New Zealander Murray Halberg was left paralyzed in his upper-left body at the age of 17 during a rugby match. After regaining his walking skills he took up running and by the age of 26 was considered one of the worlds top runners in the 5000 meters. His chances in the Olympic Finals looked dim however, as his condition impaired his ability to maneuver within a crowded group of runners. Halberg chose the unconventional stategy of surging ahead with three laps to go. He opened a 20 meter lead, but by the last lap had exhausted his physical resources. Each stride brought his opponents closer. In a final heroic burst of speed Halberg was able to beat Hans Grodotzki by 1.2 seconds, achieving one of the most inspirational wins in sports history.

As a child, Wilma Rudolph was struck by polio, wore a protective brace, and for a time, even lost the use of her left leg. Few would have predicted her future as a champion Olympic sprinter. Tremendous will power helped Rudolph to overcome physical obstacles and at the age of 16 she represented the United States in the 1956 Olympics. In Rome she dazzled the crowds with her victories in the 100 meter dash by an impressive .3 of a second, the 200 meter dash by .4 of a second and in the 4 x 100 meters relay. Tall, beautiful, and graceful she was nicknamed "La Gazelle Noir" -- the Black Gazelle.