As the centennial Olympic Games come to Atlanta in 1996, and the sailing venue to Savannah, it is only fitting that the first modern Olympic champion had some connection to the state of Georgia, the city of Savannah, and the art of sailing. James Brendan Connolly was not only a terrific athlete, but a noted writer and adventurer. Moreover, he was the type of man who impressed even the President of the United States with his sterling qualities. The latter serve as a shining example a century after his initial Olympic exploits.