LIVE from Athens: Sunday, BBC Two, 1530-1800

Since their inception in 1896 the modern Olympics have produced countless moments of sporting triumph and drama.

Their impact has also stretched far beyond the field of play into the world of politics - a battleground where a win on the track is worth far more than a medal.

Jesse Owens ran against an ideology when he won the men's 100m at the 1936 Berlin Games.

Cathy Freeman won for her country and the recognition of the Australian Aborigines when she took gold in the women's 400m at Sydney.

And Steve Redgrave proved that neither age nor illness is a barrier when he took his fifth Olympic gold in the coxless four at the 2000 Games.

MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES 1924: Eric Liddel 1936: Jesse Owens 1948: Fanny Blankers-Koen 1960: Cassius Clay 1972: Olga Korbutt 1984: Daley Thompson 1996: Michael Johnson 2000: GB coxless four

Earlier in the year, viewers voted for their top 50 Olympic memories on the BBC Sport website - and the results will be revealed on Sunday.

Hazel Irvine will be live in Athens to guide you through your choices.

We'll have those winning runs, leaps and throws in full, plus the memories of the athletes who were there.

Tune in for interviews with Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz, Bob Beamon, Cathy Freeman, Linford Christie, Michael Johnson and Denise Lewis.

During the show we'll also be live with Steve Cram at Britain's Olympic base in Cyprus, Sue Barker with the team's sailors and Steve Rider at the rowing camp.