The 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team, better known as the "Dream Team" was the greatest ensemble of players ever to take the court. Featuring NBA megastars, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, the team strove to avenge their 1988 defeat and to promote their high-flying league around the world. When team members were chosen one year before the Games, no one imagined the emotional circumstances in which they would reach Barcelona. Two months after the team was assembled Magic Johnson announced he had acquired the HIV virus, and was retiring from basketball. The Olympic tournament, which his team won with ease, grace and style, was to be his last. However in 1996, Johnson returned to play with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cuban runner Ana Quirot once won 40 consecutive 800m races, but missed the 1988 Games because of her country's decision not to attend. Her third place Barcelona finish was somewhat disappointing. A few months after Barcelona Quirot's life was suddenly shattered when, while washing her clothes, a pot of boiling water exploded in her kitchen inflicting 37 percent third degree burns. The doctors told her family she might not survive the night. Her athlete's heart however, served her well. After seven months in the hospital and numerous skin transplants Quirot returned to night training, her skin still too vulnerable to the Caribbean sun. In 18 months she was back in world class form and to the admiration of millions won the 800m world championship in 1995.

	Derek Redmond of Great Britain tore his hamstring during his 400m qualifying heat. In great pain he returned to his feet and limped toward the finishing line. To the cheers of the crowd, his father Jim came down from the stands and carried him to the end of his Olympic mission.

Many considered pre-Game favorite Dave Johnson's third place decathlon finish a disappointment. He had been one of the pre-Games favorites. What was not known until late in competition was that Johnson competed on a stress-fractured foot. In light of his injury his performance in the ten-event competition was a stunning achievement. Johnson's coach Terry Franson explained, "He is an American and this the Olympics. He's not going to give up".