In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Jesse Owens wins four golds, followed by Nadia Comăneci's first perfect 10 and Usain Bolt in Beijing.
The greatest Olympic moments combine impossible records, personal feats and scenes that went beyond sport. We weighed the sporting achievement, its symbolism and how much it is still remembered.
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1. Jesse Owens wins four golds
Berlin 1936
He won the 100 and 200 metres, the long jump and the 4 × 100 relay in Nazi Germany. His triumph dismantled the regime's racist propaganda live.
2. Nadia Comăneci's first perfect 10
Montreal 1976
At 14 she scored the first perfect mark in Olympic gymnastics. The scoreboard, not built for a 10, showed 1.00.
3. Usain Bolt in Beijing
Beijing 2008
He won the 100 and 200 metres with world records in both. In the 100 metres he even started celebrating before crossing the line.
4. Michael Phelps's eight golds
Beijing 2008
He won eight gold medals at a single Games, beating Mark Spitz's record of seven. He is the most decorated Olympian in history.
5. The Dream Team
Barcelona 1992
For the first time, NBA stars played at the Olympics: Jordan, Magic, Bird and company. It marked the start of basketball's globalisation.
6. Bob Beamon's leap
Mexico City 1968
He jumped 8.90 metres and broke the long-jump world record by more than half a metre. His mark is still the Olympic record.
7. Smith and Carlos raise their fists
Mexico City 1968
Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists on the 200-metre podium against racial discrimination. It is one of the most famous images of the 20th century.
8. Abebe Bikila wins the marathon barefoot
Rome 1960
The Ethiopian won the marathon running without shoes. He was the first Olympic champion from sub-Saharan Africa.
9. Derek Redmond and his father
Barcelona 1992
He tore his hamstring in the 400-metre semi-final and chose to finish the race limping. His father came onto the track to help him reach the line.
10. Carl Lewis matches Owens
Los Angeles 1984
He won the same four events as Jesse Owens in 1936. He ended his career with nine Olympic golds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the greatest moment in Olympic history?
In our ranking, Jesse Owens's four golds in Berlin 1936, for their sporting and symbolic value. Nadia Comăneci's perfect 10 and Usain Bolt in Beijing complete the podium.
Who has won the most Olympic medals?
Michael Phelps, with 28 medals, 23 of them gold.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.