Andre Ward of Oakland, California became the first American Boxing Gold Medalist since 1996. Ward outpointed Magomed Aripgadjiev of Belarus 20-13 in the gold medal match. Ward actually trailed going into the third round, but turned up the volume on Aripgadjiev with flurries. Ward's best punch of the fight was his left hook, which he used to comeback in the third round, and to stave off in the final round.

Most experts did not give the Americans much chance to win any gold, but Andre Ward proved them wrong. Ward ended an improbable run with the gold, the first American Light heavyweight to win gold since Andrew Maynard in 1988. Ward was one of two Americans to medal. Andre Dirrell of Flint, Michigan earned a Bronze medal in the middleweight division.

Congratulations to Andre Ward, 2004 United States Olympic Gold Medalist.

Questions? Comments? Write Tom Dickey

8-29-2004