For most athletes the dream of competing in the Olympic Games is just a dream. For most of those who reach the finals, the dream of a gold medal remains a dream. But this programme is about five athletes who between them won a total of 22 gold medals.

The Incredible Five are: Emil Zatopek of Czechoslovakia, who dominated distance running in the late 40s and early 50s; Paavo Ni'rmi, 'The Flying Finn', who did the same in the 20s; Fanny Blankers-Koen, the Dutch girl who survived the war in occupied Holland, and won four gold medals at Wembley in 1S48; the magnificent gymnast Vera Caslavska, Zatopek's compatriot, who won six gold and four silver medals in the 60s; and finally the American discus thrower Al Oerter, who in 12 years was never beaten in Olympic competition and won his fourth gold medal at the age of 32.

Cappy Productions Inc (New York) and 20th Century-Fox Television