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This show, along with hundreds ofothers from Calaroga Shark Media, is available
commercial free on any player hassel Free. Just look for the link in the
episode or show notes Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome to the Top eleven, the
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podcast that counts down the Top eleventhings from eleven to one. Today we're
diving into the world of sports,celebrating the top eleven American Summer Olympic champions.
These athletes have not only dominated theirevents, but have also left an
indelible mark on Olympic history. Sograb your gold medals and let's get started.
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Number eleven, Florence Griffith Joyner.Starting us off is Florence Griffith Joyner,
better known as Flow Joe, thefastest woman of all time. With
her flowing hair, vibrant outfits,and electrifying speed, Flow Joe became a
sensation at the nineteen eighty eight SoleOlympics. She won three gold medal and
one silver, setting world records inthe one hundred and two hundred meter that
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still stand today. Flojo's legacy extendsbeyond her incredible speed. Her flare for
fashion, and her larger than lifepersonality made her a beloved figure in sports
and popular culture. Whether she wasblazing down the track or posing for the
cameras, Flojo did everything with styleand grace. She remains an icon of
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athleticism and individuality, inspiring generations ofathletes to push the boundaries. Next up,
Mark Spitz dives into the number tenspot with his phenomenal performance at the
nineteen seventy two Munich Olympics. Spitzwon and astonishing seven gold medals in swimming,
setting world records in every event heentered. His dominance in the pool
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was unprecedented, and his achievement stoodas the record for most gold medals in
a single Olympics for decades. MarkSpitz wasn't just about winning. He brought
a new level of excellence to thesport of swimming. His iconic mustache and
confident demas demina made him a householdname, and his achievements inspired countless young
swimmers to chase their dreams. Spitz'slegacy lives on as one of the greatest
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swimmers of all time, and hisimpact on the sport is still felt today.
Wilma Rudolf sprints into the number ninespot, a true trailblazer in American
athletics. Overcoming polio as a child, Rudolph went on to become the first
American woman to win three gold medalsin a single Olympics, achieving this remarkable
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feat at the nineteen sixty Rome Games. Her victories in the one hundred meter,
two hundred meter, and four byone hundred meter relay made her a
global sensation and a symbol of triumphover adversity. Rudolph's impact extends far beyond
her medal count. As an AfricanAmerican woman competing during the Civil Rights era,
she became a beacon of hope andinspiration for many. Her grace,
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speed and determination shattered barriers and pavedthe way for future generations of female athletes.
Wilma Rudolf's story is one of perseverance, breaking records and breaking down barriers.
Blazing into number eight is Michael Johnson, the man with the Golden shoes.
Johnson made history at the nineteen ninetysix Atlanta Olympics, where he won
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gold in both the two hundred andfour hundred meter, setting a world record
in the two hundred that stood forover a decade. His distinctive, upright
running style and incredible speed made hima standout performer on the track. Michael
Johnson's influence on track and field isimmense. His performances redefined what was possible
in sprinting, and his world recordsstood as a testament to his exceptional talent.
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Johnson's dedication to excellence and his contributionsas a commentator and mentor have solidified
his status as one of the greatestsprinters of all time. Allison Felix strides
into the seventh spot, a truelegend in the world of track and field.
Felix's Olympic career spans five games fromtwo thousand four to twenty twenty,
during which she amassed an incredible elevenmedals, including seven Golds. Known for
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her versatility and longevity, Felix hasexcelled in events ranging from the one hundred
meter to the four hundred meter,as well as multiple relays. Felix's impact
goes beyond her medals. She hasbeen a vocal advocate for gender equality and
athletes rights, using her platform tobring about meaningful change. Her resilience,
grace, and dedication to her sporthave made her a role model for aspiring
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athletes around the world. Allison Felix'slegacy is one of excellence, advocacy,
and breaking records both on and offthe track. Carl Lewis leaps into the
number six spot with his remarkable achievementsin track and field. Over the course
of four Olympics from nineteen eighty fourto nineteen ninety six, Lewis won nine
gold medals and one silver, excellingin the one hundred meter, two hundred
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meter, four by one hundred meterrelay and long jump. His versatility and
dominance in multiple events set him apartas one of the greatest athletes in Olympic
history. Carl Lewis's impact on thesport is undeniable. His rivalry with Ben
Johnson, particularly at the nineteen eightyeight Sole Olympics, captivated the world,
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and his longevity and consistency made hima legend. Lewis's combination of speed and
power set new standards for sprinters andjumpers alike, and his influence continues to
be felt in track and field today. Jackie Joyner Cursey vaults into the number
five spot, a true powerhouse inthe world of athletics, competing in four
Olympics from nineteen eighty four to nineteenninety six, Joyner Cursey won three gold,
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one silver, and two bronze medalsin the heptathlon and long jump.
Her nineteen eighty eight heptathlon score remainsone of the highest in history, showcasing
her incredible versatility and endurance. JoynaCursey's achievements go beyond her medal count.
She has been a tireless advocate forchildren's education and health, founding the Jackie
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Joyner Cursey Foundation to support underserved youth. Her combination of athletic prowess and community
service has made her a beloved figureand a true role model. Jackie Joyner
Kersey's legacy is one of excellence,both on the track and in her philanthropic
endeavors. Jesse Owens sprints into thenumber four spot, a legendary figure whose
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impact transcends sports. Owens made historyat the nineteen thirty six Berlin Olympics,
winning four gold medals in the onehundred meter, two hundred meter long jump
and four by one hundred meter relay. His victories not only showcased his incredible
talent, but also struck a powerfulblow against Nazi propaganda and racial prejudice.
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Owens's legacy extends far beyond his athleticachievements. He became a symbol of courage
and resilience, challenging the racial barriersof his time and inspiring generations to come.
His performances in Berlin remain some ofthe most iconic moments in Olympic history,
and his influence continues to resonate inthe world of sports and beyond.
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Katie Decki swims into the number threespot, a dominant force in the world
of swimming. Since her debut atthe twenty twelve London Olympics, Ladeki has
won seven gold medals and three silver, setting multiple world records in the process.
Her performances in the eight hundred andfifteen hundred meter freestyle have been particularly
awe inspiring, often winning by significantmargins. Ladecki's dominance in the pool is
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matched by her humility and sportsmanship.She has inspired a new generation of swimmers
with her work, ethic and dedicationto excellence. Whether she's breaking records or
supporting her teammates, Katie Ladecki embodiesthe Olympic spirit and continues to push the
boundaries of what's possible in swimming.Michael Phelps glides into the number two spot,
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the most decorated Olympian of all time. Over the course of five Olympics
from twenty to twenty sixteen, Phelpsamassed an incredible twenty three gold medals,
three silver, and two bronze.His versatility in the pool, from butterfly
to freestyle to medley made him aonce in a lifetime talent. Phelps's impact
on swimming and the Olympics is unparalleled. His rivalry with swimmers like Ryan Locht
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and his record breaking performances have becomelegendary. Beyond his medals, Phelps has
been open about his struggles with mentalhealth, using his platform to advocate for
mental well being. Michael Phelps's legacyis one of excellence, perseverance, and
breaking barriers in and out of thepool. Stick around, folks, We'll
be back in a flash to revealthe number one American Summer Olympic Champion.
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You won't want to miss this.Welcome back to the top eleven. We've
celebrated some of the greatest American SummerOlympic champions and now it's time for the
grand finale. Drum roll, Please, let's unveil the number one champion.
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At the top spot is Simone Biles, the gymnastic KX powerhouse who has redefined
the sport. Since her debut atthe twenty sixteen Rio Olympics, Biles has
won a staggering four gold medals andone bronze, dominating in the all around,
vault, floor and team events.Her incredible difficulty, consistency, and
poise under pressure have set her apartas the greatest gymnast of all time.
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Simone Biles's impact extends beyond her medalcount. She has been a vocal advocate
for mental health, bravely prioritizing herwell being during the Tokyo twenty twenty Olympics.
Biles's combination of athletic brilliance and advocacyhas made her a role model for
athletes everywhere. With her record breakingperformances and unwavering strength, Simone Biles stands
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as the ultimate American Summer Olympic Champion. And that's a wrap on the top
eleven American Summer Olympic Champions. Thanksfor joining us as we celebrated these incredible
athletes and their historic achievements. Remember, the spirit of the Olympics is all
about pushing boundaries and inspired in greatness. Until next time, keep striving for
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gold and chasing your dreams. TheTop eleven is a production of Calarroga Shark
Media executive producers Mark Francis and JohnMcDermott. Portions of this podcast may have
been created with the assistance of AI