50 greatest Summer Olympians in history

By John Buhler | Jul 29, 2016

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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48. Bruce Jenner, Track and Field.

Now known as Caitlyn Jenner of Keeping Up With the Kardashians fame, Jenner first came to national prominence as America’s preeminent Track & Field superstar, capturing gold in a record-breaking decathlon at the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal.

Despite setting five personal bests in the event’s first half (100m wind, long jump wind, shot put, high jump, and 400m), Jenner trailed the heavily favored Guido Kratschmer of West Germany heading into the second day of competition.

But Jenner’s best events were still ahead. When all was said and done, the 26-year-old would set three more personal bests (in the pole vault, javelin, and 1500 m) to overtake Kratschmer and capture the gold. From there, Jenner went on to become one of the most influential U.S. Olympians in history and, years later, a vocal stalwart of the transgender community.

Next: 47. Ryan Lochte.

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