There are many Olympic events, but there are only a few that stand apart. These are Nadia Comaneci’s longest leaps, Bob Beamon’s javelin throw world record, as well as Greg Louganis’ concussion when diving. Explore the following pages to see the most notable moments in the Olympics. We'll also cover the history of diving, and the relationship between politics & sport.
Nadia Comaneci’s world-record 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 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 timed events. Time limits are twenty-three second. Comaneci’s time in the long-jump is nearly one-half seconds quicker than the previous record. Her performance is an inspiration to all gymnasts. Olympics are one prestigious event. Nadia Comaneci has set a new record in long jump.
Bob Beamon's Javelin Throw Record
Even today, the world is still talking about Bob Beamon's record-breaking throw of the javelin during the London Olympics. Sports Illustrated magazine hailed this feat as one of five great sporting moments of 20th century. However, the veteran athlete is now well into his 70s and has other interests in addition to track and field. These include starting a business and helping young people reach their goals. He is also an ambassador for Special Olympics and hopes to continue his involvement in the Olympic movement.
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. Beamon's Olympic record for women has not been broken until now. 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 (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 received stitches at the hospital but was able return to compete and win his gold medal. He became the first man to defend the Olympic springboard diving title after suffering a concussion. 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. Louganis is only diver to have ever won multiple Gold Medals. His best results were from the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics. 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. In 1988, Louganis was named ABC's Athlete of the YEAR.