Despite a different look to the 2020 Summer Games, many athletes joined the ranks of Olympic greats. Since 1954, Sports Illustrated photographers have captured hundreds of athletes as they win big.
Sunisa Lee
Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated
Sunisa Lee wins the individual all-around gold medal in women's artistic gymnastics at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
Carl Lewis
Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated
Carl Lewis leaps 8.72 meters during the long jump competition at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.
Michael Phelps
Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated
Michael Phelps (left) and Milorad u010caviu0107 of Serbia touch the wall to finish the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.