Michael Phelps had already won five gold medals in the 2004 Athens Olympics. He seemed certain to secure one more in the 4 x 400 medley relay. Phelp's teammate, Ian Crocker, had not been so fortunate. Fighting flu symptoms all week, Crocker's performance had been sub-par. Just as it appeared that Crocker would go home without a medal, Phelps ceded his position in the 4 x 400 medley relay, giving Crocker a shot at the gold.

Told of the gesture, Crocker nearly wept. "I'm kind of speechless," he said. "It's a huge gift that's difficult to accept. It makes me want to go out and tear up the pool."

With that motivation, Crocker helped his team shatter its own record, winning the gold.