The first Olympic gold medalist in the modern era almost didn't make it to the Games. In order to make the trip to Athens triple jumper American James Connolly had to withdraw as a student at Harvard. The univeristy refused to give him leave to make the trip. After a long sea journey a tired Connolly arrived in Athens thinking he had twelve days before he had to compete. He was, however, mistaken. Connolly awoke the next morning to discover that his event was scheduled to begin in a matter of minutes. The mishaps continued. Upon arrival at the stadium Connolly was informed that the official Olympic triple jump consisted of two hops and a jump - a technique he had never used in competition. Nevertheless, he successfully hopped and jumped his way to the gold medal, winning by more than a meter.

Spiridon Louis, who won the first contested marathon in history got his training running seven kilometers a day alongside his mule delivering mail and water to remote Greek villages. He entered the stadium to the cheers of 80,000 exuberant fans. In a burst of patriotic pride the Crown Prince of Greece and his brother came down from the royal box to run beside Louis in the last lap of the race. The king told Louis he would grant him his greatest wish. The modest Louis asked for a new mule.