Steve Redgrave

The Britons prevailed in Sydney, and Redgrave had Olympic gold medal number five. He was the second athlete ever—and the first in an endurance sport—to win gold medals at five successive Olympics. "Steve told us, 'Remember these six minutes the rest of your life,'" Foster said. At the medal ceremony, Redgrave received his gold from Princess Anne of Britain, and International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch presented him with a special medal commemorating his fifth straight gold medal.

Redgrave lives in Marlow, England, with his wife, Ann, and their three children. He is off the water, but he's pushing as hard as ever. Redgrave has launched his own line of men's sportswear and has secured endorsement deals for a cholesterol-lowering spread, a brand of snack foods, and the luxury carmaker Jaguar. Also, the Sir Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust has a goal of raising £5 million over five years for philanthropic efforts focused on children's health. In Sports Illustrated, Cazeneuve summarized Redgrave's legacy: "If rowing has given value to Redgrave's life, he in turn has ennobled the gentleman's pursuit with his workingman's dedication."