In pictures: Best Olympic athletes

Naim Suleymanoglu, the 'Pocket Hercules', set records, won gold medals and captivated everyone on his way to being our best Olympic weightlifter. Click on the picture to read article

Nadia Comaneci's 23-second routine in Montreal in 1976 confounded the gymnastics world - and its scoring machine - with a perfect 10. Click on the picture to read article

Armed with an atypical physique, brute strength and unrivalled technique, Alexander Karelin dominated the mat for over a decade. Click on the picture to read article

Fu Mingxia burst on the scene at the Barcelona Games, soaring against the skyline and not yet 14. By Sydney 2000, the now 22 year old had developed the soul of an wise philosopher. Click on the picture to read article

Had he given up Castro's Cuba, the amateur Teofilo Stevenson could have gone on to become a great professional. Click on the picture to read article

Carl Lewis set out to be the first athletic global celebrity, a decision that divided many but defined his career. Click on the picture to read article