Harrison Dillard has the unusual distinction of being the only person in history to have struck Olympic gold in both the 100m and the 110m high hurdles.

The world record holder and heavy favorite for hurdles gold in 1948, Dillard finished last in the Olympic Trials and so attempted to qualify in the 100m. He was successful and then won the Olympic 100m in London, where he also won gold in the 4x100m relay.

Dillard returned in 1952 to win his hurdles specialty and to win his fourth gold, in the 4x100m relay.

Herb Elliott had a meteoric career, highlighted by his 1960 Olympic 1500m gold in the world record time of 3:35.6. He was undefeated at the mile with 36 wins, and was undefeated at the senior level in the 1500m. Much to the disappointment of the international athletics world, he retired at 22.

Dick Fosbury won the 1968 high jump gold medal by going over the bar backwards. Credited with originating the Fosbury Flop and revolutionizing the event, Fosbury has graciously acknowledged the recent emergence of film showing someone doing the flop before he did. Nonetheless, Fosbury gave the Flop a worldwide stage and worldwide audience, and the style was quickly adopted by the best high jumpers in the world.