Angelo Taylor

Sport: Track and Field

Nation: United States of America

DOB: December 29, 1978

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Career Highlights: "Not many people make it to their fourth Olympic team," Taylor said, stating the obvious - especially in a discipline requiring the intensity and athleticism of the 400-meter hurdles, and in a country with the depth of talent of the United States. But then again, not many runners own three Olympic gold medals. The 33-year-old Taylor does, winning his first in the 400 hurdles in Sydney. He was running with an injury during his unsuccessful title defense in Athens, but he captured another gold in the same event in Beijing, leading a U.S. medal sweep while also helping his country win the 4x400 relay. He figures to be a prime candidate for the relay team again after aiding the Americans' world championship-winning squads in 2007, '09 and '11, and he'll certainly be in the 400 hurdles again after finishing second at the U.S. trials despite clipping the ninth hurdle. Taylor's long career, which includes a Jesse Owens Award as the top American track and field performer in 2000, sagged several years ago, and he began working full-time as an electrician. But he stuck with his training and has since returned to the pinnacle of his sport. If he does it again in London, he'd be the first man to win three Olympic golds in the 400 hurdles. "Just staying motivated," Taylor said, explaining his longevity. "I've been given a God-given ability to run, and I know deep down I was put here to do this."

Olympic History: 2008,2004,2000