United States of America

Highlights

The first Olympic champion of the modern era was James CONNOLLY of the United States of America.

the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, USA have been present at every Olympic Games and their competitors have enjoyed enormous success.

Ray EWRY won eight gold medals in the early years of the Olympic Games. These were achieved in the now discontinued standing jumps.

In athletics, Jesse OWENS won four gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games but his importance as an Olympian transcends his achievements on the field of play.

His friendship with German rival Luz LONG sent a powerful message of humanity at an event blighted by the presence of Adolf HITLER (GER). OWEN's achievements on the track were emulated by Carl LEWIS at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

LEWIS also won four more gold medals in the men's long jump. His countryman Al OERTER had won four successive gold medals in the discus throw from 1964-1976.

The USA have enjoyed great success in aquatics. Few expected the seven gold medals achieved by swimmer Mark SPITZ at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games to be eclipsed.

Michael PHELPS tried at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and was considered a failure when he won only six gold medals.

In 2008 he tried again and his eight gold medals at the Beijing Water Cube made him the most successful Olympian from any country in any sport.

Matt BIONDI won eight gold medals over three Olympic Games from 1984 to 1992.

The USA have always had a great tradition in the pool. Johnny WEISSMULLER won a total of five gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Games, and Don SCHOLLANDER won seven gold medals between 1964 and 1968.

Diver Greg LOUGANIS won gold in the men's 3m springboard and 10m platform at the 1984 and 1988 Games, emulating the feat of countryman Pete DESJARDINS, who had won both in 1928.

Pat McCORMACK clinched both women's titles in 1952 and 1956. As Cassius CLAY, Muhammad ALI won light heavyweight gold at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games and returned to the Olympic stage in 1996 to light the cauldron at the Centennial Games in Atlanta.

Other great boxers from the USA to excel in the Olympic arena include Joe FRAZIER, George FOREMAN and Sugar Ray LEONARD.

Cities in the United States have hosted the Olympic Games on more occasions than any other nation. St Louis (1904), Los Angeles (1932 and 1984) and Atlanta (1996) have all hosted the Olympic Games.

The Winter Olympic Games have been held in Lake Placid (1932 and 1980), Squaw Valley (1960) and Salt Lake City (2002). Avery BRUNDAGE, a competitor at the Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games, was president of the International Olympic Committee from 1952-1972.

Anthem: Title

The Star Spangled Banner

Anthem: Year of Induction

1931

Anthem: Composer

Words Francis Scott KEY.

Official NOC name

United States

IOC recognition date

1894

NOC President's name

Mr Lawrence F. PROBST III

NOC General Secretary's name

Mr Scott BLACKMUN

IOC Member's Name

Ms Anita L. DEFRANTZ, Mr James L. EASTON, Mrs Angela RUGGIERO, Mr Henry KISSINGER (Honour)

Year of first appearance in an Olympic Games

1896

Number of appearances in Olympic Games

26, including London 2012

Summary of Olympic Games Appearances