The 100 greatest Olympians and Paralympians

The Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games form the greatest sporting extravaganza in the world.

Athletes from more than 200 countries, competing in more than two dozen sports and disciplines, battle each other for the glory of the podium. "The 100 Greatest Olympians and Paralympians" is a celebration of the cream of world sporting endeavour stretching back 112 years.

These 100 legends from the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games were more than special athletes, they took their sports to new levels of excellence.

Each one's achievements are described, not only in context of their extraordinary feats but also how, in many cases, they changed public perception.

Some, like Jesse Owens in 1936, became torch-bearers for social change, others, such as Usain Bolt in 2008, simply made their sport 'cool' again.

Each biography has been painstakingly researched and is complemented by outstanding photographs capturing the essence of sporting greatness.