Olympic Games (USA) Trivia Questions

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| By Thames

Thames

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Quizzes Created: 2572 | Total Attempts: 9,186,829

Questions: 15 | Attempts: 386 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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In its lengthy history, the Olympic Games have produced extraordinary athletes in all realms of sport from all over the world. Today, we look at the best of the USA. What do you know about Team America? Let’s find out.

Questions and Answers

1.

What sport did Hawaiian athlete Duke Kahanamoku compete in, who won gold, silver, and bronze medals over a 20 year period?
- A.
  
  Surfing
- B.
  
  Softball
- C.
  
  Swimming
- D.
  
  Track And Field
Correct Answer
C. Swimming

Explanation
Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian athlete, competed in swimming. He won gold, silver, and bronze medals over a 20 year period. This suggests that swimming was the sport in which he excelled and achieved success.

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2.

What sport did William Parry O'Brien compete in winning back to back gold medals (1952-56) competing in four Olympic Games?
- A.
  
  Hurdling
- B.
  
  Shotputt
- C.
  
  Cross Country
- D.
  
  Race Walking
Correct Answer
B. Shotputt

Explanation
William Parry O'Brien competed in the sport of Shotputt, winning back-to-back gold medals in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. Shotputt is a track and field event where athletes throw a heavy metal ball (shot) as far as possible. O'Brien's success in winning consecutive gold medals in this sport highlights his skill and dominance in Shotputt during that time period.

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3.

In what city did Frank Shorter compete in the 1972 Olympic Games, winning the marathon which was the city of his birthplace?
- A.
  
  Munich
- B.
  
  San Antonio
- C.
  
  New York
- D.
  
  Athens
Correct Answer
A. Munich

Explanation
Frank Shorter competed in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, which was also the city of his birthplace. He won the marathon in this city, making it a significant achievement for him.

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4.

What is the name of the athlete who was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as the ultimate team player having been a member of three consecutive gold medal-winning 4╫100-meter U.S. relay teams?
- A.
  
  Johnny Weismueller
- B.
  
  Wilt Chamberlain
- C.
  
  Jim Bausch
- D.
  
  Frank Wykoff
Correct Answer
D. Frank Wykoff

Explanation
Frank Wykoff is the correct answer because he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as the ultimate team player for being a member of three consecutive gold medal-winning 4x100-meter U.S. relay teams.

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5.

What sport did Ralph Boston compete in winning a gold medal in 1960, a silver in 1964 and a bronze in 1968?
- A.
  
  100 Meter
- B.
  
  Long Jump
- C.
  
  Tennis
- D.
  
  Discus
Correct Answer
B. Long Jump

Explanation
Ralph Boston competed in the sport of Long Jump, winning a gold medal in 1960, a silver in 1964, and a bronze in 1968.

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6.

What Olympic sport did Henry P. Iba coach teams to medals in three consecutive Olympic Games - golds in 1964 and 1968, and a silver in 1972?
- A.
  
  Softball
- B.
  
  Bowling
- C.
  
  Basketball
- D.
  
  Swimming
Correct Answer
C. Basketball

Explanation
Henry P. Iba coached basketball teams to medals in three consecutive Olympic Games - golds in 1964 and 1968, and a silver in 1972.

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7.

Who was one of the earliest multiple Olympic champions for the U.S., winning gold medals in the 60-meter hurdles (world record), 110-meter hurdles (Olympic record), 200-meter hurdles and long jump (Olympic record) in 1900?
- A.
  
  Carl Lewis
- B.
  
  George Clooney
- C.
  
  Jesse Owens
- D.
  
  Alvin Kraenzlein
Correct Answer
D. Alvin Kraenzlein

Explanation
Alvin Kraenzlein was one of the earliest multiple Olympic champions for the U.S. He won gold medals in the 60-meter hurdles (world record), 110-meter hurdles (Olympic record), 200-meter hurdles, and long jump (Olympic record) in 1900. This suggests that Kraenzlein was a highly skilled and versatile athlete, excelling in both hurdling events and the long jump. His world and Olympic records demonstrate his exceptional performance and dominance in these events during the 1900 Olympics.

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8.

What is the name of the athlete regarded as the "Greatest Olympian Ever" winning nine Olympic gold medals?
- A.
  
  Dwayne Wade
- B.
  
  Mark Spitz
- C.
  
  Carl Lewis
- D.
  
  Kent Clark
Correct Answer
C. Carl Lewis

Explanation
Carl Lewis is regarded as the "Greatest Olympian Ever" because he won nine Olympic gold medals. His achievements include winning four gold medals in the 1984 Olympics, two gold medals in the 1988 Olympics, and two more gold medals in the 1992 Olympics. Lewis excelled in various track and field events, including the long jump and the 100-meter dash. His consistent success and dominance in multiple Olympics solidify his reputation as one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history.

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9.

What is the name of the athlete widely regarded as the greatest diver in history?
- A.
  
  Dan Gable
- B.
  
  Johnny Weismueller
- C.
  
  Greg Louganis
- D.
  
  Fred Cohen
Correct Answer
C. Greg Louganis

Explanation
Greg Louganis is widely regarded as the greatest diver in history. He has an impressive record, winning a total of four Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championship titles. Louganis was known for his exceptional diving skills, precision, and grace in the sport. He revolutionized diving with his innovative techniques and difficult dives, setting new standards for the sport. His achievements and impact on diving make him the most celebrated and respected diver of all time.

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10.

In what Olympic sport did Edwin Moses compete winning his first gold medal in 1976?
- A.
  
  400-Meter Hurdles
- B.
  
  Basketball
- C.
  
  Long Jump
- D.
  
  Swimming
Correct Answer
A. 400-Meter Hurdles

Explanation
Edwin Moses competed in the 400-Meter Hurdles event in the Olympics and won his first gold medal in 1976. This event involves running a distance of 400 meters while jumping over hurdles. Moses was known for his dominance in this event, winning a total of two Olympic gold medals and setting multiple world records.

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11.

What is the name of the athlete who was called the darling of the 1984 games in Los Angeles, scoring a perfect 10 in the floor exercise?
- A.
  
  Michelle Akers
- B.
  
  Mary Lou Retton
- C.
  
  Ann Bancroft
- D.
  
  Billy Jean King
Correct Answer
B. Mary Lou Retton

Explanation
Mary Lou Retton is the correct answer because she was the athlete who was called the darling of the 1984 games in Los Angeles. She gained this title by scoring a perfect 10 in the floor exercise, which was a remarkable achievement.

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12.

In what sport did Glenn Davis in 1956, after becoming the first man to break the 50-second barrier at that year's Olympic Trials, win the gold medal in Melbourne?
- A.
  
  400-Meter Hurdles
- B.
  
  Sailing
- C.
  
  Wrestling
- D.
  
  High Jump
Correct Answer
A. 400-Meter Hurdles

Explanation
Glenn Davis won the gold medal in the 400-Meter Hurdles at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. This is evident from the information provided in the question, where it states that he became the first man to break the 50-second barrier at that year's Olympic Trials. This achievement suggests his involvement in a track and field event, specifically the 400-Meter Hurdles, which requires athletes to run while jumping over hurdles.

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13.

What sport did Bruce Jenner win a gold medal in Montreal in 1976?
- A.
  
  Gymnastics
- B.
  
  Softball
- C.
  
  Decathlon
- D.
  
  Diving
Correct Answer
C. Decathlon

Explanation
Bruce Jenner won a gold medal in the Decathlon event at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. The Decathlon is a track and field event that consists of ten different disciplines, including sprinting, jumping, throwing, and distance running. Jenner's victory in the Decathlon made him a household name and a symbol of athletic excellence.

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14.

What is the name of the female athlete who at 16 years old won gold medals in the 200-, 400- and 800-meter freestyles at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City?
- A.
  
  Julie Foudy
- B.
  
  Jennie Finch
- C.
  
  Peggy Fleming
- D.
  
  Debbie Meyer
Correct Answer
D. Debbie Meyer

Explanation
Debbie Meyer is the correct answer because she is the female athlete who won gold medals in the 200-, 400-, and 800-meter freestyles at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City at the age of 16.

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15.

In what sport did Shirley Babashoff win one gold and two silver medals in 1972, along with one gold and four silvers in 1976?
- A.
  
  Gymnastics
- B.
  
  Volleyball
- C.
  
  Swimming
- D.
  
  Archery
Correct Answer
C. Swimming

Explanation
Shirley Babashoff won one gold and two silver medals in 1972, along with one gold and four silvers in 1976 in swimming.

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Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Mar 10, 2015

Quiz Created by
Thames

Olympic Games (USA) Trivia Questions

What sport did Hawaiian athlete Duke Kahanamoku compete in, who won gold, silver, and bronze medals over a 20 year period?

What sport did William Parry O'Brien compete in winning back to back gold medals (1952-56) competing in four Olympic Games?

In what city did Frank Shorter compete in the 1972 Olympic Games, winning the marathon which was the city of his birthplace?

What is the name of the athlete who was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as the ultimate team player having been a member of three consecutive gold medal-winning 4╫100-meter U.S. relay teams?

What sport did Ralph Boston compete in winning a gold medal in 1960, a silver in 1964 and a bronze in 1968?

What Olympic sport did Henry P. Iba coach teams to medals in three consecutive Olympic Games - golds in 1964 and 1968, and a silver in 1972?

Who was one of the earliest multiple Olympic champions for the U.S., winning gold medals in the 60-meter hurdles (world record), 110-meter hurdles (Olympic record), 200-meter hurdles and long jump (Olympic record) in 1900?

What is the name of the athlete regarded as the "Greatest Olympian Ever" winning nine Olympic gold medals?

What is the name of the athlete widely regarded as the greatest diver in history?

In what Olympic sport did Edwin Moses compete winning his first gold medal in 1976?

What is the name of the athlete who was called the darling of the 1984 games in Los Angeles, scoring a perfect 10 in the floor exercise?

In what sport did Glenn Davis in 1956, after becoming the first man to break the 50-second barrier at that year's Olympic Trials, win the gold medal in Melbourne?

What sport did Bruce Jenner win a gold medal in Montreal in 1976?

What is the name of the female athlete who at 16 years old won gold medals in the 200-, 400- and 800-meter freestyles at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City?

In what sport did Shirley Babashoff win one gold and two silver medals in 1972, along with one gold and four silvers in 1976?