Come the summer 2004, audiences around the world will tune in to watch the most thrilling sports competition of all. Celebrate the momentous Athens homecoming of the Olympic summer games with this definitive, official, and breathtakingly illustrated history.

From the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee and the French sports paper, L’Equipe, comes a big, beautiful book that captures the glory and the excitement of all 26 Olympic Games. Featuring more than 600 photographs, many previously unpublished, and introductions by Gold Medalist Michael Johnson and the President of the International Olympic Committee, this magnificent volume draws on an unprecedented wealth of material. Look back at the ancient games, and see how they came to life again in 1896. Meet the athletes (such as Jim Thorpe, Johnny Weissmuller, Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Olga Korbut) who triumphed in the most important arena of all; tour the stadiums where the battles played out; and delve into the drama behind the scenes. A visual treasure, filled with information to increase viewers’ enjoyment of the world’s largest sporting event.