Athletes have always pushed the boundaries of human capability. They have provided us with jaw-dropping entertainment and achievements that leave us in awe. Generations of sportsmen and women have continued to inspire fans in their pursuit of being the very best.
Sports teams alike have gone on to hold remarkable records within their disciplines, some of which remain to this day. Some of these events go beyond just sport and connect us on a social and cultural level.
We take a step back in time at some of the most outstanding performances to date in a variety of sports:\
Iconic Moments
The 1936 Berlin Olympics
Jesse Owens was an African American track and field athlete who won 4 Olympic Gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Not only was this a phenomenal achievement, but at the time it defied Adolf Hitler’s notions of Aryan supremacy. This performance picked apart the theory of racial superiority. A true example of an iconic sporting moment in history.
Black Power Salute: 1968 Olympics
On one of the biggest sporting stages in the world, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists on the podium. This was not only done as a celebration, but it was a powerful stand against racial injustice and inequality. The image was captured beyond the sporting world which started conversations about social change and inequality.
Lake Placid, New York: 1980s Winter Olympics
During the 1980s Winter Olympics, The United States ice hockey team made up of collegiate athletes took on favourites, the Soviet Union. In a nail-biting finish with 11 minutes left on the clock, the United States scored to defeat the Soviet Union with a score of 4-3. This moment was significant as it was a symbol of the Cold War during a geopolitical tense period between the United States and the Soviet Union. This win was a great morale booster for the American people and saw a nation come together. The United States would go on to clinch a gold medal in ice hockey at the games.
The Rise Of A Legend: Muhammad Ali – The “Phantom Punch”
A boxing genius with a charismatic persona, Ali wasn’t to everyone’s liking. Nobody could dispute his boxing IQ and ability. During a 1965 bout against Sonny Liston, Ali would go on to shock the world. A seemingly harmless right hook connected with Sonny Liston’s jaw, sending him to the canvas. The punch would later be dubbed as the “phantom punch” and would be a statement to the boxing world. Ali would forever be known as a legend from this day on.
Achievements That Still Inspire
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game
Representing the Philadelphia Warriors in 1962 playing against the New York Knicks, in an individual masterclass, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points that night. This record by a single player in a game has been etched into the National Basketball Association (NBA) history books forever. It is an astonishing performance and a display of athletic dominance which is a testament to the talent of Chamberlain. The record stands today and asks the question if an NBA player will ever go on to break it.
The 4-Minute Mile: Robert Bannister
If you’re a runner you will know that breaking the 4-minute mile is quite an achievement. In 1954 at the age of 25, Roger Bannister was the first person to break the 4-minute mile coming in at a speedy 3:59.4. At the time this was seemingly impossible, but Bannister showed that with the right mindset, determination and grit that one could achieve the almost impossible. To date, 1,755 athletes have broken the 4-minute mile as runners continue to push the benchmark in the pursuit of being the fastest runners on the planet.
NFL Playoff Game: 1972 The Pittsburgh Steelers
American football is a game of skill and strength, and the National Football Association (NFL) is the top echelon that every collegiate football athlete strives to make. In this sport, miracles do happen as Franco Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers showed us during a National Football Association (NFL) playoff game in 1972 against the Oakland Raiders. Harris made a phenomenal catch off a deflected pass scoring the winning touchdown. The play went down as one of the most famous in the history of the NFL.
Records That Represent Excellence
Grand Slam Domination
Serena Williams, one of the biggest names in tennis and a champion within the sport has become a cultural icon for many outside of tennis. She holds 23 grand slam titles in the Open Era. Notorious for her powerful display both on and off the court as she shattered gender barriers and continues to inspire a generation of athletes.
Olympian Bolt Of Lightning
Widely considered one of the greatest athletes in the world and an 8-time Olympic Gold medallist, Usain Bolt was given the nickname “Lightning Bolt” for a very good reason as he went on to dominate sprint races for a decade. Setting numerous sprint records, his most inspiring and seemingly untouchable world record in the 100-metre sprint stands tall clocking in at an official time of 9.58 seconds. Bolt is also the only Olympic sprinter to win the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4 x 100-meter relay sprint for 3 consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016).
1976 Olympics: A Perfect 10
Nadia Com?neci, a Romanian gymnast, was the first gymnast in Olympic history to score a perfect 10 at the Canadian Games in 1976. She achieved this on the uneven bars and her astonishing performance was celebrated worldwide. Com?neci would leave the games with 3 gold medals, a silver and a bronze. A truly incredible individual performance.
Drawing The Curtains
As we close the curtains on this historic chapter, we reflect on the world of sport and the plethora of memorable moments it has given us. Fans have been treated to record-breaking moments, miracle plays and impactful champions who have made a positive impact on society. These champions have been immortalised not just in newsprint and TV, they’re everywhere from computer games to the games available at ZAR Casino South Africa, and their greatness lives on.
The history of sport and the achievements of athletes will be spoken about for generations to come. A feeling of anticipation builds as we wait to see who the next rising star will be to break records.