On a bright Athens afternoon, the ancient sporting ghosts of Panathinaiko Stadium could almost be heard whispering their approval of the action that unfolded in front of a thrilled crowd of 5000 people.

The day started with 16 archers left in the event. It ended with the young Galiazzo, just 21, beating popular Japanese veteran Hiroshi Yamamoto 111-109 in the 12-arrow final after a fantastic day of brilliant shooting, surprise upsets and sensational drama.

For Yamamoto, 41, it was his second medal. He won the bronze individual medal in 1984 when his Athens conqueror Galiazzo was just a year old.

Australia’s Tim Cuddihy, the junior world champion, beat Great Britain’s Laurence Godfrey in the bronze medal final 113-112. Such was the quality of the shooting that Cuddihy placed third despite setting a new Olympic record for the Finals Round with a score of 340 for 36 arrows.

Galiazzo dedicated his gold medal to his parents back in his hometown of Padova.

"It is an incredible experience to know that everything you have worked for over the last four years can come together in one day," said Galiazzo, the 2004 European champion.

"I tried to shoot as I always do and I was very concentrated. I didn’t expect this medal and now I will try to repeat it in the team competition."

The day’s two sessions produced enough highlights for a week of action. The major shock was the early exit of the feared trio from Korea. Cuddihy was the giant-killer, defeating Jang Yong Ho 166-165 on the final arrow of their 18-arrow 1/8 match, then scoring another thrilling final arrow win against Park Kyung Mo 112-111.

It was left to Yamamoto, the iron horse of world archery who has competed in 12 consecutive world championships and five Olympics, to upset the top-ranked Korean, teenager Im Dong Hyun. As the crowd watched stunned, Japan’s idol won a seesawing, edge-of-the-seat spectacle 111-110.

The semi-finals pitted Galiazzo against Godfrey and Yamamoto against Cuddihy. Galiazzo trailed for much of his match, but his 10-10-10 final end put paid to the gallant Godfrey’s gold medal chase. The final score was 110-108.

The second semi-final produced one of the greatest matches ever seen in the sport. The veteran Yamamoto, one of archery’s most respected and likeable figures, triumphed in a classic match of excellence.

With Yamamoto leading by three points entering the final end, the cool Cuddihy closed with 10-10-10 to level the score at 115-115 after twelve arrows – a new Olympic record for both men. In the tie-breaker, Yamamoto shot first and scored a perfect 10. Cuddihy stepped up to be greeted by silence – 5000 people in the ancient stadium were holding their breath. He shot a nine to give the match to Yamamoto.

The hot shooting continued in the medal finals. Cuddihy beat Godfrey 113-112 for the bronze medal, riding a four-point cushion into the final end as Godfrey closed with a 9-10-10 to the Australian’s 10-8-8. It was Australia’s second archery medal after Simon Fairweather’s gold in Sydney.

For Cuddihy, it was a just reward for a brilliant day of shooting in which he beat two higher-ranked Koreans and set two Olympic records.

"I said to myself just stay focused, shoot and be cool," explained Cuddihy of his success.

As the two finalists walked out for the gold medal match, the crowd was alive with cheers and waving flags. A large delegation of Japanese and Italian fans packed the stands, and more than 50 media representatives were present from each country.

Yamamoto led 28-27 after the first end, with Galiazzo taking the lead in the second end to be up 56-55 at the half. He extended that lead by a point in the third end, then closed with a final end of 9-9-9 to Yamamoto’s 10-8-9 to earn his famous victory.

In the best possible manner, the two men both enjoyed the cheers of thousands as their nations celebrated their success. Panathinaiko, in its 2300 years of history, has seen many great feats. Today, archery produced its own spectacle for the ages which will be remembered by many years by all who witnessed it.

With the women’s individual gold medal being won by Korea’s Park Sung Hyun, Italy joins them at the top of the medal table. The women’s team event is tomorrow (Friday), with the men’s event on Saturday.