United States at the 1912 Summer Olympics the first Olympic pentathlon competition. George S. Patton, who would become a famous general during World War II, excelled in the military-influenced set of events. Patton finished in fifth place; he was the only non-Swede among the top seven finishers. Twenty six shooters represented the United States. It was the nation's third appearance in shooting. The Americans won a total of 14 medals, half of which were gold. Only the host nation, Sweden, did better (with two more silver medals and one more bronze). A single tennis player represented the United States at the 1912 Games. It was the nation's
Cross-country skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics – Men's 15 km Cross-country skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics – Men's 15 km The 15 kilometre cross-country skiing event was part of the cross-country skiing programme at the 1984 Winter Olympics, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. It was the eighth appearance of the event at its length of 15 km. The competition was held on Monday, February 13, 1984 at Veliko Polje, Igman. Of the 91 athletes who started the race, 8 did not finish or were disqualified. Gunde Svan of Sweden won gold, his first Olympic gold medal, being the youngest ever Olympic cross-country gold medallist. Defending Olympic champion and fellow Swede, Thomas