There are many Olympic moments but there are few that stand out. These are Nadia Comaneci’s longest jumps, the Bob Beamon javelin throw records, and Greg Louganis’ concussion from diving. Continue reading to learn about the most important moments of the Olympics. We'll also cover the history of diving, and the relationship between politics & sport.
Nadia Comaneci's record-breaking long jump
Nadia Comaneci broke the world record for long jump at the 2012 Summer Olympics. This was the first time that a woman has broken the long jump record. Comaneci was born in Onesti, Romania. Bela Onesti and Marta Onesti were the first to establish the Karolyi gymtics school in Onesti. Nadia is a diminutive name of Nadezhda. This means "hope." Comaneci has a brother, Adrian.
Olympic Games are timed events. Time limits are twenty-three second. Comaneci is almost one-half second faster than any previous world record in the long jump. All gymnasts should be inspired by her performance. Olympics are a prestigious event, and Nadia Comaneci’s world-record long jump is a testimony to her brilliance.
Bob Beamon's record-breaking javelin throw
Bob Beamon's world-record javelin throw at the London Olympics is still being talked about today. Sports Illustrated magazine has hailed this feat among the five most memorable sporting moments in the 20th century. However, the veteran athlete is now well into his 70s and has other interests in addition to track and field. These include business ventures, and working with youth to achieve their goals. He has been an ambassador to the Special Olympics.
Unlike the women's javelin, which was originally designed for men to use, the women's javelin has undergone significant changes to allow more women to compete. In the 1980s, there were consecutive world records at 80 meters. Beamon's Olympic record for women has not been broken until now. However, in the 1988 Olympics, three of the greatest women's long jumpers in history took part, with the most notable being Yelena Isinbayeva.
Greg Louganis' concussion in diving
The world's top diver, Greg Louganis, has suffered a concussion while diving at the London Olympics. The incident occurred during qualifying on a diving board, where he slipped while performing a reverse two-and-a-half pike. Louganis was treated at the hospital and returned to compete to win the gold medal. After suffering a concussion, Louganis became the first man in history to defend the Olympic Springboard Diving title. Louganis revealed to Barbara Walters in 1995 that he was suffering from AIDS, and that he had contracted the disease during the 1988 Games. Louganis tested negative for HIV, but this did not stop him from competing.
Louganis, a champion diver for over twenty years has won gold medals at the two Summer Olympics. He is the only diver who has won multiple Gold Medals. His 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics were his best results. He has also won numerous gold medals at different competitions, such as the 1979 Pan American Games (Pan American Games) and the 1983 Summer Universiade. Louganis has also won numerous other events. He was even named ABC's "Athlete of the Year" in 1988.