Redgrave, who won five gold medals at successive Olympics from 1984 to 2000, was recognised for his huge contribution to rowing.

Beresford's son Jack Beresford was also a rower and won medals at five successive Olympics.

The fourth-place finish marked the first time in its history at the Winter Games that the United States had gone three successive Olympics without a medal.

But two successive Olympics were depreciated in value, and many young athletes who had trained for years saw their dreams go up in smoke.

Katja Seizinger of Germany became the first woman to win the downhill in successive Olympics.

She is the owner of a successful four-horse chariot racing team that wins at successive Olympics.

Just as Lewis won the long jump in four successive Olympics, Al Oerter won the discus throw in four straight.

Nicknamed "Pocket Hercules," Turkey's 5-foot featherweight is trying to become the first weight lifter to win gold in four successive Olympics.

The Hungarians would go on to win team sabre gold in five successive Olympics, lasting from 1936 until 1960.

All successive Olympics held in Canada or Australia have been opened by their respective governors-general.