The Thrill of Olympic Victory

Andreea Raducan of Romania displays the perfect form that won the gold in the all-around gymnastics competition.

The big winners at the Sydney Games take home gold medals-precious proof that they were the best in the world in 2000. Others won't make it to the medal stand, but they're winners just the same. They take home priceless memories of cheering crowds, new friends and the honor of representing their country. Here are some highlights from last week's unforgettable Olympic triumphs.

• The jubilant Chinese men's gymnastics team took the team gold medal, the nation's first gold in a team sport in Olympic history.
• If there were medals for bravery, Eric Moussambani of Equatorial Guinea in Africa would have won gold. With few pools in his homeland, he learned to swim only in January! In the 100-meter freestyle, he appeared to be drowning, but he finished to loud cheers. "That's what the Olympics are all about," said Australian champ Ian Thorpe.
• U.S. backstroker Lenny Krayzelburg earned two golds and was among many who set Olympic records in Sydney's fast pool.