Phelps Lives Up To Hype

Although he fell short of tying Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in the same Games, a feat the American accomplished in 1972, Michael Phelps dominated the Athens pool. The U.S. teen won eight medals -- six gold, two bronze. Phelps also showed sportsmanship, giving his spot in the men's 4x100m relay final to teammate Ian Crocker. With Phelps cheering from the stands, the team swam to gold.

Patterson Gets Gold …

Gymnast Carly Patterson became the first American to win the women's all-around gold since Mary Lou Retton was victorious in 1984. She jumped into the lead after a nearly perfect balance beam routine. Patterson's gold came the night after her compatriot Paul Hamm won the men's all-around title, marking the first time in Olympic history that the U.S. swept all-around gold. The Americans also performed well in the team events, with both squads earning silver.

… Hamm Gets Wrapped Up In Controversy

When the men's all-around event concluded, American Paul Hamm was standing on the top of the podium with a gold medal around his neck after becoming the first U.S. man to win the sports' elusive Olympic title. In the days after the event, Hamm's golden moment turned controversial. The South Korea team said there was a judging error in the men's competition and that Yang Tae-Young, who finished third, was wrongly docked a tenth of a point on the parallel bars. If given back the deduction, Yang's score would have surpassed Hamm's. The South Koreans protested and wanted Hamm's medal given to Yang, or for co-golds -- as were awarded during a figure skating judging mishap at the 2002 Salt Lake Games -- to be awarded. But a court ruled that the Olympic results would stand, meaning Hamm kept his medal and a second one would not be awarded to Yang.

Golden Girls

The U.S. women's basketball, softball and soccer squads all won gold in Athens. The basketball team won its third consecutive Olympic gold with a victory over Australia. The softball team extended its Olympic domination to three straight gold medals with a win over Australia in the final. And the American soccer squad claimed gold with a win over Brazil in the championship.

Queens Of The Court

Americans Misty May and Kerri Walsh win the United States' first Olympic gold medal in beach volleyball. The U.S. duo earned the historic medal with a victory over their Brazilian rivals, Shelda Bede and Adriana Behar.

Rulon's Tearful Farewell

Wrestler Rulon Gardner, the underdog who won an unexpected gold at the 2000 Sydney Games, captured bronze in Athens. After getting upset in the semifinals, Gardner took third with an overtime victory in the bronze-medal match. After the match, his last, an emotional Gardner followed a wrestling tradition and left his shoes on the mat.

Two For El Guerrouj

Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj won the men's 1500m and 5000m to become the first man in 80 years to sweep both Olympic events. The victories were redemption for the runner, who fell at the 1996 Atlanta Games and finished 12th.

Meb Takes Silver In Wacky Marathon

Vanderlei de Lima, of Brazil, led the men's marathon until he was attacked by a protestor who jumped onto the course. With the Brazilian shook up, Stefano Baldini, of Italy, ran to the front and hung on for gold, while American Meb Keflezighi finished second. De Lima, who was later awarded a special medal from Jacques Rogge, recovered from the interference in time to finish third.