer.
SILIVAS Daniela (1970) Romania
Three Olympic titles in individual events won in Seoul in 1988 give some measure of this Romanian
athlete's talent.She won on the beam, on the asymmetrical bars, and on the vaulting horse.Silivas
would have liked to win the general competition as well, but had to bow to the Russian Shuchunova
who put more heart into her performance.
SIMEONI Sarah (1953) Italy
This beautiful Italian girl remains to this day one of the world's top high jump athletes. She was
twice Olympic vice-champion, in Montreal in 1976 and in Moscow in 1980, and supreme champion
at the Moscow games in 1980.
SKAH Khalid (1967) Morocco
No Olympic champion has roused passions as much as this Moroccan runner. He was booed when
he rose on the podium at the Barcelona games after winning the 10,000 race.The spectators
accused him of taking unfair advantage of help from a fellow countryman to win. The other
Moroccan runner had got in the way of Skah's chief rival, a Kenyan, just as the latter was
beginning a sprint. Skah was at first disqualified, but was finally awarded his medal after the
judges had conferred. No doubt his victory was well deserved despite this incident.
SKATING, FIGURE
One of the oldest Olympic sports of the modern era: figure skating was on the Olympic programme
long before the winter games were started: The first medal was awarded in the 1908 summer
games in London. It was in London too, in Chelsea, that the first indoor skating rink was opened in
1876.Contestants compete in a short programme and a free programme, as individuals or in
couples. They are awarded scores on a scale of 1 to 6. The seven presiding judges all belong to
different nationalities.A new Olympic event, skate dancing, exists since the 1976 games, for
couples only.
SKATING, SPEED
This is the forerunner of all ice sports: the earliest recorded competitions go back to the 16th
century. At that time the Dutch were the only people who skated, on the frozen canals of the low
countries. The sport became phenomenally popular in the middle of the last century. It was
included in the Northern games in 1901 and became an Olympic sport in 1924.Today speed skaters
compete over distances between 500 m and 10,000 m on a 330 to 400 m long circular track.
Competitors start two at a time, and since the inner corridor is shorter than the outer, the skaters
change corridor every lap in order to cover the same distance.There is now also a new, faster form
of speed skating called short-track.Ever since the winter games first began speed skating has been
dominated by America, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
SKELETON
This sport which is very much similar to the luge and the bobsleigh was parto f the programme at
the Saint Moritz games in 1928 and 1948 as a tribute to the ski resort where the sport was
invented.For the Salt Lake City games in 2002, skeleton will be definitively become part of the
winter Olympics programme. Like in the bobsleigh event, competitors start the race running to gain
momentum and therefore speed, and like in the luge event, they they slide along only a few
centimetres from the track's surface, but, unlike luge, they ride on their sled on their stomach.
They manoeuvre their steel sled by shifting their body weight and they brake using their feet. This
strictly individual event is practised by men and women.
SKI
It has been said that skiing is as old as the world. Rock paintings and fossil skis have been found in
Scandinavia. Originally skiing was simply a way of getting around on snow.It was not until the end
of the nineteenth century that skiing became a competition sport. From that time on two official
types of skiing are practised: cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing.
SKI JUMPING
Ski jumping is an individual event in the games. Two medals can be won, on the small, 70 m jump
and on the 90 m jump. Contestants have three jumps each for the title, the best of which is the
one taken into account.After the downhill run the skier takes off with both skis together and the
body leaning forward parallel with the skis. He must land gracefully with both skis still together and
remain upright. The task is made somewhat easier by the shape of the skis which longer and
broader than those used for downhill racing.Judges give points for style, while the distance covered
by the skier between the tip of the jump and the landing point is measured.Ski jumping has been
an Olympic event ever since the winter games began, and is most often won by Scandinavians.
However the Koreans have made this sport one of their specialities in the last few years.
SKIING, ACROBATIC and ARTISTIC
Three exercises make up acrobatic skiing, which became an Olympic sport in the Albertville games
in 1992: jumping, ballet and mogul.The first event consists in acrobatic jumps off a ski jump.The
second involves figures on skis on the ground.The third, which is even more spectacular, consists
of a downhill rum over a very bumpy slope as fast as possible and with two jumps in the course of
the run.While mogul was performed as an Olympic sport at Albertville, the other two events were
only finally admitted to the official programme of the winter games two years later at Lillehammer.
SKIING, ALPINE
It was not until the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen games that piste or Alpine skiing became
Olympic events. At that time the only medals were awarded for a joint combination of downhill
racing and slalom.Now all Alpine ski sports can be competed for as individual events, whether it be
slaloms, downhill or Super G.In slalom the classic event (giant slalom) involves passing about
thirty gates, whereas the special slalom has 55 to 75 gates. In order to make the event even more
difficult the organisers can vary the number of "open" and "closed" gates and double bends.Unlike
the downhill event which is skied as fast as possible along the most direct route, the Super G
includes a few gates.The drop in altitude in Alpine skiing varies between 500 m and 1000 m
according to the event.
SKIING, CROSS-COUNTRY
Cross-country skiing was included in the very first winter games in 1924, the same year in which
an international federation for the sport was set up.Today the sport is practised over a range of
distances which may be as much as 20 km for women and 50 km for men in the big cross-country
event. The biathlon, which is a combination of shooting and cross-country skiing, is a related
event.
SKOBLA Jaroslav (1899 - 1959) Jiri (1930 - 1978) Czech Republic
Czech weightlifter Jaroslav Skobla, having only come third at the Amsterdam games in 1928,
became Olympic champion four years later in Los Angeles after lifting 380 kg, the world record at
the time.Several years later, his son also shone at the games. He won a bronze medal for the shot
putt at the Melbourne games of 1956.
SKOBLIKOVA Lidia (1939) Russia
Skoblikova was the best woman speed skater of all times at the winter games, in which she won
six gold medals.The Soviet Union's first attendance at the Squaw Valley games in 1960 was
marked by two victories by this athlete. Four years later, this young woman, who was a
schoolteacher by profession, came to the Innsbruck games to win the titles over all distances
between 500 m and 3000 m.It must have been with a light heart but a heavy load of medals
around her neck that Skoblikova returned to teach sports to Soviet children.
SKOLIMOWSKA Kamila (1983) Poland
She was still an adolescent when she climbed onto the highest step of the podium at the games in
Sydney to receive the gold medal for the women's hammer throwing event.Already a junior world
champion at 14 years old, Skolimowska can look forward to a long domination of her discipline
even if in disqualification of the Romanian Melinte in Sydney helped her somewhat.
SLUPIANEK Ilona (1956) Germany
Slupianek was the first woman to put the shot more than 22 m.After being European champion
twice her career was consecrated in 1980 in Moscow where she won the Olympic competition.
SMART Paul (1892 - 1979) and Hilary (1925) United States
Both father and son sailed, and together they won the gold medal for the category on a Star class
boat at the 1948 London games.This was a fine reward for Paul, the father, who had previously
competed in the 1912 Olympic Games in athletics. He was a pole vaulter, but had not been able to
go beyond the elimination events.
SMETANINA Raisa (1952) Russia
This Russian cross-country skier was top in her sport for nearly fifteen years.She won her first gold
medal in Innsbruck in 1976 and finished her Olympic career in Albertville in 1992, ten years after
her first world title.In that time Smetanina won ten medals, including four gold and five silver,
either in singles events or with the Russian relay team.
SMIRNOV Valéri (1954-1982) Russia
This great Russian foil fencer might have had a brilliant Olympic career had he not been fatally
wounded during the 1982 world championships, where he was defending his title.Smirnov was
Olympic singles foil champion in 1980; the same year he won a silver medal and a bronze medal,
both in team events, and these times with the épée.
SMIRNOV Vladimir (1964) Kazakhstan
This Smirnov won two world cups in cross-country skiing in the early 1990s, and was several times
world champion, but during this period only won one Olympic title.It was however an important
title, since he won it in the key 50 km event at Lillehammer in 1994. In these same games he twice
came second over 10 and 15 km, as he had in Calgary over 30 km.Smirnov was back again in
Nagano for a third place in the 15 km event.
SMITH John (1965) United States
In 1992 in Barcelona this formidable American wrestler managed to retain the title he had won in
the 62 kg free style category four years earlier in Seoul.In between these games Smith won the
world championships in 1987 and 1991.
SMITH Michele (1969) Ireland
The incredible progress made by this Irish swimmer between 1992 and 1996 took everyone by
surprise.Michele Smith, who at the time of the Barcelona games was used to coming between the
30th and 40th in the world, suddenly took three Olympic titles, and thus three gold medals at
Atlanta, in the 400 m free style and the 200 m and 400 m medleys.She was tested several times
for drugs but the results were always negative. But this first Irish Olympic champion suffered a
fiendish reputation.Her trainer and husband, an ex Dutch discus thrower who was suspended for a
while for using drugs, must surely have played a major part in her success one way or another.The
replacement of a urine flask during testing for banned substances convinced the sport's arbitration
committee that she had repeatedly cheated. She was suspended from all competition for four years
and has ended her swimming career.
SMITH Tommy (1944) and CARLOS John - United States
These two runners are first of all Olympic champions who finished respectively first and second in
the 200 m race in the 1968 Mexico games.But the reason their names and images remain forever
linked is because they mounted the podium together with clenched fists in black gloves raised while
the American anthem was played.Smith and Carlos were demonstrating that they belonged to the
"black power" movement, a militant blacks "liberation" movement.Avery Brundage, president of
the IOC demanded and obtained their exclusion from the American team on the grounds that they
had used the Olympic podium as a political stage.Despite this Smith and Carlos were imitated by
others.A few days later the American 4x400 m relay team and the astonishing winner of the long
jump, Bob Beamon, wore black socks, thereby demonstrating, in a less aggressive way, their
membership of that black American movement.
SNELL Peter (1938) New Zealand
Snell, who was three times middle distance Olympic champion in Rome and in Tokyo, showed that
hard work and endurance bear fruit in the end.He was the Belgian runner Moens' tormentor,
beating him in 1960 in Rome over 800 m and four years later in Tokyo over 1500 m. Snell also
won a third gold medal in Japan by keeping his title for the 800 m. Weary of the work needed to
stay at the top, he gave up competing at the age of 27.
SNOW
Winter games were twice disrupted by lack of snow. The first time was at Lake Placid in 1932. The
situation was disastrous: not a single mountain event could have taken place without help from
neighbouring Canada, from whence snow was brought in by refrigerated trucks.A similar thing
happened at Innsbruck in 1964. This time army convoys brought snow to the pistes so that the
games could take place.
SNOWBOARD
This new sport, also called snow surfing, made its first Olympic appearance in Nagano in 1998.
Besides being a competitive sport, snowboarding is increasingly popular on slopes
everywhere.There are two Olympic snowboard events: giant slalom and half-pipe.The giant slalom
involves a zigzagging around stakes downhill on a snowboard instead of on skis.The half-pipe is
very spectacular. Snowboarders perform acrobatic figures in the air by taking off from the sides of
a semi-cylindrical piste.
SOFTBALL
Let's just say that softball is to ladies what baseball is to men. The game was for many years an
amusement played indoors on rainy days.Now softball is played outdoors, mainly in Anglo-Saxon
countries. It is different from baseball in that the pitch is smaller, the bases nearer to each other
and the ball bigger.Softball first became an Olympic sport at the Atlanta games in 1996. The
Americans, who had been invincible at this game for nine years, won the first Olympic title. Since
then the Chinese and Australians have been in a position to challenge them. The fact remains that
in Sydney, the Americans again won gold by beating Japan in the final
SOHN KEE CHUNG or SON KITEI (1912) Japan and South Korea
This Korean athlete was known as Son Kitei when he won the Olympic marathon at the Berlin
games in 1936. He ran the race wearing the Japanese jersey, because Korea had at that time been
annexed by Japan. When the Japanese national anthem rung out in the stadium in Berlin, he
lowered his head in a sign of protest.When he carried the Olympic flame into the Seoul stadium in
1988 the 76 year old had recovered his Korean name, Sohn Kee Chung and all his dignity. The
spectators and the 14,000 athletes in the stadium gave him a standing ovation.
SOLIDARITY, OLYMPIC
This movement originated in the funds allocated by the IOC to those national committees most in
need of financial aid. The money goes towards organising training of teachers and athletes.Thanks
to this movement several of the poorer nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America have enabled their
athletes to rise to the levels of those from the rich nations.About five hundred athletes have
benefited from grants in a project named "Horizon" to prepare them for two years to win medals at
the next games in Sydney.
SORBONNE
It was in this prestigious classical humanities university that the decree reviving the Olympic
Games of antiquity was pronounced on the 23 of June 1894. More than two thousand delegates
from all backgrounds attended to occasion.At the end of this first congress it was decided that an
International Olympic Committee should be set up with the Greek Demetrius Vikelas as its first
president.It was also decided that the first of the modern Olympic Games would be held in Athens
in 1896.
SOTOMAYOR Javier Carlos (1967) Cuba
Although he was world record holder for the high jump in 1988 Javier Sotomayor was unable to
attend the games in Seoul that year due Cuba's boycott of the games because of political
opposition between the two Koreas.So the first time he competed in the games was four years later
in Barcelona, where he made it his business to rise to the highest step of the podium.One year
later he confirmed his talent, this time by winning his first world championship title.Since this time,
he has been the world record holder for the high jump with a jump of 2,45 m.Despite completely
botching things in Atlanta, the Cuban stayed at the top level until 1999, when he tested positive for
cocaine during the pan-American games, although he claimed to have ingested a product
containing algae. He was suspended for two years. However, just before the games in Sydney, the
international athletics federation lifted the ban, enabling him to take part, a decision that was
widely contested. Justice was done when he was beaten to the gold medal by the Russian Kliulin.
SOUTH KOREA
A nation of somewhat mediocre Olympic performances up until 1988, when the games were
organised on their home ground in Seoul, South Korea is now placed alongside other great sporting
nations of the world.This country was first noticed on the Olympic scene during the 1960 Rome
games.Seven years after the Korean was had ended, both countries were asked to present a
unified team for the Rome games. The North Koreans refused. Indeed, they did not return to
Olympic competitions until 1972.For the 1988 Seoul games, North Korea wanted to organise some
events on their own territory, and threatened to boycott, trailing their Soviet allies with them, if
they did not obtain satisfaction.Despite several gestures of goodwill, North Korea failed in their bid
to co-host the games, and thus did not compete. However, their powerful Soviet ally was present
at the Seoul games.As far as the host country was concerned, it made a very respectable fourth
place on the non-official medal table. South Korea confirmed its sporting aptitudes in Barcelona,
winning 29 medals, 12 of which were gold. Since this time, South Korea has earned its rank as one
of the world's ten best sporting nations, for both the summer or the winter games. The two Koreas
are now trying to improve their political ties. One of the key moments in the thaw in diplomatic
relations occurred during the opening ceremony of the Sydney Games. The two rival nations
agreed to parade under the same flag and to the cheers of the 110,000 spectators.
SOYUZ
It was from the Soyuz space capsule that the Russian cosmonauts Popov and Ryumin wished the
thousands of athletes who were taking part in the 1980 Moscow games "Happy games and cosmic
good health".The space craft was then in orbit around the earth and the two cosmonauts took full
advantage of this media coup that was also designed as a show of Soviet power.
SPAIN
As is the case with most of the Latin countries, Spain's medals are won by brilliant athletes in
individual events rather than in team sports, with the rare exception of its football team who won
the Olympic tournament in Barcelona's Famous Nou Camp stadium, one of the biggest in Spain,
during the 1992 games.In fact, the Spanish enjoyed their most rich Olympic harvest in Barcelona,
winning a total of 22 medals, 13 of which were gold. It is especially in track events and sailing that
the Spanish excel.
SPARTAKIADS
Apart from a single Russian appearance at the 1912 Stockholm games the countries of the ex
USSR did not take part in the Olympic Games until 1952.The arrival of the USSR that year finally
made this greatest of all international sports events a truly universal one.In order to give Soviet
athletes a chance to compete internationally before the Soviet Union's return to the Olympic fold
the Russian authorities created games which they named the Spartakiads.These games were held
every four years and were attended by all the eastern block countries.
SPINKS Michael (1956) and Leon (1953) United States
These two brothers are great American boxers and several times world champions.Michael won the
middleweight category title at the Montreal games before becoming world mid-heavyweight
champion between 1981 and 1985 and scoring 31 victories out of 32 fights.Leon was Olympic midmiddleweight champion in Montreal before also becoming world champion in exceptional conditions
since he floored the "legend" Mohammed Ali. He kept his crown for several months before Ali took
his revenge.
SPITZ Mark (1950) United States
With nine Olympic titles won in 1968 and 1972 including seven gold medals at the Munich games
alone, this American swimmer easily ranks as the greatest Olympic champion of all times.However
his reign was short lived. It covered only a few brief years, unlike many other Olympic champions
who have had longer sporting careers.In Munich Spitz won all the sprint events in free style and in
the butterfly stroke, the 4x100 medley, as well as two relay races with the American team.His
success and fame enabled him to give up his profession in dentistry and promote himself. For
instance his nine gold medals are locked in a safe in a Los Angeles bank, and he charges large
sums of money to show them.The man who was nicknamed "Goldfinger" announced that he
planned a come back, and trained for the 1992 Barcelona games. Whether he was just wasting
time or bluffing is uncertain, but he was never seen in the Catalan pool.
SPONSORS
Because of the resolution that forbids advertising within the Olympic precinct the IOC has signed
partnership agreements with multinational companies in order to obtain their co-operation in other
forms to help pay for the costs of organising the Olympic Games.The most faithful of these official
sponsors is Kodak, who has provided the Olympic press centre with equipment and film since the
first games in 1896.Another faithful friend is Coca-Cola, who has been a partner of the Olympic
movement since the 1928 Amsterdam games. It is said that it is fidelity of this Atlanta company's
fidelity that was rewarded when the city was awarded the games in 1996.More recently, since the
1960 Rome games IBM has made its technology available to the Olympic Games.Now about ten
official sponsors are partners of the Olympic movement. In the context of programmes designated
"Top", these companies provide most of the funds for the Olympic movement and thus ensure that
it lasts.
SPOONER Lloyd ( born in 1884) United States
This American, who was champion army rifle marksman before the Antwerp games in 1920, made
a rich haul of medals during his time in Flanders.He brought back four gold medals, one silver and
two bronze, a truly remarkable feat, and yet not as good as that of his fellow countryman Willis
Lee, who won eight medals including six gold.
SPORT
The earliest recorded sports contests were those held at Olympia in classical times. However the
various sports then practised, running, the pentathlon, wrestling, pugilism, horse and horse and
chariot racing were not designated by a single term.The word sport, which today describes physical
activities that require training and compliance with certain rules, is thought to be an abbreviation of
an old French word used in the middle ages: desport.This word then designated meant play,
jousting and other amusing verbal or physical activities.
SPORTS, DEMONSTRATION
Before they were adopted officially as Olympic events many sports were demonstrated at the
preceding games. Some of these sports are demonstrated because they have a particular cultural
link with the host country. This was the case of tae kwon do in 1988 in Seoul that became an
Olympic sport that will be competed for in 2000 in Sydney. This also happened with rink hockey
and pelota, which were demonstrated in Barcelona but have since been abandoned.
SPORTS, OLYMPIC
Not all sports are Olympic sports.For instance in the summer games only 34 sports are practised in
the Olympics. These are athletics, rowing, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball,
boxing, kayak canoeing, cycling, horsemanship, fencing, football, gymnastics, eurythmics,
weightlifting, handball, hockey, judo, wrestling, swimming, synchronised swimming, the modern
pentathlon, diving, softball, tae kwon do, tennis, table tennis, shooting, archery, trampoline, the
triathlon, sailing, volleyball, mountain bike and water-polo.The winter games include 13 Olympic
sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, acrobatic skiing, artistic skiing, snowboarding, the
biathlon, the Nordic combination, ski jumping, tobogganing, bobsleigh, figure skating, and speed
skating and short track
SQUAW VALLEY - United States
Squaw Valley was not yet a ski resort when the American promoter Alex Cushing put it up as a
candidate for the 1960 winter games. Squaw Valley was equipped with one hotel and a single ski
lift.The IOC put its trust in Cushing who invested several million dollars, and on the opening
daysome things were still not ready. So the bobsleigh events had to be cancelled.To compensate
for this failure Alex Cushing turned to Hollywood stars to entertain the sports fans. Walt Disney
himself was asked to open the games in a ceremony that took place under the snow.The American
spectators at these games witnessed the rise of two new champions - the figure skater Carole
Heiss and the speed skater Skoblikova.
STECHER Renate (1950) German
Renate Stecher was the fastest sprinter in the world in the late 1970s, and was the first woman to
run 100 m in less than 11 seconds. She took two Olympic titles in Munich for the 100 m and 200 m
races and finished second in the 4x100 m relay. Four years later in Montreal Stecher lost her 100
m title and came third in the 200 m, but she won another gold medal with the German relay team.
STEEPLECHASE
As an athletic competition event the steeplechase is run over a distance of 3000 m. The race is also
known as the 3000 m steeplechase.In the course of this event athletes have to jump 28 obstacles
including 7 river jumps. The latter obstacle is the fourth jump in each lap.
STEINMARK Ingemar (1956) Sweden
This Swede, nicknamed "King of Slalom" was the top skier in his speciality on both amateur and
professional events for many years. He won two Olympic titles in the 1980 Lake Placid games for
the giant and special slaloms, victories that compensated nicely for his fall four years earlier on the
Austrian slopes.He was still the top slalom skier at the time of the 1984 games in Sarajevo, but
was unable to compete in them because he had meanwhile turned professional.He was to win the
world cup in the giant and special slaloms fifteen times, and holds the world record for the number
of victories - 46 in all.
STEROIDS, ANABOLIC
Anabolic steroids are medicines used in treating sick people who cannot stand their own body
weight. The medicines enable the body to store proteins in muscle tissue instead of losing them.
When they were first prescribed they were administered orally.Today they can be injected
intravenously and are eliminated very quickly from the body. Some athletes realised the
advantages they could gain from this and used anabolic steroids to increase muscle volume. By
taking the treatment early enough they could evade detection by drugs tests. The case of the
Canadian Ben Johnson who was exposed during the Seoul games in 1988 put an end to this
practice. However, today anabolic steroids are today a means of doping used by poor countries.
Some athletes were discovered to have taken products of this nature at the Sydney games.
STEVENSON Teofilo (1952) Cuba
This Cuban boxer never really enjoyed the fame he deserved because he did not turn professional.
Yet Stevenson remains the greatest Olympic boxing champion of all times.He won the gold medal
three times running between 1972 and 1980 in the most prestigious category, the heavyweight.It
is very possible that Stevenson would have won the title a fourth time in Los Angels in 1984 had
his country not boycotted the games.During this career he was also world heavyweight champion
in 1974, 78 and 80. An amateur through and through, he nevertheless accepted to fight against
Mohammed Ali. He was offered 2 million dollars to fight, but when he asked that the sum be paid
to the Cuban Olympic Committee, the promoter withdrew the offer.Having retired from the ring at
the beginning of the eighties, Stevenson is now Vice-Chairman of the Cuban Boxing Federation.
STOCKHOLM - Sweden
Stockholm has twice been an Olympic city.The first time was in 1912 for the fifth Olympic Games
of the modern era, and the second time was only partial, when Sweden organised the equestrian
events of the Melbourne games. These competitions could not take place in Melbourne because of
Australian regulations which required that horses entering the country had to go into quarantine.In
1912 boxing and wrestling, which were among the oldest Olympic events, were excluded from the
Olympic programme because these sports are outlawed in Sweden.On the other hand the modern
pentathlon and women's swimming events were first adopted as Olympic sports at these games.
The games were a great success, and the athletes present came well prepared. For the first time
the games gathered nearly 2500 athletes. Although the Olympic village had not yet been invented,
the athletes were well housed. The American team, for instance, lived on a ship.One unexpected
phenomenon was that during the Olympic fortnight the weather was so hot that the cycle race had
to be postponed to night time.For the first time in their history the games reached the truly
Olympic dimensions intended by Coubertin.
STORM
Storms are an infrequent hazard to Olympic competitions, but a few have seriously disrupted
events.This happened in Mexico, where the show jumping course was so soaked that riders fell and
were wounded. It was in Mexico too that a memorable storm broke just after Beamon's historic
jump in the Olympic stadium. The sight was by all accounts surreal.Finally, in Montreal in 1976 a
storm put out the Olympic flame in the stadium. A simple workman made history by re-lighting it
with his cigarette lighter. This impious flame was quickly extinguished and the bowl re-lit with the
proper ritual!
STOUDER Sharon (1948) United States
The Olympic performance of this American swimmer in 1964 in Tokyo is uncannily like that of her
compatriot Von Saltza four years earlier.She too won three times, in the 100 m butterfly stroke and
with the 4x100 m free style relay and the 4x100 m medley.
STRECKI Eric (1964) France
This French épée fencer became Olympic champion in Barcelona in 1992.As though to make the
point that the épée is a French weapon, his fellow countryman Jean Michel Henry joined him on the
lower step of the podium. Eric Strecki demonstrated that this Olympic victory was no fluke by
becoming world champion three years later. He was on the podium twice again, at the Atlanta
games where he won a bronze medal with the French team, and in Sydney where he won a silver
medal, again as part of the French team. One of his team-mates was Hugues Orby who won the
silver medal in the individual epee event.Nicknamed "the Swede" by his team-mates due to his
serenity, he should now go on to devoting himself to his job of sports teacher.
STRICKLAND DE LA HUNTY Shirley (1925) Australia
This athlete is definitely one of the greatest sprinters of her generation. She first made her mark at
the 1948 London games, where she won one silver and two bronze medals; she got her first gold
medal four years later in Helsinki, by winning the 80 m hurdles before joining her partners in the
4x100 for a silver medal. This partial failure was wiped out at the 1956 Melbourne games, where
Strickland kept her title for the 80 m hurdles before winning a third gold medal in the 4x100 m.
STUKELJ Leon (born in 1898) Slovenia
Stukelj was the hero of Slovene sport at the 1924 Paris games where he won the gold medal for
gymnastics in the general competitionand a few days later took another gold medal at the parallel
bars.He was to win another gold medal four years later in Amsterdam, this time by winning on the
rings.Stukelj became a lawyer, but continued his Olympic career until the 1936 Berlin games,
where he won an individual silver medal.
SUKARNOVA Olga (1955) Russia
Before finishing her career in French basketball this Russian girl collected titles and medals with the
Russian selection.She was European champion nine times, world champion twice, and Olympic
champion in both Montreal in 1976 and Moscow in 1980. In Moscow she was in the same team as
the giantess Semenova.
SUKORUCHENKOV Serguei (1956) Russia
This fine amateur racing cyclist never tried to turn professional. Yet the Olympic gold medal he won
for road racing in the 1980 Moscow games, and his victories in the Tour of the Future and the
Peace Race in 1978 and 1984 show what a great all round cyclist he is.
SULEYMANOGLU Naim (1967) Turkey
This weight lifter was, despite his diminutive size, the greatest champion of his generation.He
started his Olympic career, wearing the Bulgarian colours and with the name Shalamonov, by
winning a title in Seoul in 1988. Since then Suleymanoglu has taken advantage of the raising of the
iron curtain. He fled Bulgaria to settle in Australia and became a Turkish citizen.Then Suleymanoglu
achieved the double feat of keeping the Olympic title he won in Korea first in Barcelona in 1992
and again in Atlanta four years later, the first time in the 60 kg featherweight category, the second
in the 64 kg category. In Georgia he even added a world record to his third gold medal.Meanwhile
the diminutive Hercules - he is only 1.50 m tall - has set many new world records in the snatch and
lean-and-jerk. He is now a rich man. After having spent several months looking after Bulgarian
refugees, Naim Suleymanoglu started training for the Sydney games. He could have one his fourth
gold medal, but he committed a tactical error, due to over-confidence, in asking to start with
weights that were heavier than the world record - little surprise that he was't able to lift it, then.
The man who held 46 world records thus left the Olympic stage on a miserable failure.
SUSANTI HADITONO Susi (1971) Indonesia
This Indonesian girl was the first ever Olympic badminton champion at Barcelona in 1992, and
remained the world's top player for years.While she was taking the top title in Spain her fiancé
Budi Kusuma was doing the same in the men's game.After this she won the world championship in
1993 before taking part in the Atlanta games where she came third.
SVAN Gunde (1962) Sweden
Sweden had not had a cross-country skier of this calibre since Jernberg.He was individual Olympic
champion four times over 15 and 50 km in 1984 and in 1988, and also won the gold medals with
the Swedish teams in the Sarajevo games in 1988 and in Calgary four years later.To these four
Olympic titles he added five world championship titles between 1985 and 1991 mostly in the
individual event and once with a team.
SWAHN Albert (1879 - 1931) Sweden
Albert was the expert marksman Oscar Swahn's son, and like his father, won no fewer than seven
Olympic medals, including three gold in the London games in 1908 and the Stockholm games in
1912.
SWAHN Oscar (1847 - 1927) Sweden
When this Swedish marksman won the silver medal in the running stag event at the Antwerp
games in 1920 he had just celebrated his 73rd birthday, and thus became the oldest Olympic
medal winnerThat medal crowned a brilliant Olympic career that began in the 1908 London games
and resulted in three gold medals in individual and in team events in London and in the 1912
Stockholm games.
SWEDEN
Sweden is one of the top five Olympic nations, having won more than 500 gold medals since the
beginning of the winter and summer games. Although they are able to distinguish themselves on
all fronts, Swedes have mainly dominated cross-country skiing. They lost for the first time in 1952
in Helsinki.In the summer games the Swedes are often among the winners of equestrian events,
wrestling, kayak canoe, and especially the modern pentathlon, which they invented for the
Stockholm games. They picked up all the Olympic titles for this event from 1912 until 1956.
SWIMMING
The earliest records of swimming competitions between schools are to be found in Japan in the
16th century, but the first championships only began in the middle of the last century. In the early
days there were very few pools. That is why in the first games, held in Athens in 1896, swimming
events took place in the Bay of Piraeus. The same thing happened in Paris four years later, when
the Olympic events took place in the Seine.It was not until the Paris games of 1924 that the events
took place for the first time in an indoor swimming pool. That was where a certain Johnny
Weissmuller first shone.Since then world class swimming has greatly changed. Swimmer's
performances become more and more impressive throughout the 20th century, which was
dominated by Mark Spitz in the men's events and by Kornelia Ender in the women's.
SWIMMING, FREE-STYLE
The crawl has become free-style in competition swimming. This is also the fastest stroke. Free style
is competed over 50, 100 200 400 800 and 1500 m as well as in relay races.In this sport the
swimmer is not obliged to touch the edge of the pool with a hand when turning.
SWIMMING, SYNCHRONISED
Grace and harmony are needed to shine in this sport which became an Olympic one in 1984 and is
reserved for young women. This contest is in some ways similar to the water ballets once made
popular in the Esther Williams films.The shows of the past have given way to a genuine sport that
requires great physical abilities. Now underwater cameras allow the audience not to miss any part
of the swimmers' performances. It should be pointed out that pairs are often made up of sisters or
even twins since this undoubtedly represents an advantage. They effectively have the same facial
expressions, the same dimensions and sometimes identical gestures, factors which clearly play a
role in the overall evaluation.
SWIMSUITS
The arrival of suits on the international swimming stage is something like a throwback to the
sport's roots because at the turn of the century swimmers wore full-body bathing costumes. But
the similarity stops there.At the start of the 20th Century bathing costumes were made of wool or
cotton and became heavy when wet. Modern swimsuits are very light and allow swimmers to
penetrate the water easier. They are waxed like skis and shed water droplets at their edges.
Penetration appears ideal especially since some swimsuits are designed like the skin of the shark,
the fastest marine animal. What's more, they are very close-fitting, thereby holding the swimmer's
body and preventing the muscles vibrating, as this tends to slow swimmers down.Swimsuits were
very much in fashion in Sydney, where there were suits that completely covered the swimmer from
head to toe, others with braces and yet others which only enveloped the swimmer's legs. However,
many competitors continue to wear traditional bathing costumes.During the Millennium Games, 15
world records were broken in the Aquatic Center. It is believed that the use of swimsuits played its
part in this overall result.
SWITZERLAND
Perhaps not surprisingly it is in the winter Olympic Games that Switzerland has shone, with such
formidable skiers as Zurbrigen, Russi and Colombin among the boys and Nadig, Figini, Heiss et
Schneider among the girls.In the summer games the Swiss have made their biggest mark with
riders in the show jumping events, wrestlers and gymnasts.More recently the tennis player Marc
Rosset won in the 1992 Barcelona games.
SYDNEY - Australia
This antipodean city, the capital of New South Wales, hosted the year 2000 games.Sydney
competed with Beijing in the final selection of a host city. In the end the IOC preferred the
environmental conditions of the project presented by the Australians to China, where, it was
feared, human rights policy leaves much to be desired.This fine unanimous decision in favour of
Australia was however somewhat tarnished by the recent allegations of corruption that have
shaken the IOC.About three and a half million people live in Sydney, which is the former capital of
Australia. The town is famous for its futuristic opera house in Jackson Harbour Bay which figures on
the Olympic medals.These games were much less grandiose than those in Barcelona or Atlanta, but
much more convivial. Moreover, the IOC Chairman believes them to be the successful since the
Olympic movements beginnings. In fact, apart from a few worries about the transport system and
ticket sales, the Sydney games were perfectly organised. The stadiums were full and the opening
ceremony gave the Aborigine athlete Cathy Freeman opportunity to reconcile her community with
the rest of Australia. The Melbourne 1956 games will long be remembered for the way the games
ended in a procession of athletes marching arm in arm with no anthems or flags to protest in their
own way against the Soviet invasion of Budapest.
SZABO Bence (1959) Hungary
For nearly sixty years, from 1908 to 1964, Hungary dominated the sabre events, the preferred
form of fencing in Hungary. Yet since the mid 1960s the Hungarians have been consistently beaten
just before the final individual event. Bence Szabo reversed that trend at the Barcelona games in
1992 by winning the top prize for his country.This was Szabo's second gold medal, the first being
the one he obtained in the sabre team event four years before in Seoul.
SZABO Ekaterina (1967) Romania
This gymnast belongs to the Romanian school that shone so brilliantly in the mid 1970s and
included Nadia Comaneci.Szabo was champion on the floor in 1983 and was one of the stars in Los
Angeles in the following year when she won four gold medals on the beam, on the floor, on the
vaulting horse and in teams.
SZABO Gabriela (1975) Roumanie
Gabriela Szabo's only aim for 2000 was victory at the Olympic Games in Sydney. She achieved this
in the 5000 m in which nobody could stay the pace after she made a formidable acceleration. Yet,
this Romanian champion looks very fragile. Small and thin, one wonders where she gets the
strength from to crush her adversaries.This was again the case for the 1500 m. Due to a fall by an
opponent, she was left with much ground to make up. At 200 m from the finishing line she was still
in last position. Yet, she overtook her rivals one by one to take third place at the tape.This defeat
was worth as much as the most dazzling of victories.At 25 years old, Gabriela Szabo has probably
not finished her Olympic adventure. She is, however, going to devote her self to educating young
Romanian athletes. She aims to open a training centre in the North of her country.
SZMIDT Josef (1935) Poland
This Polish triple jumper was never as famous as the marathon runner Abebe Bikila, yet he
achieved a similar feat to that of the Ethiopian athlete.After winning the gold medal for the triple
jump in Rome in 1960 he kept his title four years later in Tokyo.
TACHEOMETRE
This device mounted on a tripod is a vast improvement on the tapes and other measuring systems
used in athletics that it replaced. The appliance has sighting device and measures distances by
sending a luminous infra-red beam to a target point. The distance is calculated by measuring the
time taken to get from one point to another. One second is sufficient to obtain a precise
measurement, to within a millimetre.
TAEKWONDO
This martial art, which was a demonstration sport in Seoul in 1988 and in Barcelona in 92 but
absent from Atlanta in 96 is to be a full Olympic sport in Sydney in 2000.The name of this Korean
sport means "the Way of punches and kicks". It is not unlike karate in the way the feet are used to
kick, but are also used against the opponent in the Korean sport.There are four weight categories
and tournaments work by direct elimination until the final.For often violent combats, yet very
telegenic, the fighters are equipped with a helmet, arm and leg guards and a breastplate. One
wears red, the other blue. Taekwondo is the only combat sport which protects the body parts that
can be struck by the opponent. Korea is naturally the best nation at this sport in the world, but
other European and Asian countries have set their sights on the top places too. In Sydney, the
Korean men and women had climbed on to the podium four times to pick up 3 of the 8 gold medals
up for grabs.
TAIT Blyth (1961) New Zealand
This horse-rider from New Zealand made his Olympic debut at the Barcelona games of 1992 at the
ripe old age of 31. He took part in the heats of the overall competition and after a catastrophic
start, he managed to land a bronze medal. He completely buggered up the dressage, but made up
for it in the jumping event. Soon afterwards, he won a silver medal with his team.In Atlanta, he
seemed to have learned from his past errors, winning gold in the overall competition and finishing
in bronze medal position with his team-mates.Following this, he went on to become three times
winner of the World Cup. In spite of being a favourite in Sydney, he failed miserably, not finishing
on the podium, neither in individual nor team events unlike his countryman Mark Todd, who won a
silver medal in the individual competition.
TAIWAN
The history of Taiwan's involvement in the games has less to do with sport than with politics. At
the Rome games in 1960 for instance, nationalist China had to parade under the name Formosa.On
Montreal in 1976 Chinese politics once again became an Olympic issue. The Canadian government,
which has an excellent trading relationship with the Peoples' Republic of China, refused to allow
Taiwan to take part in the games. Despite a last minute agreement signed between the IOC and
the Canadian government allowing Taiwan to take part under its own flag the Taiwanese had had
enough and went home.
TAKACS Karoly (1910-1976) Hungary
This pistol marksman achieved a remarkable feat when he won the Olympic title twice, in London in
1948 and in Helsinki four years later. Takacs was a soldier and had lost his right hand when a
grenade exploded in it. As he was right-handed he therefore had to learn to use his left hand for
shooting, and then went on to these Olympic victories.
TARANENKO Leonid (1956) Bielorussia
Taranenko was reckoned to be the strongest man in the world after he lifted 475 kg in total for the
clean and jerk during the Seoul games in 1988 - a feat no other weight lifter has managed since.
This Bielorussian had won his first Olympic title in Moscow in 1980 in the 108 kg category.Following
a car accident Taranenko vanished from competitions for years until his triumphant come back and
legendary record in 1988.He was back again in 1992 in Barcelona where he got a silver medal in
the super heavyweight category.
TARASOV Maksim (1971) Russia
Taking advantage of the great Ukrainian athlete Serguei Bubka's chronic poor Olympic form, the
Russian pole vaulter Maksim Tarasov took the gold medal at the Barcelona games in 1992.He did
not have to strain his talent, of which he gave a preview during the preceding world
championships, to clear the 5.80 needed for the gold medal. It would have been nice to see
Tarasov win again in Sydney so as to see his ritual perilous backward somersault, yet, in hardly
inspired form, he had to settle for a bronze medal behind two little known Americans: Hysong and
Johnson.
TARIS Jean (1909-1977) France
Jean Taris has one of the finest records of any French swimmer. He already held about ten world
records when he went to the Los Angeles games in 1932.He was leading the final lap of the 400 m
free style event comfortably when over confidence made him slow down in the last few meters. The
American Crabbe overtook him and in the end got the gold medal, leaving Taris with the silver, a
humiliation which was to take Taris many years to get over.
TAYLOR Angelo (1978) United States
Sharing his home town with Edwin Moses and a skilled athlete, the young American made the 400
m hurdles his speciality, just like his predecessor. He won the event in Sydney in spite of being
placed in the difficultly negotiable inside lane due to his poor time in the semi-final.Like his
venerable countryman, this success should be the start of a great career.
TAYLOR Henry (1885 - 1951) Great Britain
This young British swimmer had had to train in appalling conditions before becoming a champion.
He was too poor to afford entrance tickets to swimming pools, so had to swim in the cold filthy
water of local streams and canals.But these hardships finally bore fruit.At the London games in
1908 he won three gold medals for the 400 m and 1500 m free style events and for the 4x200 m
race.He was to win a bronze medal in Stockholm in 1912, and another bronze in Antwerp eight
years later.
TAYLOR Meldrick (1966) United States
Just like his predecessor Floyd Patterson, who was Olympic champion in 1952, Meldrick Taylor was
only seventeen years old when he became an Olympic boxing champion at the Los Angeles games
in 1984.After turning professional he remained world champion from 1988 until 1992, losing only
five out of thirty-seven fights.
TAYLOR Rachel (1974) Australia
Who will remember the silver medal won in the coxless pairs by the Australian Rachel Taylor in a
few years or even a few months time ? Probably nobody, apart from a taxi driver in Sydney. For it
was he who found the precious medal under the back seat of his car after an urgent appeal had
been made to all the taxi companies in the city.Rachel Taylor heartily celebrated her victory in the
bars of Sydney and misplaced her trophy somewhere in the city. Fortunately, in a moment of clearheadedness her memory came back, as did her medal.
TEDIASHVILI Levan (1948) Russia
When he became Olympic free style wrestling champion in the 82 kg category in 1972 Tediashvili
faced the American Peterson in the final.More unusually, it was his own younger brother Benjamin
he beat four years later in Montreal, this time in the 90 kg category.
TEHERAN - Iran
The capital of Iran had been chosen to host the 1984 Olympic Games, but had to stand down in
1980 following the ideological revolution of 1979.That is how Los Angeles came to organize the
23rd Olympic Games. As the only remaining candidate the Californian city had no difficulty in being
chosen. Californian taxpayers did not have to pay for the games: the sponsors financed all the new
installations.Teheran is now once again a candidate, and hopes to host the games in 2008.
TELEVISION
Television now plays a major role in organizing the Olympic Games. Television that provides the
IOC with ample funds in return for exclusive rights of coverage.It is for this reason that the IOC is
planning to extend the duration of the games, perhaps to as long as the end of the fourth week, in
order to provide television companies with markets (audiences) and very high fees for
advertising.It has not always been so.Until the middle of the twentieth century the written press,
followed by radio, were at the heart of Olympic coverage. However even though those media
helped to promote the Olympic movement, they did nothing to make it financially independent.The
first television camera pictures were broadcast to the public by the Nazi propaganda chief just
before the start of the Berlin games.In 1948 in London half a million people watched the television
report broadcast during the games. At the Helsinki games in 1952 and in Melbourne in 1956
discussions concerning television rights were begun but did not lead anywhere.It was not until the
1960 Rome games and the advent of Eurovision that television viewers were able to watch the
games live. In 1968 millions of viewers were for the first time able to watch the games in colour.In
1988 in Seoul broadcasting rights were 350 times greater than those bought at the Rome games.In
Barcelona the American company NBC paid 410 million dollars for television rights which it then resold to other TV companies around the world ; For the Sydney 2000 games they paid twice this
amount.It must be said that television often comes up with beautiful shots. The viewer is taken to
the heart of the scene, and can enjoy slow motion replays, underwater shots and close-ups that
spectators in the stadium cannot.On the other hand being in the stadium provides feelings and
memories that can never be captured on television.
TENNIS
Although tennis was on the programme of the very first games of the modern era, it was banished
from the Olympics at the start of the 1924 games, because the IOC had serious doubts about the
amateur status of players. They were as it happens all professionals.This ostracism lasted until the
Los Angeles games in 1984 when tennis players and also professional soccer players were again
allowed to compete. In those games tennis was a demonstration sport, but it was fully rehabilitated
in Seoul in 1988.Steffi Graf in the women's matches and Miroslav Mecir in the men's were the first
Olympic champions of the new era.
TENNIS, TABLE
This sport was invented in England in the middle of the nineteenth century, and it was the sound of
the wooden bats striking the celluloid ball that inspired one Englishman to invent the popular name
"ping-pong" for the game.The main rules of the game were made official after the First World War,
and an international federation was established in 1926.Table tennis first became part of the
Olympic programme at the 1988 games.The game is mainly played in Europe and in Asia, and is
often won by Chinese players. At the Barcelona games, for instance, while two Europeans, the
Swede Waldner and the Frenchman Gatien went to the finals, Asians won three quarters of all the
medals. Gatien and Waldner were again on the podium for the Sydney games of 2000. They were
the only Europeans to muscle in on the battle between the Asians, and in particular the Chinese
who walked away with all the golds.
TER-OVANESSIAN Igor (1938) Russia
Ter-Ovanessian, an ex world record holder of the long jump, is mainly remembered as the inventor
in the 1960s of the double scissors jump, a technique that makes it possible to jump further and
faster.Thus " Prince Igor " was the first European to pass the legendary 8 m barrier. Despite this
neither his talent nor his technique enabled him to win a gold medal at the games, but he got two
bronze medals, in 1960 in Rome and four years later in Tokyo.
TERGAT Paul (1969) Kenya
Paul Tergat would have become the incontestable master of the 10.000 m if his pathway to glory
hadn't been barred by the great Ethiopian runner Hailé Gebresselassie.Second to his rival in the
Atlanta games of 1996, he finished again second and again behind the Ethiopian runner during the
world championships in 1996 and 1997.Yet it was in Sydney that Paul Tergat met with the cruellest
of disappointments. Having succeeded in distancing "Gebre" he drove on towards victory, still in
gold medal position at only 2 metres from the finishing tape, yet on crossing the line he was silver
medallist: his rival had once again snatched victory away from him, this time at the death.The fact
remains that Paul Tergat, otherwise a soldier in the Kenyan army, is a great champion who will
leave an indelible trace in the annals of cross country, a discipline in which he was five times
individual world champion and eight times world champion with the Kenyan team.
TESTS
As a part of the fight against illegal drug use by athletes, medical judges at the Montreal games
tested drugs on themselves.Those tests were made in order to gain a better understanding of the
effects of the drugs and enable doctors to detect traces of them in the body. That looks like real
devotion to duty.
THEAGENES - Greece
This ancient Greek champion won no fewer than 1600 crowns in sports as varied as the pancratium
(Wrestling), pugilism (boxing) and running. He was an all round sportsman and without a doubt
the greatest Olympic champion of all times. A legend relates that in his native Thassos he carried a
bronze statue from the agora (town square) to his home on his shoulders.The story is all the more
astonishing in that his father who was indignant that he should take such liberties made him carry
it back to its stele.
THEATO Michel (1877-1919) France - Luxemburg
When Michel Theato won the marathon at the Paris games in 1900 he was dismayed to be refused
the prize. The judges had decided that the course of the race did not comply with regulations.After
they had received expert opinion they decided that the Paris circuit had after all conformed to the
regulations and Theato was given his gold medal. This ceremony took place twelve years after the
race in Stockholm. The debate had raged for ten years.Theato was deemed at the time to be a
French citizen, but it was discovered many years later that he was in fact from Luxemburg. He
might thus have been the first athlete ever to win a gold medal for the Grand Duchy, long before
Josy Bartel did so in 1952.
THEILE David (1939) Australia
This excellent Australian swimmer was the backstroke specialist of the sixties. He had already won
a gold medal over 100 m in Melbourne in 1956, and kept his title in Rome four years later, but he
passed up another gold in the Australian 4x100 m relay team, which came second.
THEODOSEUS I, THE GREAT
This Byzantine emperor put an end to eleven centuries of Olympic tradition. In 393 AD he
abolished the games that had gone on for no fewer than 286 Olympiads.During all those years, or
rather eleven centuries, Olympia had remained the centre for the games of antiquity.After that, the
site was abandoned to Alaric's hordes. All the treasures were pillaged and dispersed, leaving only
the buildings. Theodosius II, the first Theodosius' grandson, then ordered the buildings to be razed
to the ground. This was only partly done, but spates of the river and two earthquakes in the sixth
century did the rest.Today nothing remains of the site of Olympia but a few fallen ruins.
THOENI Gustavo (1951) Italy
This was the finest skier of his generation in the early 1970s.He won two gold medals in slalom and
in combination at the 1972 Sapporo games, titles that established his mastery in those years since
he went on to win two world championship titles and four victories in the world cup up to 1975.His
skill at slaloming between the gates earned him the nickname "tiger-cat". Thoeni also won two
silver medals, in Sapporo in 1972 and in Innsbruck four years later, both in the special slalom.
THOFELT Sven (1904)Sweden
Before becoming a fencer and winning two silver and two bronze medals in the epee event with the
Swedish team in 1936 and 1948, Thofelt picked up the title of Olympic pentathlete champion
during the Amsterdam games of 1928. He won this gold medal by beating his countryman
Lindman, who had become Olympic champion four years hence as well as twice being a silver
medallist in the pentathlon.
THOMSON Dailey (1958) Great Britain
Dailey Thomson was provocative and moustachioed when he won the decathlon title in Moscow in
1980.He was still provocative and moustachioed when he won it again in Los Angeles four years
later.Between each of the ten events at both these games Thomson wore a tee-shirt marked "I am
not gay", just to make a point.Before him only one other athlete, the American Matthias, had ever
won the decathlon twice.Son of an African immigrant and a Scottish mother, Thomson, who spent
his childhood in a poor neighbourhood succeeded in his studies in biology. They were to help him in
his management of the fortune that he earned throughout the stadiums of the world.
THOMSON Jenny (1973) United States
American Jenny Thomson is amongst those who have won the most medals in international
swimming. However, coming to the end of her career, she would no doubt willingly exchange all
the gold medals that she won in the team events for a simple little individual gold medal.Such was
her objective in Sydney and such it was that she failed once again.Gold medallist in the 4x100 m
freestyle relay, in the 4x200 m freestyle relay and in the 4x100 m medley relay, she only picked up
a bronze for the 100 m freestyle, in spite of the fact that she greatly dominated the world
championships several months previously.Hers is a strange and paradoxical story: five times gold
medallist with the American team in the Atlanta and Barcelona games, before the Sydney games
she had only won a silver medal in the Barcelona games in the 100 m freestyle, despite being the
world record holder at the time.
THORPE Ian (1982) Australia
For already several years considered to be the great new hope in international swimming,
Australian Ian Thorpe hit home early in the Olympic pool in Sydney. Victorius in the 400 m
freestyle and in the 4x100 and 4x200 m freestyle relays with his Australian team-mates, in
particular Michael Klim, he who is nicknamed the "torpedo" seemed set to carry out a white-wash
of the medals. But in the 200 m freestyle, he met his match in the Dutchman Van den
Hoogenband, the latter being the great revelation of these games.Accused by certain to have taken
growth hormones due to the fact that he has huge feet (size 17), the young Australian has said
that he wants to undergo all the tests possible to show that he is clean. It is said that he lives in
suffering and only eats at his home to avoid having his food tampered with by people wishing to do
him a nasty turn.Others consider that he has a remarkable technique and is capable of such a leg
stroke so quick that it is sufficient to leave his opponents standing.The fact remains that Thorpe
will from now on be one of the great swimmers of all time and that he may soon take part in the
sprint races. His individual performance in the 4x100 m relay in Sydney displayed that he has
probably not explored all his limitations.
THORPE Jim (1888 - 1953) United States
It was not until 1983, thirty years after he died, that the American Olympic champion Jim Thorpe
was rehabilitated and his family given the medals he won some sixty years earlier at the Stockholm
gamesJim Thorpe was a double Olympic champion, having won both the pentathlon and the
decathlon. At the time the IOC took amateur status very seriously, and this half cast Indian was
accused of professional activities.It was a fact that before taking up athletics he had for a while
been a professional baseball player, so the IOC demanded that he return his medals after the
games. The man named "Shining Path" by his Algonquin Indian tribe duly handed them over, even
if his opponents refused to take the medals. Later on he became an professional American
footballer with the New York Giants.Thorpe died in the early fifties, alcoholic and destitute, asking
for his medals to be returned. Four years later, the small town in Pennsylvania where he lived was
renamed Jim Thorpe City. This was the first step on the road to clearing his name, which took 30
years in all, ending when Juan Antonio Samaranch showed himself to be less rigid than his
predecessors, in prticular Avery Brundage.The actor Burt Lancaster acted the part of Thorpe in a
film about his life made in 1950 called " The man of bronze ".
THUEMER Petra (1961) Germany
This East German swimmer achieved a double feat at the Montreal games in 1976.She won both
the free style 400 m and 800 m events, and at the same time beat the world records for both
lengths. This remarkable performance was outshone at those games by the four gold medals won
by her compatriot Kornelia Ender.
THUGWANE Joseph (1971) South Africa
This South African runner won the marathon at the Atlanta games in 1996, becoming the second
South African gold medallist after the swimmer Heyns who won hers a few days earlier.Thugwane
almost did not make it to those games. A few months earlier a group of armed terrorists kidnapped
him, intending to demand a ransom. He managed to jump from the kidnappers' moving car and
escape. The incident certainly added extra glamour to his victory in Atlanta.
THUNBERG Clas (1893-1973) Finland
With five world titles and as many Olympic titles to his credit in the 1920s, this Finn was
undoubtedly one of the finest speed skaters of his generation.His Olympic titles were won in
Chamonix and in Saint Moritz in 1924 and 1928.He might have added more medals to this record
in Lake Placid in 1932 but refused to take part in the events, because he believed the starting
system set up by the Americans was open to trickery.He may have been right: all four events were
won by the Americans Shea and Jaffee.
TIEDEMANN Fritz (1918 - 1999) Germany
After starting in dressage for which he won a bronze medal in Helsinki, this German horseman took
up show jumping with great success.He was twice Olympic champion with his national team, in
1956 in Stockholm and in 1960 in Rome, on both of which occasions he rode his horse Meteor.
TIME
At the games, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Time is very important. Competition times need to
be strictly adhered to and with televised transmissions, there is no room for leeway. When the
marathon runners finished late in Barcelona in 1992, they found the gates of the stadium closed.
Inside, the closing ceremony had begun !
TIMMER Marianne (1972) Netherlands
This beautiful Dutch girl was thought to be an outsider when she came to Nagano to compete in
the speed skating events, but surprised everyone by winning over 1000 m and 15000 m.The Dutch
performed extraordinarily well at these games, winning five out of the nine finals. It was largely
their physical condition, training and innovative techniques that enabled them to put on this
astonishing show.
TIMOSCHENKO Alexandra (1972) Ukraine
Timoschenko will forever remain one of the greatest eurythmics champions.After winning the
bronze medal in Seoul in 1988 she was unrivalled four years later in Barcelona where, aged only
twenty, she won the gold.This girl owed her grace to her training in the tough Ukrainian ballet
school. The impression she made at the games was indeed more that of a star dancer than of a
sportswoman.
TISDALL Robert (1907) Ireland
This runner came first in the 400 m hurdle race at the 1932 Los Angeles games, but was
disqualified for knocking down two hurdles, a fault that led to disqualification at the time.He got
over his disappointment four years later in Berlin by easily winning the Olympic title. He had
meanwhile remained unbeaten since his failure in Los Angeles.In Germany Tisdall set a world
record for the event, which he was to keep until 1951.
TKAC Anton (1952) Czech Republic
This track racer put an end to Daniel Morelon's reign on the Montreal track in 1976, thus depriving
the Frenchman of what would have been an historic triple victory in the speed event.In the final the
contest became a tactical one. When they were still even with one lap each Tkac attacked a long
way from the finishing line; the Frenchman, who thought this was a feint, kept to his own pace.
When Morelon realized his mistake it was too late.
TODD Mark (1956) New Zealand
Todd, a sheep farmer, had to sell several of his flocks to pay for his training. The New Zealand
horseman had no cause to regret the investment, as he proved to be the top in dressage, crosscounty and show jumping, achieved a faultless round and won the three day event at the 1984 Los
Angeles games with his horse Charisma.He was back in the fray in Seoul on the same horse, and
did even better, at the same time keeping the Olympic title he had won four years earlier.Todd
then sat down to write a biography of his old partner Charisma. By the time the Sydney games
came around (not far from his homeland) Mark Todd had returned to competition, and once again
climbed on to the podium to collect the bronze medal.
TOKYO - Japan
The capital of Japan was the first city in Asia to organize the games, in 1964. To remind the world
that the Japanese had forgiven but not forgotten, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima
was chosen to carry the flame to the bowl at the start of the Tokyo games. Germany, which at the
time was politically divided into separate states, was made to compete as one, so that the victories
of East and West German athletes counted as those of a single nation.In another political gesture,
South Africa was excluded because it had not been able to put together a multiracial team.It was
at these games that volleyball and judo became Olympic sports.Ironically, it was a Dutchman,
Anton Geesink, who won the first heavyweight title in judo.The star of these games was an
American. The swimmer Donald Schollander took four medals in the Tokyo pool where the
Japanese had expected to shine.
TOLAN Edward (1908-1967) United States
Eddy Tolan, the top sprinter in Los Angeles in 1932, won the 100 m and 200 m events.In the
former event he beat his opponent by such a narrow margin that he was nicknamed "twinkle
toes".In the 200 m he again beat his rival Metcalfe, but the judges made a mistake in calculating
the length of the latter's corridor. Metcalfe could have objected, but in a fine spirit of
sportsmanship he chose not to frustrate his fellow countryman's victory.
TOMBA Alberto (1964) Italy
Tomba, nicknamed "la bomba" because of his formidable energy, was the first Olympic champion
to retain a title won four years earlier.After winning the special slalom and the giant slalom in
Calgary in 1988 Tomba repeated the performance at Albertville in front of ten thousand fellow
countrymen who had come to support him.The tireless "campionissimo" was back again at
Lillehammer in 1994, but this time narrowly missed gaining a fourth gold medal in three games
behind the Austrian Stangassinger.
TOOTH, A
There is a saying, "to win by a hair's breadth," yet it was with a tooth that the German Karl
Kauffman almost won the 400 m during the 1960 games in Rome.Indeed, it was with his teeth that
he took the finishing tape. Nevertheless, films of the race show that the American Otis Davis beat
him by, of course, a hair's breadth.A consolation for Karl Kauffman was that he became joint world
record holder with Davis.
TORCH
The Olympic torch carries the flame from Olympia to the great bowl erected in the stadium of the
city in which the games are to be held.During stops on the way the flame is kept alive in a small
bowl specially designed for the purpose. The flame should never be allowed to die. Another flame is
kept burning in a miner's lamp is used to re-light the torch carried by the runners. Now as many
torches as there are runners are made for the occasion, so that the latter can keep them as
souvenirs.The international federation of Olympic memorabilia includes people who collect torches
as well as other souvenirs of the Olympics.
TORRENCE Gwen (1965) United States
This American girl is one of the very best sprinters of the 1990s. After having often been among
the front-runners, she won two gold medals in Barcelona, for the 200 m singles and in the 4x100
American relay team.Then she rose to the top step of the podium again with her American partners
four yeas later in Atlanta.Meanwhile Gwen Torrence won three world championship titles, over 100
m and in the 4x100 m in 1995 and the 4x400 m in 1993.
TORRES Dara (1967) United States
This American swimmer's story is a strange one. Twice Olympic champion with the American relay
team in Séoul in 1988 and in Barcelona four years later, she gave up swimming for seven years to
concentrate on fashion parades and journalism before diving back into the pool for the games in
Sydney.Present at the games since 1984, she beat the record for longevity in a sport in which
those over the age of 25 are considered as old hands.Hear hard work during 1999 bore fruit. Not
only did she glean several trials during the American championships, but she also won medals in
Sydney. Third in the 50 and 100 m freestyle and also the 100 m butterfly, she won two team gold
medals for the 4x100 and 4x200 m freestyle relays.
TORVIL Jayne / DEAN Christopher - Great Britain
Perfection and individuality were two words often used in the press to describe the performance of
this couple of figure skaters when they won the Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo a few months after
winning the world championship title.Following a period during which the two British champions
gave up competition and went into professional gala occasions they made a come back at the
Lillehammer games in 1994, ten years after winning their Olympic title.While they had retained all
their old charm, the performance was less polished. They got the bronze medal, but their presence
created another record: the largest British television audience ever: 24 million people watched the
event live.
TOURCOING Enfants de Neptune - France
This Swimming club in northern France produced the French team that enable France to win the
Olympic water-polo tournament in 1924. That year the team beat their neighbours from Belgium in
the final.
TRAMPOLINE
This Olympic sport affiliated to gymnastics is said to have originated in circuses. After rehearsing
trapeze acts, circus acrobats liked to relax by performing figures on the safety net slung below the
wires.After first being demonstrated at the Sidney games interest in the trampoline is growing fast.
The sport consists in performing figures in the air after bouncing off a horizontal elastic mat.
American fighter pilots even used in to train the inner ear to become used to rotations while flying.
Today, the athletes taking part in competition bounce as high as 8 metres.France, Russia and
Bielorussia are at present the top nations in this sport.
TRENTIN Pierre (1944) France
This stocky little racing cyclist won two gold medals and one bronze at the Mexico games in 1968,
where he won the one kilometre stop start and the tandem race in partnership with his fellow
countryman Daniel Morelon. It should not be forgotten that the first notch on this cyclists roll of
honour was the bronze medal in the kilometre time-trial at the Tokyo games in 1964.Whilst
Morelon was thin and slender, Trentin was short and powerful. On the track he possessed explosive
speed.Since then, the pair have gone onto train French champion track cyclists .
TRIANGLE, OLYMPIC
This is the name given in sailing to the competition course used for all boat and sailboard
events.Contestants must keep the three buoys marking a triangle, the longest side of which is in
the leeward axis, to port as they sail around them.In the case of a super-Olympic triangle,
contestants must do an extra return lap between the first two buoys. The distance between these
varies according to the class of boat race, from 0.75 to 3 nautical miles for multi-hulled boats (a
nautical mile is about 1600 m).
TRIATHLON
The triathlon is one of the new sports that will be competed for in Sydney in 2000. The triathlon is
related to the international union of the modern pentathlon and the biathlon, and has only existed
for about thirty years, but has become increasingly popular around the world. It involves three
events: swimming, cycling and running.The triathlon entered legend in Hawaii in 1978 with the
creation of Ironman. The effort required of athletes is almost superhuman.In the games the
athletes, both men and women, will have to race by swimming the Olympic length, that is 1500 m,
cycling 40 km and running 10 km. The triathlon was the first of the Olympic events in Sydney in
order to give the new sport prominence. The Canadian Simon Whitefield and the Swiss Brigitte Mc
Mahon won the first two Olympic gold medals in this discipline.
TRIBUNAL ARBITRAL DU SPORT (TAS) (Sports Arbitration Tribunal)
Based in Lausanne, the "Tribunal Arbitral du sport" is the body responsible for resolving any legal
affairs linked to sport. Made up of 14 members, including a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, this
institution's brief is to resolve conflicts that athletes may have with their sports governing bodies
and vice versa, be it an appeal against non-selection, problems of nationality or arbitration in cases
of doping.Since Barcelona 92, for the duration of the games the TAS sits in the host city. Its
verdicts are given within 24 hours and the whole of the procedure is free of charge so as to enable
all athletes to have access to international sporting justice.
TRILLINI Giovanna (1970) Italy
This Italian foil fencer won a hard marathon before going on to win an individual gold medal at the
1992 Barcelona games. He had only just been allowed to qualify for the semi-finals when she
picked herself up and won.She had much less difficulty in winning a second gold medal with her
partners in the Italian team. That victory restored the reputation that this world champion
deserves.
TRINQUET Pascale (1958) France
Helped perhaps by reduced competition from many other western countries that had boycotted the
games, the French foil fencer Pascale Trinquet was one of the stars of the Moscow games in
1980.She won two gold medals, on her own and in her team.She was a perfect team partner, and
in this way had also won a silver medal in Montreal four years before, and a bonze in Los Angeles
four years after her triumph in Moscow, which shows the range of her talent.
TROY Mike (1940) United States
In swimming competitions that were otherwise largely dominated by Australians, the American
swimmer held his own by winning the 200 m butterfly stroke event at the Rome games in
19960.Troy then won another gold medal in the American 4x200 m relay team. In both races he
beat or helped to beat the world record.
TRUCE, OLYMPIC
From the 9th century B.C, a truce was decreed so that the athletes and pilgrims could get to the
sanctuary of Olympia without danger. During the reinstatement of the modern games, the
humanist Pierre de Coubertin introduced the idea of an Olympic truce so that the conflicts in
regions at war would cease for the duration of the games.Whilst this idea has often been accepted,
it has not always been respected.The fact remains that for the 2004 games, Greece should not
miss out on the opportunity of inaugurating an international Olympic truce centre. 180 countries
have already backed the idea of a truce during the games.Indeed, this accord inspired the
American and Cuban national Olympic committees to come together and the North and South
Korean athletes to parade side by side during the Sydney games. The latter was a new step
towards peace between two countries that have been at war for more than 50 years.
TSUKAHARA Mitsuo (1947) Japan
Although this gymnast was a vaulting horse specialist, as a member of the Japanese team that
became Olympic champions in Mexico in 1968, Munich in 1972 and Montreal in 1976 he won two
other gold medals at the fixed bar, the first in Munich 1972 and the other in Montreal. An inventor
of very novel movements, he was not able to win the individual all-round competition. Before
becoming national coach, Tsukahara endowed the discipline with a vaulting horse movement and a
movement for dismounting the apparatus which carries his name.
TSURATA Yashiyuki (1903 - 1986) Japan
This swimmer belonged to the excellent school that took eleven out of the sixteen swimming
medals at the 1932 Los Angeles games.Tsurata won the 200 m breaststroke race and kept his title
in Berlin four years later.
TUG OF WAR
This contest, which was an Olympic one from 1900 until 1920, involves two teams pulling on the
same rope, each team trying to pull the other across a line marked between them.This game is still
played, particularly in certain regions such as the Basque country.The British and Swedes each won
two of the five Olympic contests that were staged.
TULU Detartu (1970) Ethiopia
After her magnificent victory at the Barcelona games in 1992 in the 10.000 m in front of South
Africa's Helena Mayer, memorable for a lap of honour in which the two women intertwined their
flags, the Ethiopian was once again Olympic champion over 10 km in Sydney. A training partner or
Haile Gebresselassie, she won the same haul of medals as her countryman.She won this second
title thanks to remarkable tactics. She ran at a hell of a pace and started her sprint finish at 400 m
from the finishing tape, leaving countrywoman Wami and the Portuguese Ribeiro, who was Olympic
champion 4 years earlier in Atlanta, trailing in her wake. She smashed the latter's Olympic record
by 44 seconds.This was an exceptional feat since she had been suffering from a curious affliction to
the kneecap two years earlier and had thought about retiring from running. But now she intends to
win the marathon at the games in Athens.
TURETSKI Guennadi (1950) Russia - Australia
Despite being a brilliant student and having the possibility to become an engineer in physics, this
Russian more modestly become a coach, but the best in international swimming.It was thanks to
him that Alexandre Popov dominated the sprint events for almost 10 years before emigrating to
Australia. He became coach and mentor to the Australian team that has produced several individual
and team championship winning performances in the last few years.What impresses the swimmers
who work with him is his ability to invent different programmes for each day and to use super
sophisticated techniques to help them on to a higher level. In order to do this, he reads books on
biomechanics and studies the way fish move in the water.
TURICHEVA Ludmilla (1952) Ukraine
Not only was Turicheva five times world champion in her sport, but she also won no fewer than
nine Olympic medals, including four gold.Despite this talent, the gymnast, who was rewarded by
the judges when she won the general competition in Munich in 1972, disappointed the public who
felt she lacked originality.Turicheva was often in the winning Soviet teams between 1968 and
1976. She married Valery Borzov, and ex Olympic sprinting champion who is now a member of the
Ukrainian Olympic committee.
TURIN
In competition with the Swiss town of Sion, the city in Northern Italy has just been awarded the
right to organise the winter Olympics in 2006. Situated at the foot of the Alps, as the name of the
region whose capital it is indicates, Piedmont, Turin is best known for its two great football teams,
Juventus and Torino and especially for being the location for the head office of car manufacturer
Fiat. It should also be noted that the hub of Olympic activity will be situated at the "Lingotto",
which is an old Fiat factory that is today a business centre.This city with a population of around 1
million was chosen following an irreproachable procedure designed to wipe the Salt Lake City affair
from collective memory.In addition to Sion and Turin, the Austrian town of Klagenfurt, PopradTatry in Slovakia, Zakopane in Poland and Helsinki in Finland were also candidates to host the
winter games. In the end, the two cities were retained for the final choice and it was the Italian city
at the foot of the Alps that won over the 109th session of the IOC that was sitting in Seoul in South
Korea.The games will take place in six different areas, of which Sestriere where some of the Alpine
skiing events will be held. Curling, figure skating, speed skating and the ice hockey tournament will
take place in Turin.
TYUS Wyona (1945) United States
This American runner was one of the greatest sprinters of the 1960s. She became Olympic
champion of the 100 m in Tokyo, but failed to get another gold with the 4x100 m team.This
performance she managed four years later in Mexico, and in the same games again won the 100
m.After Mexico she retired from competition to rest on her triple Olympic laurels. She could hardly
have done better.
UJLAKI-REJTO Ildiko (1937) Hungary
This Hungarian epee fencer competed in five Olympic Games from 1960 to 1976, winning seven
medals including two gold, three silver and two bronze.Most of these medals were won in team
events since she only won once in a single event, when she beat the German Helga Mees in 1964.
ULLRICH Jan (1973) Germany
The first German cyclist to have won the Tour de France in 1997, Jan Ullrich, from ex-East
Germany has today become one of the best in professional cycling.At the Sydney games, he gave
his opponents a big surprise. Whilst taking part in the "La Vuelta" (the tour of Spain) that he won
the previous year, he made the decision to withdraw from the race to prepare for the Olympics and
in particular the time-trial, event for which he is the current world champion. Yet it was in the road
race that he scored an unexpected victory, even for himself, beating Kazakhstan's Vinokourov.
Several days later, relieved of all pressure, he lined up for the time-trial, but probably lacking
motivation he ceded first place to Russia's Ekimov.However, with a gold and silver medal, Ullrich
showed himself to be the best road cyclist at the millennium games, a worthy consolation.
ULVANG Vegard (1963) Norway
A cross-country skier who was one of the great figures of the 1992 winter games in Albertville,
where he won three gold medals.Ulvang, who was used to being among the front-runners, gave his
country, the motherland of cross-country skiing, the Olympic title for the 30 km event that Norway
had been waiting for sixteen years. He did not stop at that, but went on to win the 10 km race as
well as the team relay event.This fine performance led to his being asked to swear the Olympic
oath at the Lillehammer games two years later, but at Lillehamer he did not rise to the sporting
heights that he reached in France.
UMARAS Gintautas (1963) Lithuania
Umaras was the top pursuit track cyclist at the end of the 1980s. After winning the world
championship in 1987 he won two Olympic titles, on his own and with the USSR team on the Seoul
track in 1988.
UNITED STATES
Which country, can claim to be the best nation in the world at the Olympic Games if it is not the
United States.This enormous country has produced the greatest champions of the century since the
re-launch of the games, from Ray Ewry to Carl Lewis, from Johnny Weissmuller to Matt Biondi and
also Mark Spitz, without forgetting exceptional boxers, basketball players, cyclists... no discipline
exists that hasn't, at one time or another, been graced by an American champion.This is, of course,
in terms of the summer games, but the same is true of the winter games, in which the American
athletes are just as impressive. There success is mainly concentrated in the disciplines of skiing
and speed skating.Furthermore, the United states have given a great contribution to entrenching
the Olympic movement, be it a case of paying for the journey for delegations, in view of the
distance to be travelled, or indeed organising the games. This they have done four times: for the
summer games (Saint Louis in 1904, Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984, Atlanta in 1996); as well as
for the winter games (Lake Placid in 1932 and 1980, Squaw Valley in 1960 and the next games in
Salt Lake City in 2002).
UPHOF Nicole - Germany
This German lady horse-rider was during a number of years the best in the world at the dressage
event. She was four times Olympic champion in the discipline making her one of the greatest
Olympic champions of all time.She was a double gold medal winner at the Seoul games of 1988
and also at the Barcelona games of 1992 winning in the individual and team events both times. In
Catalonia, she beat her countrywoman Isabelle Werth, who went on to be her successor, in terms
of Olympic and international competitions won.
URMANOV Dimitri (1972) Russia
Urmanov was the first skater to successfully perform a quadruple loop and piqué.Although he had
often been well placed in international competitions he had never reached the highest step of the
podium. At Lillehammer in 1994 he finally convinced the judges and won the ice skating event.
URUGUAY
Association Football is the only sport at which Uruguay has distinguished itself at the
games.Uruguay twice won the Olympic tournament, in Paris and in Amsterdam in 1924 and in
1928. This little country then had some top class players such as José Léandro Andrade.The
Uruguayan team, nicknamed "the celestials" on account of their sky blue shirts, won the first ever
football world cup in 1930.
USSR
The Soviet Union has been the most successful nation at the games after the United States, having
won at least one Olympic title in just about all the key sports ever since it first started taking part
in 1952.Before that this great nation had remained apart for political reasons, and created their
own, eastern block games, the Spartakiads, to enable their athletes to compete
internationally.Soviet leaders saw sport as a means of demonstrating Soviet power just as
convincingly as its nuclear power or space programme, and the USSR never let an opportunity to
demonstrate this go by.Following the collapse of the Soviet block at the end of the end of the
1980s the various republics decided to attend the games under their own national flags, but there
was a transition period during which these nations came to the Albertville and Barcelona games
under a single flag representing a Community of Independent States, or CIS. After that various
countries of the ex Soviet Union (Russia, Bielorussia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.) have taken part in
the games under their new national flags.
VAN ALMSICK Franziska (1978) Germany
In the swimming pool in Barcelona, this young German simmer astonished the world by picking up
4 medals at the tender age of 14. Third in the 100 m and 4x100 m freestyle, she was silver
medallist in the 200 m and 4x100 m medley relay.Afterwards the media and sponsors fought over
her, since she has an irreproachable physique.Trained for the gold at Atlanta in 1996, the young
German was disappointing, carrying out exactly the same performance as in Barcelona. She was
again third in the 100 m freestyle and 4x100 m relay and second in the 200 m and 4x200 relay.A
star of television shows and sports adverts, she didn't neglect affairs in the pool either, picking up
several European and World titles. She had said that she would retire after the Sydney games and
her third place in the 4x200 m freestyle relay has probably made up her mind.
VAN DE WALLE Robert (1954) Belgium
Van de Valle, who is regarded as the best ever Belgian judoka, made his mark in the 1980s by
winning several European championship titles before winning in the heavyweight category at the
Moscow games in 1980. He was still competing by the time of the Seoul games in 1988, where he
won a bronze medal.
VAN DEN HOOGENBAND Peter (1978) Holland
According to the experts, during the Sydney games, the only swimmer worth looking out for would
be Australia's Ian Thorpe. Thorpe indeed shone, picking up 3 gold medals and one silver. But
nobody granted much importance to the Dutchman Peter Van Den Hoogenband, and how wrong
they were.Already with the scalp of Alexandre Popov, the best swimmer of his generation, under
his belt at the most recent European championships, the Dutchman made it his duty to repeat this
exploit in the Olympic pool in Sydney in the 100 m free style. However, VDH, as he is nicknamed,
was not an unknown, having picked up 6 European titles in the pool in Istanbul in 1999.But it was
in the 200 m freestyle that Van den Hoogenband made the front page of all the newspapers. He
beat the new king of the pool Ian Thorpe, showing that he is amongst those who are unafraid of
hype. The Dutchman added to his roll of honour with two bronze medals in the 50 m freestyle and
in the relay.Nicknamed "Hoogie" by the Australians, as a child he wanted to play football, hockey,
judo but certainly not swim. It was his ex-swimmer of a mother who forced him into swimming.
This medical student is now the quickest swimmer in the world.
VAN DYKEN Amy (1976) United States
The accomplishment of this American swimmer during the Atlanta games was no mean feat. Amy
Van Dyken won four gold medals in four races. Having won gold with the American relay team in
the 4x100 m freestyle relay and the 4x100 m medley relay, she won the 100 m butterfly and most
notably the 50 m freestyle which earned her the title of best sprint swimmer at the time.This
stupendous roll of honour was added to with a fifth gold medal at the Sydney games in 2000.
Although she was beaten by her countrywomen Torres and Thomson in the heats of the individual
sprint, she took part in the 4x100 m freestyle relay and once again had the pleasure of another
gold medal dangling around her neck.
VAN GENNIP Yvonne (1964) Netherlands
Holland, a country in which for centuries people have spent their leisure time in winter skating on
the frozen canals, is a natural nursery of champion skaters.Yvonne Van Ginnep is a product of that
school. She was the first skater to beat the great champion Karin Enke. He did this in 1988 in
Calgary, where she won the 1500, 3000 and 5000 m races, giving the "flat land" three brilliant gold
medals.
VAN INNIS Hubert (1866-1961) Belgium
Van Innis was the top archer of the years just before the First World War, and a real collector of
gold medals.He won six top prizes at the games between 1900 in Paris and 1920 in Antwerp, and
also took three silver medals.When the games took place in his own country he returned to
competition and achieved an unprecedented feat at the age of fifty-four by winning four gold and
two silver medals. Van Innis enjoyed a robust health, and died aged ninety-five.
VAN MOORSEL - ZILJAARD Leontien (1972) Holland
Already gold medalist in Sydney for the individual pursuit and silver medallist for the points race,
Dutchwoman Leontien Van Moorsel, now Mrs. Ziljaard went one better in the streets of Sydney
with an astonishing double gold medal haul in the road race and the time-trial.Ziljaard, whose
meteoric ascension was halted by anorexia and bulimia, gave a her career a new kick-start in
Sydney, walking off with one of the most impressive rolls of honour in international cycling. She
should now be respected for her results. Beforehand, she had been a symbol of the feminisation of
cycling and made the front page of the newspapers with her pretty face and her plunging
necklines.
VANDENHENDE Séverine (1974) France
For a long time believed to be one of the best judokas of her generation, the Frenchwoman took a
while to make a name for herself at the top of her sport. It should be said that she has had her fair
share of injuries and bad luck.World champion in 1997, injured in 1999, she reached the summit of
her abilities at the Sydney games where she in the 63 kg category.
VARDANIAN Youri (1956) Armenia
Vardanian was the best weight-lifter in the world in the 83 kg category for almost ten years during
which he collected all the world championship titles and world records. He established the 405 kg
record, a truly remarkable feat in a category in which 400 kg is almost never reached.Yet this
Armenian only took a single Olympic title, in Moscow in 1980. The boycott of the Los Angeles
games by the eastern bloc countries robbed him of at least one title, since the winner in those
Californian games only lifted 355 kg.
VAULTING HORSE
Speed is what counts in competition vaulting on this gym apparatus.Both men and women compete
in this sport. After a run up contestants take off from a spring board and vault in various ways (on
one arm, with a forward salto, etc.). The gymnast must land two metres away on the other side of
the horse, and the landing is also taken into account when judging the performance.In the men's
event the horse is placed lengthways to the vaulter's run, whereas in the women's it placed
sideways. This demands different supports and movements in the two events, which are just as
spectacular.
VEZZALI Valentina (1974) Italy
The little Italian is one of the firebrands of fencing. Already a gold medal winner in Atlanta in 1996,
individually and as part of the Italian team, she dreamed of an Olympic title in Sydney in the foil
event.She did even better. Her ability to launch lightning attacks on her opponents helped her win
the individual gold medal as well as the team gold medal, along with in particular Giovana Trillini,
who was individual bronze medallist. This confirmed Valentina Vezzali's world domination following
her victory in the world championships a year beforehand.
VIKELAS Demetrius - Greece
It is often assumed that Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic tradition by founding the
modern Olympic Games, was the first president of the IOC. In fact the first president was a Greek,
Demetrius Vikelas.Vikelas, who was designated for the job by Coubertin, was a tradesman, a close
friend of the royal family of Greece, was cultivated and spoke many languages, stood up for the
idea that Athens should host the games in 1896, and managed to persuade the international
community.Vikelas was only president of the IOC for two years, after which he passed the torch on
to his friend Coubertin who had to organize the Paris games in 1900.His short tenure as head of
the Olympic movement probably explains why he is so little known, yet without Vikelas the modern
games might never have existed.He was scholarly and a passionate lover of everything Greek, and
wrote many books including two on the history of Greece. Demetirus Vikelas died in 1908.
VILLAGE, OLYMPIC
The Olympic village was designed to house the athletes taking part in the games, but many of the
richer athletes now prefer to rent suites in the best hotels of the host city.The first Olympic village
was a collection of barracks hastily assembled in 1924 for the Paris games, but the first installation
worthy of the name was built in Los Angeles in 1932. On some occasions the village consisted of an
existing building converted for the purpose, as in London in 1948. There it was an old Royal Air
Force barracks that was taken over.Olympic village buildings are built to be functional, since they
must be converted to other uses after the games. The 1980 Lake Placid village became a prison for
young offenders, the 1936 Berlin village an army barracks, and the 1980 Moscow village an
apartment block.This is no doubt why fittings in Olympic villages are often not up to international
standards of comfort. In Seoul, for instance, the rooms were not on a scale with western athletes'
physiques: the doors and bathtubs were too small. In Barcelona the rooms were neither
soundproofed nor air-conditioned.True to Soviet form, Russian athletes were not allowed to live in
the Olympic village in Helsinki in 1952, because the leaders were worried that their athletes would
be morally corrupted by western athletes.
VINCI Charles (1933) United States
Vinci started lifting dumbbells as a child in order to rebuild muscle after recovering from
poliomyelitic paralysis which left him marked for life.These exercises led him to weightlifting, in
which by dint of will and effort he became an Olympic champion in the 56 kg category, winning the
title twice, in Melbourne and in Rome in 1956 and 1960.
VIREN Lasse (1949) Finland
This Finnish runner was unquestionably the most talked about athlete of his generation in the
1970s.He won four Olympic titles in all between 1972 and 1976 over 5000 and 10,000 m. When he
ran the 10,000 m in Munich he fell but got up and won the race. Having taken his illustrious
countryman Paavo Nurmi as a model, Lasse Viren obtained his results following a scientific-like
preparation that he explained in a book her wrote entitled "Golden seconds".His methods of
preparing, revolutionary at the time, are still a problem today, even though no illegal substances
are involved,Lasse Viren used to have samples of his own blood removed a few weeks before the
games and re-injected a few days before the races. Studies conducted in the United States showed
that this type of doping greatly increases the number of red blood cells in the athletes system,
giving him greater aerobic powers and making him less prone to fatigue.Since then Lasse Viren has
become the owner of a transport company in Finland.
VLASSOV Youri (1935) Russia
Vlassov was the first weight-lifter to lift a 200 kg bar in the snatch. He achieved this feat in 1960 in
Rome, where he won his first Olympic title.Vlassov's colossal physique hid a soft hearted engineer
who dreamed of becoming a poet. Alas his Olympic successes were not enough to make a name for
himself in literature, so he went on lifting weights.He did so well that he won five world titles and
thirty-one world records. It is hard to believe that that wasn't his true vocation!
VOLLEYBALL
When volleyball was first invented it was called "mintonette", a name that would hardly appeal to
most young people today.It was started by an American, William G.Morgan, who wanted to create
a game that was more social than tennis but less violent than basketball, and he wished to avoid
physical contact between rival players.The game is now played between two teams of six.Volleyball
first became an Olympic event at the summer games in Tokyo in 1964. Since then the Soviet Union
took nearly all the titles, but in the last few decades countries such as Poland, the Netherlands and
Brazil have been doing very well.Brazil and the United States recently developed a variant of this
game called beach volleyball. It was demonstrated at the Barcelona games in 1992 and was
admitted as a full Olympic sport at the Atlanta games four years later.
VOLUNTEERS
Organising an Olympic Games is expensive, even more so if the hosts have to budget for the
human resources necessary to carry out the various tasks and referee some 300-odd competitions.
It is for this reason that the Olympic movement has instituted the principle of appealing for
volunteers to help with the organisation.Therefore the success of the Australian promoters during
the Sydney Games owes much to the 50,000-odd volunteers who lent them a hand.People from
around the world, both young and old, volunteered their services. They guided spectators to their
seats, showed them around and raised their spirits. Their work was applauded by all the spectators
in the Olympic stadiums, and the day after the events finished they paraded in the streets of
Sydney to the cheers of the crowd.It should be pointed out that only 2% of volunteers in New
South Wales left before their work was done. A third of volunteers had completed their duties at
the Atlanta Games four years earlier.
VON HALMAY Zoltan (1881 - 1956) Hungary
This Hungarian was one of the great swimmers at the turn of the century. He held the world record
for the 100 m, set in the waters of a lake not far from Saint Louis, Missouri, during the 1904
games.That year von Halmay also won the only 50 yard event in the history of the games.He had
won a silver medal in Paris in 1900 and was to win another one at the London games in 1908 four
years after his feats in Saint Louis.
VON SALTZA Chris (1944) United States
Three gold medals crowned this American swimmer's performance at the Rome games in
1960.After winning the 400 m free style race she led her partners in the American relay team to
win two more gold medals in the 4x100 free style and 4x100 m medley. Then she capped this
great performance by winning the silver medal in the 100 m free style event.
VOROBIEV Arcady (1924) Russia
Vorobiev had been a diver before turning to weightlifting in which he won two Olympic gold medals
in the 91 kg category, first in Melbourne in 1956 and then in Rome in 1960.These medals
vindicated his failure in the lower category in Helsinki in 1952, when he thought he had won the
competition by lifting a heavier bar than his rivals. Unfortunately the judges refused to count it,
and he only came third.At the end of his sporting career Vorobiev became a doctor, and wrote
about weight lifting and coached the Soviet team.
VORONIN Michael (1945) Russia
Voronin brought back more medals than almost anyone else from the 1968 Mexico games at which
he won seven medals including one gold.After becoming Olympic vice-champion of the general
competition behind the unbeatable Kato, he won his gold on the vaulting horse.
VUARNET Jean (1933) France
Vuarnet was the second Frenchman to win a gold medal for Alpine skiing after Henri Oreiller in
1948. Vuarnet won the downhill event at Squaw Valley in 1960.Vuarnet stood out from other
competitors at the time by choosing metal skis, which slide better on snow than wooden skis. He
was also the first to ski in the revolutionary "egg" position, thought be more aerodynamic.This
champion was later excluded from the French team for rebelling against the federation authorities.
WALASIEWIECZOWNA Stanislawa (1911 - 1980) Poland / United States
This sprinter was twice world record holder of the 100 m in the early 1930s. The Polish sprinting
school had earned a high reputation at the time, and Walasiewieczowna won the 100 m at the Los
Angeles games in 1932.Four years later in Berlin she had to make do with the silver medal.She
then became an American citizen and changed her name to Stella Walsh. When she died an
autopsy revealed that this champion was androgynous, and had physical sexual characteristics of
both sexes.
WALDNER Jan Ove (1965) Sweden
Waldner, who became Olympic table tennis champion in Barcelona in 1992, remained number one
in this sport for years. In the final he beat the French player Jean Philippe Gatien who had
contested his world championship title a few weeks earlier.Waldner, who had the reputation of
being brilliant and unpredictable, went on collecting titles and medals as much in the individual
events as in the team events. Besides, he said that victory for Sweden was as important for him as
was his own success. Again an Olympic finalist in Sydney, he was beaten to the gold medal by the
Chinaman Kong Linghui, only picking up the silver medal.
WALDO Carolyn (1964) Canada
This Canadian swimmer was queen of the Seoul games in 1988 in the synchronised swimming
events.She won both the individual event and the duo in partnership with her compatriot Michelle
Cameron.These victories followed a silver medal won four years earlier in Los Angeles.
WALKER Reginald (1889 - 1952) South Africa
This South Africa won the 100 m in London in 1908 to the surprise of the American runners, who
were the hot favourites.This success was not followed up.
WALKING
Walking differs from running in one basic detail: in walking, the athlete always has one foot on the
ground at once.An Olympic discipline since 1932, walking races cover distances of 20 and 50 km.
The apparently simple technique has evolved considerably, to the point that the winner at the 1984
games in Los Angeles took an hour less than the winner in 1948.The best walker will always be the
Russian Golubnishy, twice Olympic champion in 1960 and 1968.
WANG Junxia (1973) China
This girl was the best marathon runner of the year 1993, when she won the world cup as well as
the world championship for the 10,000 m. Wang was also world record holder for this distance
when she went to the Atlanta games in 1996.There she won the final of the 5000 m just after
qualifying for the 10,000 m, a performance that says a lot about her powers of recuperation. Alas
for her, she was beaten in the final of the 10,000 by the Portuguese Ribeiro, the reigning world
champion.
WASMEIER Markus (1963) Germany
In 1991 the German ski authorities asked Wasmeier to retire from sport. "The old man" had no
such intention. He wanted pull off one more victory before giving way to the younger
generation.He managed to hold his own at Lillehammer in 1994 where he won the super G to
everyone's surprise, and then right away won the giant slalom.These two gold medals were the last
in a career begun in 1985 with a world title.
WASSBERG Thomas (1956) Sweden
Wassberg was the first cross-country skier to earn more than 1000 points in the world cup events,
which shows what consistent class he had.He won the 15 km event at Lake Placid in 1980 before
going on to win the 50 km race in Sarajevo and reaping two gold medals with the Swedish relay
team in Bosnia and at Calgary in 1988.
WATANABE Osama (1940) Japan
This Japanese wrestler only won a single Olympic title. That was at home in 1964 in the
featherweight category.Yet Watanabe was an exceptionally fine champion who remained unbeaten
for many years and 187 fights in a row.
WATER POLO
Water polo was invented in the middle of the nineteenth century, apparently to amuse swimmers in
training.The name water polo derives from the fact that in the earliest form of the game the
players were mounted astride barrels and used their paddles to propel the ball. In time the game
changed to a sort of water baseball, and then to water football and finally the water handball that it
has become today. The rules of the present game were codified in the early twentieth century.Two
teams of seven players each compete in four seven-minute periods in which each team tries to
score more goals than their opponents. In the event of equal scores at the end of the set time,
extra time is given to decide the issue.In Barcelona in 1992 six periods of extra time were needed
to produce a winning team.Hungary, with six titles won in twelve finals played is the top Olympic
water polo nation. Hungary's most memorable victory was over the USSR in 1956. The match
ended in an all in fight in the pool while in Budapest Soviet tanks were attempting to put down a
rebellion by the Hungarian people.At the Saint Louis games in 1904 there were not enough teams
for a tournament, so the United States entered three teams and cleaned up all the medals. The
pool in which the tournament was played was also used as a cattle trough, and a few months after
the games three of the finalists died of typhoid fever.
WEBSTER Robert (1938) United States
Webster was twice Olympic springboard diving champion, in the Rome games in 1960 and in Tokyo
in 1964. Webster was repeating his coach Samuel Lee's feat. The latter had preceded him on the
podium in 1952 and in 1956.
WEDER Gustav (1961) and ACKLIN Donat (1960) Switzerland
Weder as the top bob-sleigh tobogganer of his generation. After winning the world championship
even times he capped his career with an Olympic title at the Albertville games in partnership with
his fellow countryman Acklin.Switzerland had an ideal team in this partnership, so it the same two
men they sent to Lillehammer two years later for another gold medal for the two man bob-sleigh.
WEHLING Ulrich (1952) Germany
This was the top specialist of the Nordic combination - cross-country skiing and ski jumping - in the
1970s.He was triple Olympic champion in this sport by winning the event three times running in
Sapporo in 1972, then in Innsbruck four years later and at Lake Placid in 1980.
WEIGHT LIFTING
This sport, which was already practised in Ancient times, only became an Olympic discipline in
1920 at the Antwerp games. The object is to lift progressively heavier metal weights, either from
the ground, the snatch, or from the shoulder, clean and jerk. Until the 1972 games in Munich there
was also a third type of lift called the press, which was abandoned so as to prevent the contestants
injuring themselves. It was difficult to judge, and weightlifters could injure their backs. The effort
required in weightlifting is considerable so over the years weightlifters took anabolic steroids so
that they could lift progressively heavier weights. But those who cheated were punished severely,
particularly at the Games. The sport was threatened with removal from the Olympic programme
and the ruling bodies were obliged to clean it and institute regular medical checks. However,
several members of the Romanian and Bulgarian teams tested positive at the Sydney Games.
Since 1972, barbells and iron plates have replaced the traditional material. There are ten classes
for men. At the Olympics this is an exclusively male sport. The reference to date in this discipline is
the Russian weightlifter, Alexeiev.
WEINGARTNER Hermann (1864-1919) Germany
This German gymnast was king of the horizontal bar at the Athens games in 1896. He began by
winning the Olympic individual event, then won another title in the team event and a third gold
medal with the German team at the parallel bars.
WEISSFLOG Jens (1961) Germany
It is said that this ski jumper was a workaholic, and highly self disciplined.He won his first Olympic
title on the small jump in 1984 in Sarajevo. After becoming world champion the following year, he
won another Olympic championship ten years later in Lillehammer, this time on the big jump. That
day he took off to land 271 m away, 30 m further than the previous Olympic jump made two years
earlier by the Finn Nieminen.
WEISSMULLER Johnny (1904-1984) United States
In the 1950s Johnny Weissmuller was regarded as the greatest swimmer of the century. His
reputation at that time probably rested as much on his remarkable movie actor's role as Tarzan as
on his Olympic record. But Weissmuller was indeed an exceptionally fine swimmer who won six
Olympic titles for the 100 m and 200 m free style events and with the American relay team at the
Paris and Amsterdam games in 1924 and 1928. He was also first to have completed the 100 m
freestyle in under a minute. The feat is all the more remarkable in that as a child he was physically
weak and was thought to have a weak heart.As for his acting career, which made him the most
famous Tarzan in the history of cinema, the only pity is that he did not play any other parts than
that of Rice-Burroughs' hero.After being sectioned he spent time in a psychiatric hospital, where he
was said to have scared other patients with his famous cry. Johnny Weissmuller was from then on
a broken man, destitute and alcoholic. His life ended in 1984 on the East coast of Mexico on the
eve of the games in Sarajevo.
WENDEN Mike (1949) Australia
This Australian swimmer has not made world swimming history in terms of records, yet it was he
who beat Mark Spitz in the 100 m free style race at the Mexico games in 1968. It was also he who
beat Don Schollander in the 200 m free style race in the same games.These two Olympic gold
medals did not make Wenden's name go down in posterity, yet those victories revealed the former,
future champion, and made the latter decide to end his Olympic career. Renowned for his hardly
orthodox style that owed much to power, he earned the nickname "the swimming machine". So
much energy did he spend in winning the 200 m in Mexico, that he passed out.
WENZEL Hanni (1956) Liechtenstein
This skier enabled her tiny central European country's flag to be raised twice over the Olympic
stadium, the first time at the Lake Placid games in 1980.There she won both slaloms - the giant
and the special - and finished second in the downhill event. She would no doubt have performed
just as brilliantly in 1984 had she not meanwhile turned professional.Also in 1980, her brother
Andreas came second in the slalom behind the unbeatable Steinmark. The Wenzel siblings did
more for Lichtenstein's reputation than have many expensive advertising campaigns.
WERTH Isabelle (1969) Germany
The German horsewoman Isabelle Werthe, who was already world dressage champion, Olympic
vice champion in the same event and Olympic champion in the team event, demonstrated the
consistency of her progress in 1996 in Atlanta, where she won both the individual and the team
events.For the Sydney games, this German rider who had finished her studies in law, still had what
it takes in sporting terms. Her performance was identical to that in Barcelona. She was second to
the Dutchwoman Van Grunsven in the individual competition and won a gold medal with her fellow
Germans in the team event.
WESTERGREN Carl (1895-1958) Sweden
Westergren was one of the greatest wrestlers of the century, even tough Olympic history has not
preserved many traces of his career.Westergren won many world championships and three Olympic
titles in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 1920s and 30s in various weight categories. He won the gold
medals in the 75 kg category in Antwerp, the 83 kg in Paris and the 130 kg in Los
Angeles.WHITAKER Pernell (1964) United States: It's not so much his Olympic career that stands
out, one featherweight boxing gold medal won at the age of 20 at the Los Angeles games in '84,
rather his time as a professional.During this period, he won four world titles in four different
divisions, from featherweight to super welter weight, as have other champions such as Roberto
Duran or Ray Sugar Leonard.
WHITE Albert (1895 - 1982) United States
The best diver at the Paris games in 1924, the American won both events in the discipline: the
springboard and the high-dive.His success showed the way to his countrywoman Elisabeth Becker
who tried to achieve the same feat, with less success. Albert White belonged, along with Clarence
Pinkston and Pete Desjardins to this amazing school of American divers who dominated the
discipline at the time. All of them had been to Stanford University.
WHITEFIELD Melvin (1924) United States
This famous American runner won two Olympic gold medals for the 800 m in 1948 and 1952, also
winning an Olympic title with the American 4x400 m relay team during the games of '48 in
London.Before becoming a runner, Whitefield was a bomber pilot in Korea.It was he who
encouraged his black team-mates to boycott the Tokyo games in'64, believing that they could thus
play a role in the fight against racism in the United States. Yet, at that time, his wishes fell upon
deaf ears.However, four years later in Mexico, other black athletes at last found the courage to
revolt.It should be added that in sporting terms, Whitefield won, in addition to his three gold
medals, several silvers and bronzes with the 4x400 m American relay team.
WHITEFIELD Simon (1972) Canada
Although only an outsider for the very first Olympic triathlon that took place in Sydney bay and the
streets of the city, the Canadian carried off a superb feat in beating all comers including the
favourites, the Englishman Lessing and the Frenchman Olivier Marceau, the current world
champion who dominated the Olympic event. In the end, it was in the sprint finish that Whitefield
beat Germany's Vuckovic.
WIBERG Pernilla (1970) Sweden
Victorious in the giant slalom at the Albertville games in '92, this Swedish skier was a star in her
country because, in addition to her Olympic and world titles, she had just recorded a song that was
a big hit with the Swedish.In Lillehammer, two years later, in front of a partisan Swedish royal
family, she won the Nordic combination, picking up a second gold medal.Yet, her career took on a
historic dimension when she managed to win another medal in Nagano, her third winter games.
She was a silver medallist, coming second behind Seizinger.
WILKIE David (1954) Great Britain
It could be said that this Scotsman saved the honour of the rest of the world during the Montreal
games in '76.He was the only non-American to win in the Canadian swimming pool. In winning the
200 m breaststroke, he also became the first British gold medallist. At the time, Wilkie was the
double world champion in this event.
WILKINSON George (1879- 1946) Great Britain
Captain of the famous English water-polo team that won at the games in London in 1908, this was
Wilkinson's second gold medal after the title that he won with the team in Paris in 1900. He was
again an Olympic champion in Stockholm four years later.The team also included Paul Radmilovic
and Thomas Thould, who were also champions in 1912 and 1920 in Antwerp.
WILLIAMS Percy (1908 - 1982) Canada
The winner of the 100 m and 200 m, he was the best sprinter at the Amsterdam games in 1928.
After victory in the 100 m, he had to wait for a long time before receiving his gold medal since the
neither the Canadian national anthem nor flag could be found.He displayed his talent on this
occasion, having won the Canadian trials. He deserved credit for this feat, having hitchhiked across
the country in order to take part. Yet this wasn't Williams' sole exploit. As a child, he suffered
rheumatism and it was said that he would never be able to practice sport.
WILLIAMS Vénus (1980) United States
Victorious in the prestigious tournaments at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadow just before the
Millenium games, American tennis player Venus Williams hardly wanted to go to the Sydney
games. However, American national coach Billie Jean King managed to convince her to take part, a
decision that she did not regret. Gold medallist in the women's singles having beaten the
unremarkable Russian Dementieva, she won another gold in the women's doubles teamed with her
younger sister Serena against the Dutch pair Boogert-Oremans.This athlete with an impressive
physique had however had a rough start to the year 2000 due to a wrist injury that almost put her
out of contention for the season, in which case she would have not become world number one.
WINDSURFING
This has been an Olympic sport since the 1984 games and windsurfing is now one of the most
highly prized titles.This sport, which is now enjoyed by millions of people all over the world, is
competed for around an Olympic triangle. Unlike the more spectacular funboard, on which surfers
perform acrobatics in exceptional wind conditions, the sailboard used in Olympic competitions is
sailed on calm water.France has produced many of the greatest windsurfers in the world.
WINKLER Hans Günter (1926) Germany
This man has won the most medals in Olympic horse-riding.Champion in the individual and team
events in Stockholm in '56, he was still amongst the medals 20 years later, winning a silver medal.
In between times, Winckler won four titles with the German team to amass a total of 5 Olympic
gold medals, one silver and one bronze.
WINT Arthur (1920 - 1992) Jamaica
Wint was probably the leading light in the history of Jamaican athletics. A minister's son, born of a
Scottish mother, he was the first Jamaican runner to win an Olympic title over 400 m, during the
games of 1948.He won a second gold medal at these very same games in London with the
Jamaican 4x400 m relay team, a title that he again won four years later in Helsinki.Also an 800 m
runner, the shortest of the middle-distance races, he won two medals for this event, in London in
'48 and in Helsinki in '52.
WITT Katarina (1964) Germany
This great figure skater from the tough East German school symbolised at the same time beauty on
the ice and a rare elegance in life. Already, European champion, she started the Sarajevo games in
'84 as the favourite and won her first Olympic title. Before winning her second Olympic title in
Calgary, she was, in the mean time, twice world champion.She then became a professional, taking
part in the major world tournaments.Katarina Witt nevertheless made the effort to come back to
what was a more demanding amateur competition, for the games in Albertville in '92, but was
unsuccessful in her quest for further medals.
WOCKEL-ECKERT Baerbel (1955) Germany
At the end of the seventies she was one of the best sprinters in the world, yet her achievements
went largely unnoticed, due to the fact that she belonged to the a long list of East German track
champions, at a time when this country was criticised for churning out champions on request.In
spite off all this, she was a four times Olympic champion: twice over 200 m and twice with the East
German 4x100 m relay team in Montreal in 1976 and in Moscow in 1980.
WOLDE Millon (1979) Ethiopia
A training partner of Gebresselassie and Derartu Tulu, both two times Olympic champions over the
distance of 10.000 m, the young Ethiopian won the 5000 m in Sydney. This was a perfect
continuation of the road to success that started with hi being crowned cross-country world
champion.
WOMEN
Pierre de Coubertin was fascinated by the ancient games that were the reserve of male athletes.
This is why he refused for such a long time to admit women into the Olympic Games. Furthermore,
the practice of sport by women was looked down upon at the time, and thus there were no women
competitors at the 1896 Olympics.But, in 1900, some women were present, notably in the golf and
tennis events. Such was the case until 1912, when some of the events were reserved for
women.Yet, in 1920, women were again excluded from the Olympic movement. A separate games
was organised for them in 1922.They had to what until the 1924 Paris games to enjoy total
involvement, where they took part in eleven events.From 1932 onwards, they sometimes enjoyed
the spotlight and during the 1948 games, after World War Two, they stole the show. Today,
women are omnipresent in the international sporting movement and are almost, in terms of
participation, at the same level as men in major world sporting events such as the Olympic Games.
Many womens' disciplines attract greater numbers of viewers and spectators than those for the
men ; such is the case with, for example.Furthermore, almost all of the disciplines are mixed, apart
from three of them: baseball (although women play softball), boxing and wrestling. Since the
Sydney Games in 2000, women have competed in weightlifting and the modern pentathlon, events
which had previously been restricted to men.
WORLD ANTIDOPING AGENCY (WADA)
Set up in 1999, this agency is made up of 34 members. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
promotes and coordinates, at international level, the fight against doping in all its forms. Through
this autonomous agency, the Olympic Movement and the world's public authorities have intensified
their efforts to keep drugs out of sport.Today, its headquarters is in Lausanne although this is a
provisional arrangement but the Agency will start its operations in Montreal during March - April
2002. This decision are contending to host the agency so that its activity may be disassociated
from that of the International Olympic Committee. The World Anti-doping Agency is headed by Dick
Pound. The International Olympic Committee effectively funds half of the institution. Countries
around the world have agreed to split the costs of running the agency once a seat has been found.
That should be in 2002. In its first year of activity, the agency has ordered 2500 tests to be carried
out and intends to take a greater interest in winter sports from now on.
WRESTLING
This age-old sport was on the programme at the ancient games. In those days, wrestlers used to
oil their bodies to prevent their opponents getting a good hold. Milo of Kroton and Heracles both
left their mark on the sport.Today, there are two categories of wrestling: freestyle, in which the
wrestler can use all his body to unbalance his opponent, and Greco-Roman in which only the arms
and trunk are used. The aim is to topple your opponent and hold his shoulders to the ground.These
days, a match consists of two three-minute rounds. But just imagine: at Stockholm in 1912, one
semi-final lasted 12 hours! Today it is the wrestlers of the former Asian states of the Soviet Union
who dominate the sport. Half of all the titles in Sydney went to wrestlers wearing the colours of
Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria or originally from the Caucasus.
WYKOFF Franck (1909 - 1980) United States
This white sprinter achieved a nique feat in picking up three consecutive gold medals in the 4x100
m relay. He won his first at the Amsterdam games of 1928 after having come fourth in the
individual event.He was again fourth in Berlin in 1936 after having won the relay alongside Jesse
Owens. This was his third gold medal after the second one that he had picked up in Los Angeles
four years earlier.
WZOLA Jacek (1956) Poland
This high jumper who, in his time, improved the world record, carrying it to 2.35 m, enjoyed a
good Olympic career.Having won a gold medal in Montreal in '76, he came second in the
competition four years later in Moscow.
XU HAIFENG (1957) China
Xu Haifeng is a national hero in China thanks to the fact that he was the country's first Olympic
gold medallist. He won the gold at the Los Angeles games of 1984 by winning in the 25 m air pistol
event. He has since been national women's team coach and has helped his charges to regularly
pick up gold medals at the games.It should be said that when Xu Haifeng won his gold medal in
Los Angeles, China believed that this heralded an end to thirty years of sporting and diplomatic
isolation. However, just as Xu Haifeng was about to climb on to the podium, organisers realised
that there was no Chinese flag at the shooting range. It was necessary to send a helicopter to
another site in order to bring a flag back for the playing of the national anthems. A diplomatic
incident had been narrowly avoided.
YACHIN Lev (1929-1990) Russia
Considered to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football, the Soviet was nicknamed the
"Black Spider" due to the colour of his keeper's jersey. He was also a spectacular shot-stopper.He
was an Olympic champion with one a Russian team that also counted in its ranks the midfielder
Igor Netto. The Soviets beat Yugoslavia in the final.Several years later, having by this tie retired,
Lev Yachin suffered from an illness, which caused him to lose his sight. A few years later, he died.
YAMAGUCHI Kristi (1971) United States
This American figure skater of Japanese origin was the best at the beginning of the nineties,
winning two world championships consecutively.It was no great surprise that she was crowned
Olympic champion at the Albertville games in '92.
YAMASHITA Yasukiro (1957) Japan
Since the inclusion of judo in the Olympic Games in 1964, Japan had never managed to win the
titles for each category, until Yamashita, already three times world champion between '79 and '83,
set things right.This Japanese giant won Olympic gold in '84, finishing his career a year later on the
wave of a series of 200 consecutive victories.From then on, in his country he enjoyed a god-like
status and assumed the role of chief coach of the Japanese judo team.
YARIGIN Ivan (1948) Russia
The first all-in wrestling Olympic champion in the 100 kg category at the Munich games in '72,
Yarigin was dropped from the Soviet team after a defeat at the European championships in
'74.Deprived of international competition for a year, Yarigin was left champing at the bit and
trained hard. His effort was rewarded with success at the Montreal games in '76 when, having
made it back into the Russian team, he picked up his second gold medal.
YERLIKAYA Hamza (1976) Turkey
Already an Olympoc champion in te 85 kg category at the Atlanta games of 1996, and several
times world champion, this Turkish wrestler is today considered to be one of the great figures in his
discipline after another gold medal in Sydney.It should be said that Yerlikaya, originally from
Anatolia, holds wrestling in high esteem. This sport is symbolic of his country and its great past, a
golden age that is much different from the situation today, much to the champion's regret . Once
he has finished his sporting career, he intends to become a politician in order to defend this sport
and ideal of Turkish culture.
YIFTER Miruts (1945) Ethiopia
At a time when he was the best long distance runner, Yifter was absent from the Montreal games
due to the boycott by the African countries. The Ethiopian put matters straight by beating double
Olympic champion Lasse Viren in the 10000 m at the Moscow games in 1980.One of the great
performers at these games, surrounded by a troop of his team mates who shielded him during the
races, this Ethiopian army captain was again victorious in the 5000 m thus picking up a brace of
medals.His technique was always based on the same tempo: playing the waiting game before a
sprint finish in the final straight.
YOUNG Kevin (1966) United States
Olympic Champion in the 400 m hurdles at the Barcelona games of '92, this American was
unbeatable in this discipline. He had a remarkable technique, which enabled him to take 11 strides
between each hurdle whilst his opponents took 13.He was besides the first hurdler to run a time of
less than 47 seconds for the distance.
YOUNG Sheila (1950) United States
The speed skater Sheila Young, gold medallist at the Innsbruck games in '76 over 500 m, achieved
the feat of becoming world champion in track cycling that very same year.Like her countryman Eric
Heiden, five times Olympic champion in 1980, she was a cyclist in the summer and a speed skater
in winter. She all but became the only woman to win gold in both the summer and winter games.
YUGOSLAVIA
This great European sporting nation is today split into five different countries. Serbia, Montenegro
and Macedonia were present at the Barcelona games under the moniker IOP (Independent Olympic
Participant).Beforehand, in other words, until 1991, the year of scission, a unified team including
Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia made the best Olympic nations quake in their boots.In terms of
medals, Yugoslavia was most successful in team sports. Olympic basketball champions in 1980,
they have today one of the best handball teams.Since 91, Croatia won fame with its basketball
team that faced the American Dream team in the final at the Barcelona games of '92. Ivanisevic,
the tennis player, won two other medals for his country, yet dreamed of winning a first gold medal
for them. This feat was achieved by the Croatian team in '96 in the handball tournament.As
regards Slovenia, they left Catalonia with two bronze medals.A new stage was reached during the
Sydney games in 2000 when the Montenegrins announced their intention to split from the new
Yugoslavian Federation and no longer wear its colours. It should be remembered that Yugoslavia
was still a united nation when the winter games were held in Sarajevo in '84.Today, following the
violent conflict between the Serbs and the Bosnians, there is nothing left of the Olympic site,
destroyed by bombs.
YUN Lou (1964) Japan
This Japanese gymnast dominated the vaulting horse event in the eighties.He was twice crowned
Olympic champion for this apparatus, in '84 in Los Angeles and in '88 in Seoul.
YUN MI-JUN (1983) South Korea
Nothing seemed to overawe this adolescent on the Sydney archery range where she beat all her
opponents as if they weren't even there. She was only interested in the target in to which she shot
her arrows, often in the 9 and 10 zones.In the final, she ate her elder Kim Nam-soon, holder of
many titles no less, for breakfast. Given the fact that she was only 17 years old in Sydney, her
future looks rosy.
ZAMOLODTCHIKOVA Elena (1985) Russia
The little Russian gymnast was her country's main hope for the Sydney 2000 games, due to
veritable Russian team leader Svetlana Khorkina's emotionalism. However, in the all-round team
competition, Khorkina fell on the asymmetric bars, and Zamolodtchikova fell of the beam. The
Russian dolls fnished in second place behind the Romanians.For the individual apparatus,
Zamolodtchikova made a great and magnificent comeback, winning gold for the floor exercises and
the vaulting horse, whilst Khorkina won gold on the fixed bar. With two gold medals and silver, the
young Russian champion's games were far from being a failure.
ZAPPAS Evangelios - Greece
Wanting Greece to regain its cultural predominance, this rich trader had the idea, in the mid 19th
century, of re-launching the Olympic Games.The first games took place in Athens in 1859.
Unfortunately for him, his generous venture did not spread further than the borders of his
country.On his death, he bequeathed his fortune to "a commission for the Olympic Games" whose
task would be to re-establish the games, but the project failed once more.
ZATOPEK Emil (1922) Czech Republic
He was one of the most famous running champions of all time. Nicknamed "the human locomotive"
because he ran races flat out, Zatopek will forever remain one the most popular athletes of the
post-war period.Several times champion between 1948 and 56 in the long distance races, he won
gold in Helsinki in '52 for the 5000, 10.000 m and the marathon. This was the year when he was at
the height of his fame.Zatopek started his Olympic career in 1948 with a gold in the 10 000 m and
a silver in the 5000 m.He only met his match in 1956, when, hoping to win the marathon and a
fifth gold medal, he was beaten by the Frenchman Alain Mimoun, a man who he had beaten many
times before this moment. A real workhorse, he worked in the daytime and studied at night, he put
the same amount of energy into training, regularly running more than 30 km per session.Having
become a colonel in the Czech army, he was thrown out after having protested against the
intervention of Soviet troops in the streets of Prague in 1968. His exclusion continued until 1975,
when he joined an administrative department of the Ministry for sports. After a peaceful retirement
alongside his wife Dana, he recently died of a brain haemorrhage.
ZATOPKOVA INGROVA Dana (1922) Czech Republic
A winner of fewer titles than her husband, the famous Emile Zatopek, Dana Zatopkova had to wait
till her thirties for Olympic glory. She was gold medallist in the javelin at the Helsinki games of
1952.European champion in '54 and '58, she was again there at the Rome games in 1960, where
she won the silver medal. Emile Zatopek, who by then had hung up his running spikes, was at the
edge of the arena to support her with all his heart.
ZELEZNY Jan (1966) Czech Republic
The Czech javelin thrower learned on the morning of the competition at the Barcelona games in '92
that the world record that he had set several weeks earlier in Oslo had not been ratified because
the judges deemed that his javelin had not vibrated enough.Motivated by this setback, that
afternoon he won the gold medal with a throw of almost 90 m. It was not a world record but what
mattered was that it brought a gold medal. In spite of this victory, he was obliged to retire for a
while from athletics. However, thanks to his unshakeable will, once back to full health, he won
another gold medal four years later in Atlanta, throwing his javelin close to 90 m which is still far
from his fabulous world record of 98,48 m set a few weeks earlier. But destiny had it that Jan
Zelezny's love affair with the games had not finished. Again present in Sydney, he won his third
consecutive gold medal and definitively became a legend, a truly exceptional athlete.
ZELTA Klaus (1947) Germany
This young German was the youngest champion in Olympic history.He was only 13 years old when
he won a gold medal in Rome in 1960. He was the coxswain of the German four-man crew who
won their rowing event in the Italian capital.The rules state that a coxswain must not weigh more
than 50 kg. This explains the often youthful age of the competitors.
ZEUS
He is the god of gods and the ancient games were created in order to calm his anger.To mark the
occasion, a grand temple was built in his honour on the site of the games. Resting on columns
more than 20 metres high, this marble covered edifice houses a 13 m high statue of Zeus himself.
It was at the time one of the wonders of the ancient world because it was inlaid with gold and
ivory.In addition to the destruction ordered by Theodosius, the earthquakes left nothing of the
statue. However, a part of the temple dedicated to Zeus is still standing to this day.
ZHANG Shan (1968) China
This Chinese rifle-woman carried off a genuine exploit at the Barcelona games in the skeet event.
Not only did she beat all the men in this mixed discipline but, even better, she scored150 out of
150, a perfect score.This was the first time that a woman had beaten the men.It is therefore
understandable why the latter humbly carried her in triumph onto the podium in Catalonia. Since
then, the discipline is no longer mixed, there being an event for men and a separate one for
women.
ZHUANG Yong (1972) China
Yong was the first Chinese woman to win a swimming gold medal at the games. She won the 100
m freestyle at the Barcelona games in '92, four years after she had won a silver medal in
Seoul.However, this success was clouded by a storm of doubt.Her greatly developed physique lead
people to suppose that she had possibly used anabolic steroids like the majority of other Chinese
swimmers. This suspicion was reinforced by the presence at the pool-side of former East German
coaches of the notorious seventies and eighties who were coaching the Chinese. The fact remains
that the drug tests carried out in Barcelona all produced negative results.
ZIMIATOV Nicolaï (1955) Russia
This Russian cross-country skier belongs to the elite of champions in his discipline. In particular, he
was the first Soviet to rub the faces of the Scandinavians, specialists in this discipline, in the
snow.Having started his Olympic career in Innsbruck in '76 with a silver medal for the 30 km, he
made a clean sweep four years later at Lake Placid by winning gold three times, for the 30 km, 50
km and the relay.Again present in Sarajevo in '84, he won a fourth gold medal in the 30 km. No
cross-country skier had ever won the 30 km and 50 km races at the same games before Zimiatov
achieved this feat.
ZIMMERMANN Anne-Marie (1940) Germany
This German canoeist twice won Olympic gold in the two-seater kayak event, in 1960 in Rome and
again in Tokyo in 1964. She also became world champion in 1963.
ZIMMERMANN Egon (1939) Austria
A skier of remarkable physical qualities, Egon Zimmermann beat France's Léo Lacroix to win a gold
medal in the men's downhill at the Innsbruck games in 1964. That very same year, he also became
downhill world champion.Also a specialist in the slalom like many of the skiers of this era, he was
won a world championship gold medal for the speciality in 1962.
ZMELIK Robert (1969) Czech Republic
In the absence of Dan O'Brien, the decathlon world champion who had been eliminated during the
American trials, the Czech Robert Zmelik carried off a perfect performance in Barcelona in
'92.Crowned Olympic champion, he was only fourth at the world championships a year earlier.
ZSIVOTSKY Gyula (1937) Hungary
Rightly considered to be the best hammer thrower of his generation, in spite of all this, the
Hungarian was outclassed by the Russians Rudenkov at the games in '60 and Klim in '64.These two
silver medals left him with a bitter taste in the mouth. Zsivotsky eventually became Olympic
champion in Mexico's Olympic stadium in '68. This gold medal was a reward for his consistency and
his enthusiasm.
ZURBRIGGEN Pirmin (1963) Austria
Olympic downhill champion at the Calgary games in '88, the Austrian was untouchable on the
vertiginous slopes of Mount Allan. He was the only skier to descend the slope in a time of less than
2 minutes.World champion for this event in '85, he was also the world champion for the giant
slalom and the super G in 87.He was one of the very best skiers of his generation.
ZVEREVA Ellina (1961) Byelorussia
By winning the discuss at the Sydney games, the Byelorussian became one of the oldest
champions in the history of athletics because she was 40 years and a few weeks old at the end of
the games.Bronze medallist in Atlanta, just after having won a world championship title, Zvereva
did not take part in the Barcelona games, having been suspended for using anabolic steroids.Now
that she at last has a gold medal, she retired from sport with the intention to have children.