Oscar Swahn began his Olympic exploits back in 1908, at the tender age of 60 years old. In 1920, the now 72 year old Swahn competed alongside his son Alfred. The Swedish crack-shooter became the oldest winner in Olympic history, collecting a gold, a silver and a bronze medal..

American swimmer Ethelda Bleibtrey made her mark as one of the Antwerp Games' outstanding stars, collecting all three women's gold medals. A year earlier she had caused an enormous scandal when she was arrested for bathing "nude" on a New York beach. However, the strict moral judgment of Bleibtrey may have been exaggerated. The legal standards of the time were still quite puritan and all Bleibtrey actually revealed were her ankles.

Winning the silver medal in the 1,500 meters was not the highlight of Philip Baker of Great Britain's life. Baker became a member of the British parliment and in 1959 was awarded the Nobel peace prize for his work in international disarmament.

Five-time gold medalist , American shooter Willis Lee , was the grandson of the legendary Robert E Lee. Lee was the Commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War.