Throughout the history of athletics, the United States has consistently displayed remarkable talent in international sports competitions, leading to unforgettable victories and memorable moments.

The performances of Team USA’s athletes have left indelible marks on the sporting world, showcasing an impressive range of skills across various competitions. To understand the best of these performances, here’s a curated list of the top ten moments in Team USA’s sports history:

10 Best Team USA Performances

10. Michael Johnson at the 1996 Olympics

Michael Johnson was a standout at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where he made history by winning gold in both the 200 meters and 400 meters, setting an Olympic record in the latter event.

9. Landon Donovan’s 2010 World Cup Goal

In a nail-biting World Cup match, Landon Donovan scored a last-minute goal against Algeria, securing the United States’ advancement to the knockout stage.

8. Carli Lloyd’s Hat Trick in the 2015 World Cup Final

Carli Lloyd’s remarkable hat trick in just 16 minutes against Japan during the Women’s World Cup final stands as a historic achievement in the annals of soccer.

7. Mark Spitz at the 1972 Olympics

Mark Spitz achieved unparalleled success by winning seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics, setting world records in each event.

6. Simone Biles at the 2024 Olympics

Returning to the Olympic stage, Simone Biles earned four medals—three golds and a silver—completing a career total of 11 Olympic medals.

5. Michael Phelps at the 2008 Olympics

Michael Phelps achieved the unthinkable by winning eight gold medals in swimming, breaking several world records in the process.

4. Brandi Chastain in the 1999 World Cup Final

Brandi Chastain secured victory for the U.S. women’s soccer team by scoring the decisive penalty kick against China in the 1999 World Cup.

3. The ‘Dream Team’ at the 1992 Olympics

The 1992 U.S. basketball team, featuring NBA legends, won gold with an average victory margin of 43.8 points.

2. Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics

Jesse Owens’ four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics were a powerful demonstration of athletic prowess during a politically charged time.

1. ‘Miracle on Ice’ at the 1980 Olympics

The U.S. ice hockey team, composed mostly of amateur players, shocked the world by defeating the Soviet Union, a victory famously summarized with the question, ‘Do you believe in miracles?’

Honorable Mentions:

• Kerri Strug at the 1996 Olympics
• ‘Redeem Team’ at the 2008 Olympics
• Katie Ledecky at the 2024 Olympics
• Stephen Curry at the 2024 Olympics vs. France

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