Dreams Come True

Competing in the Olympics is a thrill in its own right, but winning a medal at the Games is like a dream come true. Here are some U.S. athletes who achieved both, beginning with Joyner-Kersee, who racked up a world-record 7,291 points in her first of two Olympic heptathlon titles in 1988. With three gold, two silver and two bronze Olympic medals to her name, it seems obvious why SI named her the top female athlete of the 20th century.