The 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, known as the Centennial Games, opened the night of July 19th when USA Swimming legend Janet Evans passed the torch to Muhammad Ali, who famously lit the cauldron in one of the most iconic, awe-inspiring moments in Olympic history. Another signature event took place the night before those unforgettable Opening Ceremonies in Atlanta when Xerox sponsored a dinner called “The 100 Golden Olympians” to honor 100 of America's greatest living gold-medal winners from both the Summer and Winter Games. Amazingly, 93 of these special 100 athletes attended along with over 1,000 guests including keynote speaker Tom Brokaw.

Naismith Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas – one of those “100 Golden Olympians” and proud member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic basketball team that won gold in Rome – made his rounds during the event with this large 35” by 58” USA Olympic flag. Lucas took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain the autographs of 49 gold-medal winners on the flag (4 signed twice), most of which added special notations regarding their event and year of participation.

Signers include: Harrison Dillard (4 Track & Field sprint golds, 1948 & ’52); Bob Mathias (1948 & ’52 Decathlon); Sammy Lee (1948 & ’52 Diving); Dick Button (1948 & ’52 Figure Skating); Andrea Mead Lawrence (2 Slalom Skiing golds, 1952); Bob Richards (1952 & ’56 Pole Vault); Pat McCormick (4 Diving golds, 1952 & ‘56); Parry O’Brien (1952 & ’56 Shot Put); Glenn Davis (1956 & ’60, 400m Hurdles); K.C. Jones (1956 Basketball); Al Oerter (4 Discus golds, 1956-68); Rafer Johnson (1960 Decathlon); Ralph Boston (1960 Long Jump); Carol Heiss (1960 Figure Skating); Oscar Robertson (1960 Basketball); Jerry Lucas (1960 Basketball); Walt Bellamy (1960 Basketball); Bob Webster (1960 & ’64 Diving); Bill Bradley (1964 Basketball); Bob Hayes (2 T&F sprint golds, 1964); Joe Frazier (1964 Boxing); Billy Mills (1964 10,000m); Wyomia Tyus (1964 & ’68, 100m); Lones Wigger (1964 & ’72 Rifle Shooting); Debbie Meyer (3 Swimming golds, 1968); Willie Davenport (1968 110m Hurdles); Dick Fosbury (1968 High Jump); Peggy Fleming (1968 Figure Skating); Bob Beamon (1968 Long Jump); Mark Spitz (9 Swimming golds, 1968 & ’72); Frank Shorter (1972 Marathon); Sugar Ray Leonard (1976 Boxing); Bruce Jenner (1976 Decathlon); John Naber (4 Swimming golds, 1976); Edwin Moses (1976 & ’84, 400m Hurdles); Greg Louganis (4 Diving golds 1976-88); Mike Eruzione (1980 Hockey); Phil Mahre (2 Skiing golds, 1980 & ’84); Peter Vidmar (2 Gymnastics golds, 1984); Bart Connor (2 Gymnastics golds, 1984); Al Joyner (1984 Triple Jump); Joan Benoit Samuelson (1984 Marathon); Matt Biondi (8 Swimming golds, 1984-92); Bruce Baumgartner (1984 & ‘92 Freestyle Wrestling); Florence Griffith Joyner (3 T&F sprint golds, 1988); Pam Shriver (1988 Tennis Doubles); Bonnie Blair (5 Speed Skating golds, 1988-94); Kristi Yamaguchi (1992 Figure Skating); and Diann Roffe-Steinrotter (1994 Skiing Super-G).

This incredible artifact encompasses literally the “who’s who” of American Olympic heroes – from the aftermath of World War II until the end of the millennium – who were alive at that time and present at this special event. In 1960, Jerry Lucas and fellow Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson led the U.S. Men’s Basketball team to gold medal glory in Rome. At the ’64 Tokyo Games, Native American Billy Mills shocked the world to win the men’s 10k, Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Hayes became “World’s Fastest Man” with a 100m victory, and Smokin’ Joe Frazier captured boxing gold in the heavyweight division. Four years later in Mexico City, Dick Fosbury used his patented “Fosbury Flop” technique to win the high jump, while Mark Spitz dominated in the pool with seven golds. At the ’72 Munich Games, Frank Shorter became USA’s first marathon champion since 1904. Then, in Montreal four years later, Bruce Jenner won the Men’s Decathlon and Sugar Ray Leonard triumphed in the ring as a Light Welterweight. Mike Eruzione captained USA Hockey to its thrilling “Miracle on Ice” victory at the 1980 Lake Placid Games, scoring the game-winning goal against Russia in the semis. At the 1984 L.A. Games, Edwin Moses captured his second gold in the 400m Hurdles and Joan Benoit won the first ever Olympic Women’s Marathan. Flo-Jo swept the sprint events on the track and became “World’s Fastest Woman” at the ’88 Seoul Games, while Greg Louganis dove for double gold yet again. Speedskating legend Bonnie Blair starred in three straight Winter Games (1988, ‘92 & ’94) to finish with five golds on the ice. Each of these U.S. Olympic Champions have signed this one-of-a-kind piece, which can never be replicated as several have since passed away. Most have added inscriptions of the Olympic years they competed and won gold. (Dillard, Mills, Robertson and Flemming have each signed twice.)

Kudos to basketball legend Jerry Lucas who had the presence of mind during this exclusive event to orchestrate such a precious memento that will be appreciated for generations to come. The white flag with colorful Olympic rings and large “USA” in red is tagged by the manufacturer on the bottom left. It was folded in storage at some point, yet it remains in outstanding condition with no holes or damage – ready for prominent display. LOAs from Jerry Lucas and PSA/DNA are included.