There are many Olympic events, but there are only a few that stand apart. These are the longest jumps by Nadia Comaneci, the javelin throw record by Bob Beamon, and Greg Louganis' concussion during diving. Explore the following pages to see the most notable moments in the Olympics. We'll also discuss the history of diving and the relationship between sport and politics.
Nadia Comaneci's long jump record
The record-breaking long jump by Nadia Comaneci at the 2012 Summer Olympics is the first time a woman has ever broken the long jump world record. Comaneci was originally from Onesti in Romania. Bela Onesti and Marta Onesti, her parents, founded the Karolyi gymnastics academy in Onesti. Nadia is a diminutive name of Nadezhda. This means "hope." Adrian is Comaneci's brother.
Olympic Games are timed events. Time limits are twenty-three second. Comaneci has a time of nearly one-half second quicker than the previous world record for the long jump. Her performance is an inspiration to all gymnasts. The Olympics are one of the most prestigious events, and Nadia Comaneci's record-breaking long jump is an example of her brilliance and talent.
Bob Beamon's world-record javelin throw
Bob Beamon's incredible throw of the javelin at the London Olympics remains a topic of conversation today. This feat has been hailed by Sports Illustrated magazine as one of the five greatest sporting moments of the 20th century. But the veteran athlete is now in his 70s and has other interests, aside from track and field. These include business ventures, and working with youth to achieve their goals. He has been an ambassador to the Special Olympics.
The women’s javelin has had significant modifications to enable more women to compete, unlike the original men's javelin. In the 1980s, successive world records were broken at almost 80 meters. Until now, no woman has broken Beamon's world record on the Olympic stage. But, in 1988 Olympics, three of history's greatest long jumpers for women took part in the event, with Yelena Andinbayeva being the most notable.
Greg Louganis' concussion in diving
Greg Louganis (world's best diver) suffered a concussion during his dive at the London Olympics. The accident occurred while Louganis was qualifying on a dive board. He fell while performing a reverse 2-and-a-half-pike. Louganis was treated at the hospital and returned to compete to win the gold medal. He became the first man to defend the Olympic springboard diving title after suffering a concussion. Louganis disclosed to Barbara Walters, 1995, that he was suffering with AIDS. He had also contracted the disease at the 1988 Games. Louganis did not stop competing, however, as he tested negative for HIV.
Louganis is a champion diver who has won two gold medals in diving at the Summer Olympics. He is the only diver to ever win multiple Gold Medals. His best results were at the 1988 and 1984 Summer Olympics. He went on to win many gold medals at various competitions including the 1979 Pan American Games, and the 1983 Summer Universiade. Louganis has also won numerous other events. In 1988, ABC named Louganis the "Athlete of the Years".