Olympic Moments That Redefined Human Limits: Olympic Games are not just about displaying athletic skills but also about shattering records and breaking limits that have only been set to eventually be surpassed. Some of the best athletes have broken their own records at the Olympic Games with skills that have inspired generations, and others have stayed determined to win in spite of any injuries or setbacks and have become legends as everyone watched them in awe. These are some of the moments in the history of the Olympics that remain unforgettable.
Bob Beamon’s long jump
Where: 1968 Summer Olympics, Mexico City
Bob Beamon’s long jump at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City truly redefined human limits. He set an astonishing world record of a high jump of 55 cms and won a gold medal. A measurement tape had to be used to check the distance of his jump in an old-fashioned way because officials and everyone else present there were equally shocked.
Abebe Bikila’s barefoot marathon
Where: The Olympic Marathon, Rome 1960
Adebe Bikila, a runner from Ethiopia, ran a marathon for 42.195 km barefoot in testing conditions. He had to run barefoot since he was added at the last moment, and the pair of shoes he tried on did not work for him. He ended up winning a gold medal in the marathon and became the first Black African Olympic gold medalist.
Read More
Usain Bolt’s sprint records
Where: Beijing and London (2008-2016)
Usain Bolt asserted his dominance in sprints when he won in all three events that included a 100m in 9.58 seconds, 200m in 19.19 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, and a 4x100m relay in 36.84 at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He displayed a level of speed that had not been seen before, and his confidence was exemplary, which led to celebrations of his win taking place even before he could cross the finish line.
Michael Phelps won Eight Gold Medals in a single Olympic Games
Where: 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing
Michael Phelps made a world record by winning his eighth gold medal in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games. He is considered to be one of the most successful Olympians of all time. Swimming is not an easy sport by any means, and for an athlete to not just compete but also win in eight events is truly extraordinary.
Kerri Strug’s One-Legged Vault
Where: 1996 Olympics, Atlanta
Kerri Strung had suffered from an ankle injury during the Olympics and still managed to not just participate but also win a gold medal for the U.S. in gymnastics. Her win is considered to be one of the most iconic wins in Olympic history as she landed on one leg on the mat. Her win was the first-ever win leading to a gold medal for the United Nations women’s gymnastics team.
READ MORE: The Greatest NBA Defenders Who Changed The Game Forever
