Team GB exceeded all expectations last summer in London when they collected 65 medals - a figure that saw them finish third in the medal table. That was more than the likes of Germany, France and Australia managed to amass.

However, the Brits have not always been so successful at the Olympics. Back in 1996 in Atlanta, there were very few medal hopes. However, they were presented with three of their best opportunities on this very day.

First up was rowers Steve Redgrave (pre knighthood) and Matthew Pinsent in the coxless pairs. The defending champions from Barcelona four years earlier held a substantial lead at the halfway point, but as the finish line approached, the Australians were closing in.

Redgrave looked as though he had very little more to give, but Pinsent managed to produce enough power to claim Britain's first and only gold medal of the Games.

Later that day, another Brit who had success in Spain was competing in the final of the men's 100m. He may have been 36, but hopes had still been pinned on Linford Christie perhaps taking the bronze medal.

Two false starts saw Christie disqualified, though. He was visibly angered by the decision (or maybe just disappointed in himself), but replays showed that he was out of the blocks too early on both occasions.

Canada's Donovan Bailey claimed gold in a new world record time of 9.84 seconds and even Ato Boldon in third ran sub 10 seconds. In hindsight, it would have been extremely tough for Christie to get among the medals, but it still was not the way that he would have wanted his competitive career to have ended.

Another big British hopeful, Jonathan Edwards, also failed to land gold in the triple jump at the same time. He had been the favourite heading into the event, but had to settle for silver behind Kenny Harrison, who set a new Olympic record of 18.09m.