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BOB BEAMON SETS THE LONG JUMP WORLD RECORD AT THE 1968 MEXICO CITY OLYMPICS How astounding was Beamon’s performance? The optic device judges used to measure the long jump could not register Beamon’s leap. They had to bring out an old-fashioned tape measure. The result: 29 feet, 2½ inches. Beamon had bested the world record by 21¾ inches. When Beamon realized what he had done, he fell to his knees on the track. His competitors helped him back to his feet. “I was thanking that good man up there for letting me hit the ground,” he said.
All the training leads to this: thousands of people in the stands, millions more at home, watching from every corner of the world, as an athlete steps up to seize an opportunity for Olympic glory. In one breathtaking instant—a lightning-fast finish, a soaring jump, an exquisite move—the “Olympic moment” fulfills four years’ worth of waiting for fans and a lifetime of hard work for the athlete.
When French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympics in 1896 as a modern sporting event, it’s unlikely he had any idea that they would grow into an international spectacle that would create countless legends and shape history.
In fact, the first modern Games, held in Athens, were a modest affair. Just 14 nations participated, and they were considered a success. But De Coubertin, passionate about the unifying power of sports, continued to build the event. By 1924 the modern Olympics were fully formed. Held in Paris, the Games featured more than 3,000 athletes, from 44 nations, including more than 100 women. The first Winter Olympics were also staged that year. In the decades since, the Olympics have showcased remarkable athleticism, courage, heart, and resolve. Here, we celebrate some of the most outstanding athletes who will never be forgotten.
MARK SPITZ WINS A HISTORIC SEVEN GOLD MEDALS AT THE 1972 OLYMPICS At the 1968 Games, Spitz fell short of his goal to sweep the six events he entered, and went home with only two golds. But the swimmer was determined to turn that disappointment into a new challenge and win all seven races in 1972. Not only did he pull off that record feat, he set seven world marks along the way. After the 1972 Games, Spitz, with this trademark mustache and good looks, became an instant commercial success, raking in $5 million in endorsements that year and appearing on television specials with comedians Bob Hope and Bill Cosby and singers Sonny and Cher.
THE UNITED STATES DEFEATS THE HEAVILY FAVORED SOVIET UNION AT THE 1980 LAKE PLACID OLYMPICS The joyous celebration following the greatest upset in sports history—dubbed the Miracle on Ice—was not confined to the rink. A rally soon choked the streets outside the arena, snarling traffic in Lake Placid. Across the country fans young and old stopped what they were doing to take in what had just happened. A team of no-name amateurs had beaten a hockey behemoth and U.S. political rival. “The first Russian I shook hands with had a smile on his face,” said Mark Johnson, who had scored two of the U.S. goals. “I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. We beat the Russians.”
GABBY DOUGLAS WINS THE INDIVIDUAL ALL-AROUND TITLE AT THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS Nicknamed the Flying Squirrel for her dynamic bar routine, 16-year-old Gabby Douglas displayed uncommon grace and poise on the balance beam. She led a U.S. team dubbed the Fierce Five to team gold in London, before becoming the first African-American gymnast to win individual all-around gold.
