There are many Olympic events, but there are only a few that stand apart. These include Nadia Comaneci's longest jump, Bob Beamon's javelin throw record, and Greg Louganis’ concussion while 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 long jump record
Nadia Comaneci set a new world record in long jump with her record-breaking leap at the 2012 Summer Olympics. It was the first time ever that a woman had broken the long throw world record. Comaneci was raised in Onesti, Romania. She trained at the Karolyi gymnastics school in Onesti, which was founded by her parents, Bela and Marta Onesti. Nadia is a diminutive version of Nadezhda which means "hope". Adrian is Comaneci's brother.
Olympic Games are a timed competition. The time limit is only twenty-three seconds. Comaneci's time on the long jump is nearly one-half second faster than the previous world record. Her feat is an inspiration for all gymnasts. 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. 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 has many interests beyond track and field. He is now well into 70s. These include business ventures, and working with youth to achieve their goals. He has even been an ambassador for the Special Olympics, so he still hopes to remain active in the Olympic movement.
The women's version of the javelin was not originally intended for use by men. However, it has been modified to be more accessible to women. In the late 1980s consecutive world records were set at around 80 meters. Beamon has held the world record for the longest time by a woman on the Olympic stage. Three of the greatest female long jumpers ever were part of the 1988 Olympics. Yelena Isinbayeva was the most prominent.
Greg Louganis' concussion in diving
Greg Louganis, the world's best diver, suffered a head injury while competing 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 taken to the hospital for stitches but was able to return to competition and won the gold medal. After suffering a concussion, he became the first man who defended the Olympic springboard diving title. Louganis admitted to Barbara Walters 1995 that he was suffering AIDS. The disease had been contracted during the 1988 Games. Louganis was able to compete despite this information. He did indeed test negative for HIV.
Louganis, a champion diver for over twenty years has won gold medals at the two 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 has won many gold medals at other competitions like the 1979 Pan American Games as well as the 1983 Summer Universiade. Louganis was also a winner of many other events. Louganis was also named ABC's "Athlete of the Month" in 1988.