The final athlete to lift the Olympic flame and light the huge cauldron in Atlanta was heavyweight boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. Director Bud Greenspan again relies on detailed studies of individual athletes, and this film features conversations with sprinter Michael Johnson, British rowing ace Steven Redgrave, veteran French cyclist Jeannie Longo, and Ireland's controversial gold medallist in swimming, Michelle Smith. Archery, weight-lifting and gymnastics are also featured, as well as the men's marathon, won by South African Josia Thugwane. These centennial Summer Games marked the fourth occasion on which a U.S. City hosted the Olympiad.