Michael Phelps celebrates after winning the men's 100m Butterfly and his seventh Gold Medal Saturday, August 16, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)
Gazette Photo Director Mark Reis is heading to Rio to cover his ninth Olympic Games. As we count down to the Rio Opening Ceremony here’s a look at some of Mark’s favorite images from his eight previous Games (summer and winter)
Michael Phelps celebrates after winning the men’s 100m Butterfly and his seventh Gold Medal Saturday, August 16, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Sweden’s Sven Thorgren vaults a giant Russian nesting doll on the snowboard slopestyle course, Thursday, February 6, 2014, on the opening day of competition at the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Slopestyle is one of several new sports seeing their debut at the Sochi Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Fireworks explode over Fisht Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Cauldron Friday night, February 7, 2014, at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Justine Dufour-Lapointe, right, and her sister, Chloe Dufour-Lapointe celebrate together after taking Gold and Silver respecively at the Olympic Ladies’ Moguls event Saturday, February 8, 2014t at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)US snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg is hoisted by Norway’s Staale Sandbech after Kotsenburg won the Gold Medal Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the first ever Olympic Snowboard Slopestyle competition. Kotsenburg’s medal is the first to be handed out at the Sochi Olympic Games. Sandbech took the Silver Medal. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)USA’s Bode MIller takes a jump on the Olympic men’s downhill Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Rosa Khutor Alpine Center at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)USA’s Bradley Wilson exited the Olympic Men’s Moguls competition after this crash in the finals Monday, February 10, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Teammate Patrick Deneen was the highest placing American, finishing 6th. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)US Snowboarder Shaun White reacts as his final run score puts him in fourth place in the Olympic Mens’ Snowboard Halfpipe competition Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Iourl Podladtchikov of Switzerland, left, hugs his parents, Yurii and Valentina Podladtchikov after winning the Olympic Mens’ Snowboard Halfpipe competition Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Danny Kass, left, and Shaun White, celebrate Sunday, February 12, 2006 after winning the Silver Medal and Gold Medal respectively at the Olympic Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe competition in Bardonecchia, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Shaun White on his Gold Medal winning run Sunday, February 12, 2006 in the Olympic Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe competition in Bardonecchia, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Teter, right, and Silver Medalist Gretchen Bleiler celebrate on the awards stand following the Olympic Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Competition Monday Monday, February 13, 2006 in Bardonecchia, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The Italian Alps rise above the luge track as Courtney Zablocki of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, flies through turn 14 at the Olympic luge track on her second run of the day Monday, February 13, 2006 in Cesana Pariol, Italy. Zablocki is in fourth place going into Tuesday’s final two runs. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Canada’s Sarah Reid on the track for her second qualifying run for Womens’ Skeleton Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Reid is in 8th place after Thursday’s two qualifying runs. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)USA’s Noelle Pikus-Pace celebrates after winning the Silver Medal in Olympic Womens’ Skeleton competition Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Australian Freestyle Skier Dale Begg-Smith takes the top jump on his Gold-Medal winning run Wednesday, February 15, 2006 in action at the Olympic Men’s Moguls competition in Sauze D’Oulx, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The Italian Alps provide the backdrop snowboarders, left to right, Jasey Jay Anderson, Canada, Jason R. Smith, USA and Damon Hayler, Australia take a jump as a pack during the semifinal race Thursday, February 16, 2006 in the first ever Olympic Men’s Snowboard Cross competition in Bardonecchia, Italy. USA’s Seth Wescott took the Gold Medal in the event. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The Jamaican Two-Man Bobsled team of Winston Watts and Marvin Dixon take JAM-1 down the track on their first qualifying run Sunday, February 16, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. The Jamaican team is in last place after two qualifying runs. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)USA Ice Dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White skate their way to a Gold Medal win in Ice Dance Monday, February 17, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Halfpipe skiers navigated snow, rain and fog during the Men’s Ski Halfpipe competition Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Canada’s Justin Dorey placed 12th. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Olympic Champion Ted Ligety, left, leads a procession away from the podium area following the flower ceremony for the Men’s Giant Slalom Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Following Ligety is Bronze medalist Steve Missilier of France. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The USA-1 Bobsled Team of Elana Meyers and Lauryn Williams hug on the podium after their Silver Medal finish in the Women’s Bobsled finals Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)US skaters Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto show off their Olympic Ice Dancing silver medals after their Free Dance program Monday, February 21, 2006 in Turin, Italy. The pair won the silver medal behind Russian skaters Tatiana Navka and roman Kostomarov. The medal is only the second ice dancing medal ever by an American team.Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Mikaela Shiffrin from Eagle-Vail kisses her ski after winning the Gold Medal in the Ladies’ Slalom event Friday, February 21, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Mikaela Shiffrin from Eagle-Vail, Colorado, celebrates on the podium after winning the Gold Medal in the Ladies’ Slalom event Friday, February 21, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The USA-1 bobsled fell from third to fourth place on their second qualifying run for the Four Man Bobsled event Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Children are surrounded but swirling papers during a tribute to Russian Literature during the Closing Ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games Sunday, February 23, 2014. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)US Skater Sasha Cohen examines her silver medal following her Olympic Free Skate program Thursday, February 23, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Sasha Cohen skates off the ice with her silver medal following her Olympic Free Skate program Thursday, February 23, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Cohen took the Silver Medal. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The USA-1 bosled team looks on as the Russia-1 team takes the podium as Gold Medalists in the Four Man Bobsled event Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Sochi Olympic Games. The US team took the Bronze Medal. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno skates during the Olympic Men’s 5000 Meters Short Track Relay final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. The US team took the Bronze Medal. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno led the entire race in the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Trailing here are Canadians Francois-Louis Tremblay (#211), who placed second and Eric Bedard, who took fourth. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno is greeted by his coach, Li Yan, after winning the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno is congratulated by US coaches after his Gold Medal win in the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno celebrates on the medal stand after winning the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Skater Apolo Anton Ohno pauses to fight back tears as the US National Anthem is played for his Gold Medal finish in the the Olympic Men’s 500 Meters Short Track final Saturday, February 25, 2006 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The sun peers through hazy skies as a worker cleans small debris Monday, August 4, 2008, from water running past the National Stadium in Beijing, China in preparation for The Olympic Games.. The “Bird’s Nest” is the site for opening ceremonies August 8, 2008The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Fireworks explode above National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, during Opening Ceremony Friday, August 8, 2008 for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Drummers perform at the beginning of the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Friday, August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)A performer flies across National Stadium in Beijing, China during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Friday, August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark ReisThe Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Olympic cyclists pass in front of the Tiananment Gate in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during the Men’s Cycling Road Race Saturday, August 9, 2008. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Olympic cyclists pass in front of the Tiananment Gate in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during the Men’s Cycling Road Race Saturday, August 9, 2008. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)USA fencers Becca Ward, left, and Mariel Zagunis battle for a point during Zagunis’ win in their women’s sabre semifinal Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)USA fencer Becca Ward celebrates her bronze medal win over Russia’s Sofia Velikaya Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US fencer Mariel Zagunis celebrates her gold medal win over teamate Sada Jacobsen in women’s sabre competition Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US president George W. Bush is flanked by his wife, Laura, left, and daughterBarbara (pls check this with AP caption) as he waves the US flag (backwards) before Michael Phelps’ gold medal performance in the men’s 400m Individual Medley event Sunday, August 10, 2008 at the Water Cube in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Michael Phelps celebrates the US 4×100 team’s gold medal finish Monday, August 11, 2008 at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This was Phelps’ second medal of the games. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Members of the US men’s gymnastics team watch as flags are raised during the medal ceremony for the men’s team event at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China Tuesday, August 12, 2008. China won the Gold, Japan the Silver and the US team took the Bronze Medal. Team members are, left to right, Alexander Artemev, Raj Bhavsar, Joey Hagerty, Jonathan Horton, Justin Spring and Kevin Tan. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)A performer brings a sculpture of Alexander the Great to life at Olympic Stadium Friday August 13, 2004 during Opening Ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)A boy with a Greek flag floats in a tiny boat in Olympic Stadium Friday August 13, 2004 during Opening Ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The small boat was described as representing Greece, a small country that is birthplace to big ideas. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)A performer walks across a spinning cube at Olympic Stadium Friday August 13, 2004 during Opening Ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The movement of the cube was said to represent the rotation of the earth on its own axis and around the sun. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Fireworks explode over Olympic Stadium Friday, August 13, 2004 after the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, at left, during Opening Ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Chinese gymnast Fei Cheng competes on the vault during the Women’s Team Final Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US gymnast Alicia Sacramone looks back at the balance beam after falling off during the Women’s Team Final Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Sacramone’s falls on the balance beam and floor exercise hurt the US team. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Gymnast Nastia Liukin competes on the balance beam Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US gymnasts, left to right, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan pose with their silver medals the Women’s Team Final Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Sacramone’s falls on the balance beam and floor exercise hurt the US team. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Competitors in the Olympic men’s cycling road race stream past the Acropolis on their second lap Saturday, August 14, 2004, the opening day of competition at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Basketball team member Chris Bosh sports a red, white and blue mouthguard during the US team’s 92-69 win over Greece Thursday, August 14, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)China’s Yilin Yang competes on the balance beam during the women’s all-around competition Friday, August 15, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Yang won the Bronze Medal. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Nastia Liukin on the balance beam on her way to a gold medal in the women’s all-around competition Friday, August 15, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Nastia Liukin is congratulated by Shawn Johnson after her gold medal finish in the women’s all-around competition Friday, August 15, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Michael Phelps stretches Sunday, August 15, 2004 before the start of the men’s 200m freestyle preliminaries at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)USA gymnast Paul Hamm competes on the parallel bars in the men’s team event Tuesday, August 16, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Hamm and the US team took the silver medal behind gold medalist Japan. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates his 8th Gold Medal of the Beijing Games Sunday, August 17, 2008, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Hinrich Romeike of Germany on “Marius” vaults a replica of a Greek fishing boat Tuesday, August 17, 2004 on the water jump on the cross country course of the Olympic Games in Athens. The German team is in second place in the three-day event which conclludes Wednesday. The US team is in fourth place heading into the final day. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Gymnasts watch as the Romanian flag is raised during the medal ceremony for the women’s team final Tuesday, August 17, 2004. Romania took the gold and the US women took the silver. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Michael Phelps is congratulated by his US swimming teamates after winning the gold medal in the 200m butterfly Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at teh Olympic Games in Athens. Phelps also received a gold medal Tuesday night swimming in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US 4x200m relay team members, left to right, Peter Vanderkaay, Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and in the foreground Klete Keller celebrate their gold medal win over silver medalists Australia Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Paul Hamm and trainer Don Rackey celebrate Hamm’s gold medal finish in the men’s all-around competition Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US gymnast Paul Hamm won the gold medal Wednesday, August 18, 2004 in the men’s all-around competition at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US gymnast Paul Hamm falls into the judges table on his vault Wednesday night, August 18, 2004 during the men’s all-around final at the Olympic Games in Athens. Hamm overcame the mishap to win the gold medal. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US gymnast Carly Patterson gets a lift and a hug from her coach, Yevgeny Marchenko after finishing her beam routinte Thursday,August 19, 2004 during the women’s all-around event at the Olympic Games in Athens. Patterson went on to win the gold medal. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US gymnast Carly Patterson competes on the vault Thursday,August 19, 2004 during the women’s all-around event at the Olympic Games in Athens. Patterson went on to win the gold medal. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US gymnast Carly Patterson is hoisted onto the shoulders of her coach, Yevgeny Marchenko after winning the gold medal Thursday,August 19, 2004 in the women’s all-around event at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)USA basketball team member Dwyane (cq) Wade Jr. leaps off the bench as the US team takes the lead for thie first time in their game vs. Australia Thursday, August 19, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. The US team trailed until halfway through the third quarter and ended up winning 89-79. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US swimmer Aaron Peirsol. top, and the rest of the field start the men’s 200m backstroke final Thursday, August 19, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Peirsol won the race and was then disqualified and subsequently reinstated and awarded the gold medal. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US swimmer Michael Phelps swims his way to his fourth gold medal of the games Thursday night, August 19, 2004 in the men’s 200m individual medley event at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Gymnast Shawn Johnson watches the US flags raised as the US National Anthem is played Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Johnson won the Gold Medal on the Balance Beam and teamate Nastia Liukin took the Silver. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US track team member Jeremy Wariner runs Friday, August 20, 2004 in a 400m qualifying qualifying heat in Athens Olympic Stadium during the first day of track and field at the Athens Olympic Games. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US rider Kyle Bennett, second from left (#88) leads the field on the first run of quarterfinal BMX heats Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. BMX is making its debut as an Olympic Sport in Beijing. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US swimmer Michael Phelps cheers on his teamates in the men’s 4x100m medley relay Saturday, August 21, 2004 on the final night of swimming at the Olympic Games in Athens. Phelps gave up his spot on the relay to another team member. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Beach Volleyball players Kerri Walsh, left, and Misty May-Treanor celebrate their Gold-Medal win Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Beach Volleyball player Kerri Walsh is congratulated by fans in the stands after she and Misty May-Treanor’s Gold Medal win Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Soccer team member Natasha Kai (#6) and other US teamates celebrate the US team’s 1-0 win over Brazil in the Gold Medal Soccer game Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Brazil’s Ester looks on in disbelief as US Soccer team members celebrate their 1-0 win over Brazil in the Gold Medal Soccer game Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)USA high jumper Jamie Nieto celebrates clearing 2.34 meters Sunday, August 22, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Nieto finished fourth in the competition. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)USA’s Justin Gatlin, right, celebrates his gold medal finish in the men’s 100 meters Sunday, August 22, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. At left is teamate Shawn Crawford, who finished fourth. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Ukraine wrestler Irini Merleni makes a surprising leap into the arms of match referee Georgios Chamakos after her upset win over Japan’s Chiharu Icho Monday, August 23, 2004 for the gold medal in women’s 48kg competition at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US women’s basketball team members including Lisa Leslie, center, sing the Star Spangled Banner Saturday, August 23, 2008 during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball in Beijing China. The US team defeated Australia to win the Gold Medal. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Members of the Canadian Synchronized Swimming team compete Saturday, August 23, 2008, in the Team Free event at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Canadian team placed 5th. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Women’s Volleyball team members get their hands up to block a spike during their Gold Medal match against Brazil Saturday, August 23, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Brazil won the match 3-1. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US beach volleyball teamatest Kerri Walsh, left, and Misty May celebrate Tuesday, August 24, 2004 following their gold medal win over Brazil in the women’s beach volleyball final at the Olympic Games in Athens. The other US team of Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs took the bronze medal. No US women’s volleyball team has medaled at the Olympic Games before. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US beach volleyball teamatest Kerri Walsh, bottom, and Misty May celebrate Tuesday, August 24, 2004 following their gold medal win over Brazil in the women’s beach volleyball final at the Olympic Games in Athens. The other US team of Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs took the bronze medal. No US women’s volleyball team has medaled at the Olympic Games before. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh celebrates with fans, family and friends Tuesday, August 24, 2004 following her and teamate Misty May’s gold medal win over Brazil in the women’s beach volleyball final at the Olympic Games in Athens. The other US team of Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs took the bronze medal. No US women’s volleyball team has medaled at the Olympic Games before. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Russia’s Serguey Moreyko (blue) and USA’s Rulon Gardner grapple during their 120kg match Tuesday, August 24, 2004 on the first day of greco roman wrestling competition at the Olympic Games in Athens. Gardner won the match. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Men’s Basketball team members Kobe Bryant and Michael Redd, right, embrace after their Gold Medal win over Spain Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)The US Men’s Basketball team celebrate their Gold Medal win over Spain Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Acrobadic performers and dancers take part in the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Games Sunday, August 24, 2008. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)A Canadian athlete sees how she measures up to Yao Ming while standing behind him during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Games Sunday, August 24, 2008. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Men’s Volleyball player Ryan Millar cries as he hugs teammate Scott Touzinsky following the US team’s Gold Medal win over Brazil Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)US Men’s Volleyball head coach Hugh McCutcheon hugs player Ryan Millar after the US team beat Brazil to win the Gold Medal Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. McCutcheon’s father-in-law was fatally stabbed in Beijing the day after Opening Ceremony. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Rulon Gardner watches the US flag raised Wednesday, August 25, 2004 during the medal ceremony for 120kg competition at the Olympic Games in Athens. Rulon took the bronze medal in the competition and officially retired from competition. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US wrestler Rulon Gardner leaves his shoes on the mat Wednesday, August 25, 2004 as a symbolic gesture to announce his retirement from wrestling. Gardner won the bronze medal Thursday night in the 120kg competition at the Olympic Games in Athens by beating Iran’s Sajed Barzi. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)(MARK REIS)Russia’s Rustem Sabirkhuzin crashes into an obstacle as his horse refuses a jump Thursday, August 26, 2004 during modern pentathlon competition at the Olympic Games in Athens. Sabirkhuzin finished the event in 10th place. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Lisa Leslie embraces teamate Dawn Staley (#5) Saturday, August 28, 2004 following the US team’s gold medal win over Australia in women’s basketball at the Olympic Games in Athens. Marik Reis photo (MARK REIS)Lisa Leslie celebrates the US women’s basketball team’s gold medal win over Australia Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Australia’s Alicia Poto tries to get past USA’s Tina Thompson, left, and Shannon Johnson in the closing minutes of the US team’s gold medal win Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)Rhythmic gymnast Anna Bessonova of Ukraine competes in the ribbon portion of individual all-around competition on her way to a bronze medal Sunday, August 29, 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Mark Reis photo (MARK REIS)US Olympic Boxing team flyweight Rau’Shee Warren kept a photo of his son on taped to his shoe Tuesday, August 5, 2008, during a training session at the team’s training facility at Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China. Warren’s son, Rau’Shee Warren, Jr, was exactly eitht months old on Tuesday. The Gazette, Mark Reis (MARK REIS)Fireworks explode from the Sydney Harbor Bridge Sunday night to end the Olympic Games. Reis photo (Mark Reis)The last torch used for an Olympic Games on US soil was this torch design for the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta. Photo Illustration by Mark Reis – FOR HISTORY OF THE TORCH STORY BY MERI-JO BORZILLERI (Mark Reis)USA’s Daron Rahlves takes the “Muzzle Loader” jump Sunday, February 10, during the Olympic men’s downhill competition at Snowbasin. Rahlves finished 16th. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Japanese speed skater Hiroyasu Shimizu is thrown into the air by his teamates after being awarded the gold medal in the 500 meter event Tuesday night in Nagano. Shimizu set an Olympic record and is only the second Japanese competitor to win an individual gold medal in the history of the Winter Games. Reis photo (time refs are Japanese)USA’S Ross Powers, center, celebrates with fellow Americans Danny Kass, left, and Jarret Thomas on the podium at the Olympic Medals Plaza Monday night. Americans swept the men’s halfpipe competition in Park City Monday afternoon with Powers getting the Gold, Kass the Silver and Thomas the Bronze. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Andrea Tagwerker of Austria flies past the Olympic Rings logo at about 124 mph Wednesday afternoon during the Women’s Single Luge competition at the Winter Olympic Games. Tagwerker placed 6th in the competition which was won by Silke Kraushaar of Germany. Reis photo ( all time refs Japanese)USA’s Gretchen Ulion (left) and Finland’s Kirsi Maaria Haenninen (cq) go for the puck during USA’s 4-2 win in women’s hockey on Wednesday Feb. 11, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. Jay Janner/The Gazette 2/11/98Japan’s Daigo Hara loses control during the Mens’ Moguls final Wednesday afternoon at Iizuna Kogen. The gold medal in the event went to the USA’s Jonny Moseley. Reis photoUSA’s Picabo Street receives a hug and a kiss from her mom, Dee, after finishing 16th in the Olympic Women’s Downhill Tuesday afternoon at Snowbasin. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Poland’s Adam Malysz flies off the K120 ski jump on his final jump Wednesday, February 13 at Utah Olympic Park. Malysz finished with the silver medal and also won a bronze medal in the K90 competition last Sunday. The gold medal was won by Switzerland’s Simon Ammann. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)US Ski Jumper Alan Alborn sails through the air on an early morning trial jump Wednesday, February 13 during individual K120 competition at Utah Olympic Park. Alborn was the highest finishing American and ended up in 34th place. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)US luger Brian Martin is embraced by his mother, Nancy Martin following his bronze medal finish in the doubles competition Friday at the Winter Olympic Games. Martin and teamate Mark Grimmette finished behind fellow Americans Chris Thorpe and Gordy Sheer who won the silver medal in the event. Reis photoJapanese lugers Takahisa Oguchi and Kei Takahashi crash into turn 12 February 15, 2002 in Doubles Luge competition at Utah Olympic Park. The Japanese team failed to finish the run. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Apolo Anton Ohno crashes into the wall after a collision cost him the gold medal in the men’s 1000m ifinal short track speed skating competition Saturday night, February 16, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Apolo Anton Ohno goes down along with Canada’s Mathieu Turcotte and Korea’s H\yun-Soo Ahn on the final lap of the men’s 1000m final short track speed skating competition Saturday night, February 16, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City. Ohno took the silver medal. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Apolo Anton Ohno, center, prepares to pass Korea’s Hyun-Soo Ahn during the men’s 1000m semifinal short track speed skating competition Saturday night, February 16, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City. Behind Ohno is Italy’s Fabio Carta. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)US Speed Skater Christine Witty on her way to a bronze medal finish in the Ladies’ 1500 meters speed skating event Monday in Nagano. She is the first American speed skater to medal in these games. Reis photoCanadian pairs skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, left, are joined by Russian skaters Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze on the podium after receiving their gold medal Sunday night, February 17, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Japan’s Kazuyoshi Funaki flies through heavy snow Tuesday morning on his first of two jumps in the 120 K Team Ski Jump event. His last jump of the day secured the gold medal for Japan at the event at Kakuba Ski Jumping Stadium. Reis photoUSA goalies Sara Decosta, left, and Sarah Tueting admire each others’ gold medals Tuesday night following their 3-1 win over Canada in Nagano. Reis photoUSA’s Catherine Granato drapes herself in the US Flag Tuesday night following a 3-1 win over Canada in the Gold Medal Game in Nagano. Reis photoMichelle Kwan during the short program that has her in first place going into Friday night’s final. Reis photoUSA’s Tara Lipinski is all smiles as she finishes her short program Wednesday night at the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano. Lipinski is in second place going into Friday’s long program. Reis photoTuesday, February 29, 2002-photo by Jerilee Bennett-Jill Bakken (front) and Vonetta Flowers (behind) celebrate at the end of their first run in which they set a course record for the women’s bobsleigh. Bakken and Flowers won the gold medal for United States at Utah Olympic Park on Tuesday. (Jerilee Bennett)Sarah Hughes celebrates the end of her short program Tuesday night, February 19, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Sasha Cohen during her short program Tuesday night, February 19, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Sasha Cohen leaps during her short program Tuesday night, February 19, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Michelle Kwan performs her spiral during the ladies figure skating short program Tuesday night, February 19, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Kwan leads after the short program. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Michelle Kwan gives a thumbs down to her technical scores after her short program Tuesday night, February 19, 2002 at the Salt Lake Ice Center. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Jim Shea leaps on his sled on his first of two runs in skeleton competition at Utah Olympic Park Wednesday, February 20, 2002. Shea won the gold medal in the event. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Jim Shea holds up a photo of his grandfather as he celebrates his gold medal win in skeleton competition at Utah Olympic Park Wednesday, February 20, 2002. Shea is a third generation Olympian whose grandfather was killed in a car accident about a month before the Olympic Games. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Silver medalist Lea Ann Parsley, left and gold medalist Tristan Gale, both of the United States, celebrate following skeleton competition at Utah Olympic Park Wednesday, February 20, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Michelle Kwan congratulates Tara Lipinski on the medal stand following the Ladies’ Free Skate Friday night in Nagano. Reis photoTara Lipinski reacts after completing her Free Skate Friday night in Nagano. Her performance was good enough to beat Michelle Kwan for the gold medal. Reis photoTara Lipinski admires her gold medal Friday night on the medal stand between silver medalist Michelle Kwan, left, and Lu Chen. Reis photoMichelle Kwan falls during her program tat the ladies free skate at the Salt Lake Ice Center Thursday night, February 21, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Bronze medalist MIchelle Kwan, right, and gold medalist Sarah Hughes listen to the national anthem during the medal ceremony at the ladies free skate at the Salt Lake Ice Center Thursday night, February 21, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Michelle Kwan and her father, Danny, wait for her scores during the ladies free skate at the Salt Lake Ice Center Thursday night, February 21, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Sarah Hughes gets a hug from her parents, John and Amy after her gold medal win in the ladies free skate at the Salt Lake Ice Center Thursday night, February 21, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)US figure skaters Nicole Bobek, left, and Tara Lipinski run together following closing ceremonies for the Olympic Winter Games Sunday night in Nagano. Reis photoFinland’s Kalle Palander upends course worker Ken Hardy after Palander lost control on his first fun in men’s slalom competition Saturday, February 23, 2002 at Deer Valley. Neither was injured in the mishap and Palander did not finish. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Performers during closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games Sunday, February 24, 2002 at Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Sergei Zacharenko of Belarus flies over the Olympic rings on his final jump of the day of Nordic Combined training at the Utah Olympic Park. Wednesday was the first day of official training at the ski jump hill. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)The olympic flame is lighted by Midori Ito at the opening ceremony of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano on 2/7/98 Mark reis/the GazetteJapanese Snow Monkeys relax in hot springs near the Kanbayashi Snowboard venue. Hundreds of the monkeys live in Jigokudani Park which is just a half mile from the snowboard halfpipe venue for the Winter Olympic Games. Reis photoA flag representing the Albertville Gameds is skated in to the stadium at Opening Ceremonies Friday night, February 8, 2002 at Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Kristi Yamaguchi skates at Opening Ceremonies Friday night, February 8, 2002 at Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)The flag from the World Trade Center Towers is carried into the stadium at Opening Ceremonies Friday night, February 8, 2002 at Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)US skaters Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman perform a death spiral Saturday night during competition in the Pairs Short Program at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)Canada’s Tami Bradley crashes at the Women’s Moguls Final at Deer Valley Saturday, February 9, 2002. Bradley finished the course but ended up in last place in the finals. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY MARK REIS Dancers’ shadows take on a life of their own as they take the form of ancient athletes towering above Olympic Stadium during Friday night’s Opening Ceremonies. (FNS)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK REIS–US Wrestler Matt Ghaffari of Colorado Springs wipes away a tear as he waits to receive his silver medal Tuesday night. Ghaffari lost to Russian Alexandr Karelin, 1-0, in the 130 kg. Greco-Roman finals. (MARK REIS)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK REIS–Amy Van Dyken of Englewood, Co., exults after winning the Olympic gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle Friday night with a time of 24.87.(Mark Reis/The Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph) (MARK REIS)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK REIS–Swimmer Amy Van Dyken, of Englewood, Co., lets her clothing do the talking as she thanks her fans after winning the gold medal in the 50 meter Freestyle Friday night with a time of 24.87. (MARK REIS)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK REIS–Michael Johnson of Dallas, Texas, celebrates after winning the 400-meter dash with an Olympic-record time of 43.49 seconds.(Mark Reis/The Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph) (MARK REIS)FREEDOM NEWS SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK REIS–Lisa Leslie, left, embraces teammate Venus Lacey after defeating Brazil 111-87 Sunday night to win the gold medal. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph) (MARK REIS)The Olympic Flame cauldron rises over the head of Australian track athlete Cathy Freeman after she lit it during Opening Ceeremony in Sydney Friday night. Reis photo (Mark Reis)The Olympic flame burns in the night sky above Sydney Olympic Stadium following Opening Ceremonies September 16, 2000. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Ed Moses, second from bottom, and Italy’s Domenico Fioravanti, third from bottom, and the rest of the 100 meter breaststroke field take to the pool at the start of Sunday night’s final in Sydney. Moses finished with the Silver and Fioravanti with the gold in the event. (Mark Reis)Swimmers photographed from below the water as they enter the pool at the start of the men’s 200 meter breaststroke semifinal Tuesday night in Sydney. The final of the 200 meter breaststroke will be held Wednesday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA swim team members mob teamate Misty Hyman (back to camera in USA jacket) Wednesday night after Hyman received her gold medal for the women’s 200 meter butterfly final at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Hyman was a surprise winner in the event, beating out favorite Australian Susie O’Neill for an Olympic record. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Misty Hyman looks up as the Star Spangled Banner finishes playing during her gold medal ceremony September 20 at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Hyman set an Olympic record in her surprise upset win over Australians Susie O’Neill and Petria Thomas. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Misty Hyman celebrates her gold medal finish in the women’s 200 meter butterfly final Wednesday in Sydnay. Hyman set an Olympic record in her surprise upset win over Australians Susie O’Neill and Petria Thomas. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Romanian gymnastics coach Octavian Belu puts gold medalist Andreea Raducan on his shoulders after her floor program won her the medal in the all-around competition Thursday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Romanian gymnastics coach Octavian Belu takes gold medalist Andreea Raducan into his arms after her floor program won her the medal in the all-around competition Thursday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Romania’s Andreea Raducan performs her floor exercise Thursday night in Sydney on her way to the gold medal in the all-around competition. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Divers from Great Britain Leon Taylor, left and Peter Waterfield competing Saturday in the first ever Olympic Synchronized Diving event. The Great Britain team finished fourth. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Marion Jones blows a kiss to her husband Saturday night following her gold-medal finish in the women’s 100 meter final at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Marion Jones celebrates her gold medal performance in the women’s 100 meter final Saturday night at Olympic Stadium in Sydney. In the background is Chandra Sturrup of Bahamas who finished sixth. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s James Carter (right) makes gestures to the other runners urging them to catch up to him before he crosses the finish line in the Men’s 400 m hurdles semifinal on Monday Sept 25, 2000, in Sydney. Jay Janner/The Gazette (Jay Janner)US pole vaulter Stacy Dragila on her way to clearing 4.55 meters Monday night in Sydney. Dragila won the gold medal in the first ever Olympic women’s pole vault final. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US pole vaulter Stacy Dragila celebrates after clearing 4.60 meters to win the gold medal Monday night in Sydney. Dragila won the gold medal in the first ever Olympic women’s pole vault final. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US pole vaulter Stacy Dragila hugs her husband, Brent Dragila Monday night after becoming the first ever Olympic gold medalist in the women’s pole vault. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Australia’s Cathy Freeman heads into the final straightaway on her way to winning the gold medal in the women’s 400 meter final Monday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Eric Fonoimoana, left, knocks teamate Dain Blanton into the sand following their gold-medal upset of Brazil’s Jose Marco Melo and Ricardo Santos in the beach volleyball final Tuesday afternoon at Bondi Beach. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US softball players (left to right, front row) Leah O’Brien-Amico, Laura Berg, Lisa Fernandez and Crystl Bustos celebrate their gold medal game win over Japan Tuesday night in Sydney. Laura Berg had the hit that drove in the winning run to end the game in extra innings. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US Softball players, left to right, Michelle Venturella, Michele Smith and Leah O’Brien-Amico celebrate their gold medal win over Japan Tuesday night in at the Olympic Games. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US softball players swarm teamate Laura Berg (obscured, in helmet) after her hit drove in the winning run in the US team’s win over Japan in the Gold Medal game Tuesday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US greco-roman wrestler Rulon Gardner is embraced by his father, Reed Gardner after upsetting Alexandre Kareline of the Russian Republic in the 130kg gold medal match Wednesday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)Norway’s Solveig Gulbrandsen, left, and USA’s Mia Hamm fight for the ball in the first half of USA’s 3-2 loss Thursday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US Soccer players Mia Hamm, foreground, and Julie Foudy react Thursday night to their overtime loss to Norway in the Olympic Gold Medal match. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA basketball player Sheryl Swoopes cries on the medal stand after she got her gold medal for beating Australia on Saturday Sept 30, 2000, in Sydney. Jay Janner/The Gazette (Jay Janner)USA’s Marla Runyan checks on teamate Suzy Favor Hamilton after Hamilton collapsed at the finish line of the women’s 1500 meter final Saturday night in Sydney. Favor Hamilton fell on the final straightaway but got up to finish the race in last place before collapsing. Runyan finished 8th. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US men’s 4×100 relay team members, left to right, Brian Lewis, Bernard Williams III, Maurice Greene and Jonathan Drummond celebrate their gold medal finish in the final Saturday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)US 4×400 relay team members, left to right, La Tasha Colander-Richardson, Jearl Miles-Clark, Marion Jones and Monique Hennagan celebrate their gold medal finish Saturday night. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA’s Michael Johnson crosses the finish line well ahead of the rest of the field for a gold medal in the men’s 4×400 meter relay Saturday night in Sydney. Reis photo (Mark Reis)USA basketball player Dawn Staley shows her sports bra after beating Australia for the gold medal on Saturday September 30, 2000. Jay Janner/The Gazette (Jay Janner)USA’s Natalie Williams jumps into the arms of her teammate Yolanda Griffith after the women’s basketball team beat Australia for the gold medal on Saturday Sept 30, 2000, in Sydney. Jay Janner/The Gazette (Jay Janner)Apolo Anton Ohno holds up his gold medal following the 1500m short track speed skating final at the Salt Lake Ice Center Wednesday, February 20, 2002. Mark Reis photo (Mark Reis)
