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50 greatest Summer Olympians in history

By John Buhler

Nov 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; A detailed view of the American flag during the national anthem prior to the Thanksgiving day game between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; A detailed view of the American flag during the national anthem prior to the Thanksgiving day game between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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42. Teresa Edwards, Basketball.

Though basketball is nothing if not a team sport, one hardwood athlete has been a cut above the rest in terms of dominating on the Olympic stage. New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony might be seeking his third Olympic gold, but there’s scant chance he’ll ever surpass Teresa Edwards in Team USA basketball lore.

Edwards played on five — five —different U.S. Women’s teams, winning four golds (in 1984, ’88, ’96, and 2000) and a bronze (in Barcelona in ’92).

Whether at the University of Georgia (where her No. 5 jersey was retired), internationally on Team USA, or during her eight-year stint in the WNBA, Edwards was a superstar point guard who ran teams with a steady, heady flare.

Now a member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame, Edwards still holds the Team USA record for most points in a game (46), and is without question one of the most influential basketball players in history.

Next: 41. Hubert van Innis.

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