Nothing good was supposed to come of the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

There were rumors of bomb threats, terrorism and other security issues.

The BALCO drug scandal consumed the U.S. team with top American athletes Tim Montgomery and Marion Jones under investigation.

Athens officials weren’t even sure the facilities would be completed on time.

I was worried that these Olympics wouldn’t live up to my past experiences watching the Games.

Growing up, I watched as much of the Olympics as I could. Not because I loved the suspense of synchronized swimming or the bets I placed on the archery competition, but because the Olympics give spectacular moments on a worldwide scale.

I remember the 1992 Dream Team dominating nations by an average of 43 points and then stopping to sign autographs for the star-struck opposition following the drubbing.

There was British sprinter Derek Redmond pulling up lame in a 1992 400-meter semifinal, only to have his father come down from the stands to help him finish the race.

In 1996, there was Kerri Strug, hampered by a sore leg, completing her final vault to give the U.S. women’s gymnastics team the gold.

And in 2000, American wrestler Rulon Gardner defeated the supposedly unbeatable and previously undefeated Russian Alexandre Kareline in the super heavyweight gold medal match.

These are the moments that make the common person feel the Olympic spirit. These are the moments people remember and for perhaps one moment, are the same moments that make people forget the problems in the world.

With so many concerns this year, these moments were expected to be absent.

But what was supposed to be a disaster in Athens ended up one of the best Games in recent memory and left fans wanting more.

The Athens games are being praised for their organization, security, outstanding facilities and, most of all, for the unforgettable moments that occurred.

Gymnasts Carly Patterson and Paul Hamm became the first American duo to win individual all-around gold medals in the same Olympics. Amid controversy, they should be coming to a Wheaties box near you.

The Iraqi soccer team gave its nation something to be proud of by reaching the medal round. It’s funny what you can accomplish without the threat of death looking over your shoulder.

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobli thrilled basketball fans by dropping 29 points on the United States and leading his team from Argentina to a gold medal victory over Italy.

Allan Iverson showed everyone his true self by saying it was a pleasure just to be playing for his nation and having the opportunity to compete for the bronze medal. While younger teammates Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony pouted about playing time, Iverson was the heart and soul of the latest “Dream Team.”

However, the real dream teams were of the opposite sex.

The women’s softball team outscored opponents 51-1 and won a gold medal for coach Mike Candrea who lost his wife only a month ago.

Women’s soccer overcame a tough Brazil team to win a double overtime game, ending the careers of Mia Hamm and four of her teammates on a winning note.

The women’s basketball team and the beach volleyball tandem of Misty May and Kerri Walsh made mincemeat of their competition.

In wrestling, one career continued undefeated as Cael Sanderson won gold, and Rulon Gardner’s career ended with a bronze medal around the neck and a pair of shoes on the mat.

The 22-year-old Justin Gatlin proved himself to be the next big thing in American track by coming out of nowhere to win the fastest 100-meter field in Olympic history and garnering two more medals.

And another star was born in the pool: In search of Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals, 19-year-old American swimmer Michael Phelps instead won six golds, two bronzes and the respect of everyone by giving up his spot in the 400-meter medley relay to teammate Ian Crocker.

These were the moments that no one could have predicted and no one will forget when they look back at the 2004 Olympics.

With the next summer Olympic Games four years away, I only have a few bits of advice.

Michael Phelps, come back and win some more.

Paul Hamm, lock the gold medal somewhere in your house before South Korea or the International Olympic Committee comes looking for it. I cannot tell the difference between 9.8 and 9.7 scores, but you did some things I could never do. And you deserve it.

Jennie Finch, the White Sox could use some pitching.

Allen Iverson, start recruiting some real NBA stars because you proved to be our captain.

Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Brandi Chastain and Kristine Lilly, put your feet up. You will forever be champions.

Gymnastics judges, diving judges and any other sport that judges mainly on subjectivity, develop a solid scoring system that people can follow and that will help you avoid the embarrassment you endured in 2004.

And Beijing, you have your work cut out for you.

Jeff Feyerer is a senior in communications. He can be reached at [email protected].