Joaquim Cruz, the only Brazilian to win the Olympic gold medal on the track, showed early his potential and, with just 18 years old, he broke the 800m junior world record with the time of 1:44.3. Later, he moved to United States where he became, in 1984, university champion in 800m and 1,500m. 

With this great background, Joaquim Cruz arrived to the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games among the favorites and confident to win the gold medal. He was well prepared and gradually improved the times in the qualifying rounds: 1:45.66, 1:44.84 and 1:43.82. In the final, he won the gold medal with the new Olympic record of 1.43.0.

Four years later, in Seoul Olympic Games, Joaquim Cruz achieved easily the 800m final. The period between Los Angeles and Seoul was glorious (Joaquim ran the second best time for the 800m with 1:41.77) but also replete of injure problems. However, Joaquim was in shape and had great chances to win his second gold medal, but a Kenyan surpassed him just 50 meters to the finish. Joaquim Cruz earn the silver medal with the time of  1:43.90.

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