50 Stunning Olympic moments: Greg Louganis bounces back to win gold in Seoul - in pictures

Greg Louganis was already a double Olympic champion by the time of the Seoul Olympics in 1988. The American, born to Swedish and Samoan parents, had triumphed in the 3m springboard and 10m platform events at the Los Angeles Games in 1984 Photograph: Tony Duffy/Getty Images

He began the 3m springboard competition in Seoul as one of the veterans and with expectations high Photograph: Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images

But in the preliminary rounds, Louganis smashed the back of his head on the springboard during his descent Photograph: Rich Clarkson/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

A close-up shows the exact moment Louganis's head whacked the tip of the metal springboard midway through a reverse two and half twist pike Photograph: Brian Smith/AFP

Louganis's trajectory should have taken him well clear of the board Photograph: Katsumi Kasahara/AP

Instead he bombed into the pool in unsightly fashion, suffering a gash to his head, concussion and considerable embarrassment Photograph: Rich Clarkson/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

As Louganis received medical attention, the competition continued Photograph: Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images

Louganis came back to complete the preliminary round and then repeated his ill-fated dive in the final, where he won gold. Further success in the 10m final made Louganis the hero of the Games Photograph: Ed Reinke/AP

Having defended both his Olympic titles in the face of adversity, Louganis reveled in his victory Photograph: Brian Smith/AFP/Getty Images

No one at the Games knew at that time that Louganis had recently tested HIV positive. Concern for the safety of his fellow competitors surfaced when Louganis revealed his condition to the public many years later, but doctors suggested his actions had not endangered the health of his fellow divers. Though he was dropped by many of his sponsors, Speedo stood by his side. Ultimately, his gold medals in Seoul were the last major titles of his accomplished diving career Photograph: Ronald C. Modra/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image