 Van den Hoogenband's international breakthrough came at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.Only 18 years old, he exceeded the expectations of many by finishing 4th in both the 100 m and 200 m freestyle.He won the 50 m freestyle B final, and finished 5th in the 4×100 m freestyle relay, 7th in the 4×200 m freestyle relay, and 10th in the 4×100 m medley relay.