Aug. 3, 1984

Mary Lou Retton knows she needs an outstanding performance in her final event to win the individual all-around Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles. A 9.95 would enable the 16-year-old pixie to tie for first place; a 10 would give her the gold by herself.

The nerveless Retton responds by being perfect on her vault -- a full back somersault in layout position with a full twist. She is the first American woman to win an Olympic medal of any kind in gymnastics.

"I vault best under pressure," says the 4-foot-9, 94-pound bundle of energy. "It makes me fight harder. I knew if I stuck that vault I'd win it. I kept thinking, 'stick, stick, stick.' I knew I had to get a 10." She certainly sticks it. She descends from her midair twisting and turning in perfect form, landing upright and rock still.