August 3, 1992

New Jersey native Nelson Diebel was termed the U.S. swim team's "biggest positive surprise" by Leigh Montville for his gold in the 100 breaststroke. "Diebel wore an American flag bandanna on his shaved head, three earrings in his left ear, had a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his right hip and told stories of being a reformed juvenile delinquent."

Photograph by Bill Frakes