There are many historic Olympic moments, but there are a few that stand out above all others. These are the longest jumps by Nadia Comaneci, the javelin throw record by Bob Beamon, and Greg Louganis' concussion during diving. Find out more about some of the most significant moments in the Olympics. We will also be discussing the history of diving as well as the relationship between politics and sport.
Nadia Comaneci’s world-record long jump
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 a Romanian citizen. 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 older brother.
Olympic Games are a timed competition. The time limit is only twenty-three seconds. Comaneci’s time in the long-jump is nearly one-half seconds quicker than the previous record. All gymnasts should be inspired by her performance. Olympics are one prestigious event. Nadia Comaneci has set a new record in long jump.
Bob Beamon’s record-breaking javelin throw
The world still talks about Bob Beamon’s record-breaking javelin throw during the London Olympics. Sports Illustrated magazine hailed this feat as one of five great sporting moments of 20th century. But, the veteran athlete has many interests beyond track and field. He is now well into 70s. These include helping young people achieve their goals and starting businesses. 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 late 1980s, consecutive world records were broken at close to 80 meters. Until now, no woman has broken Beamon's world record on the Olympic stage. 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
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. He was the first man to defend his 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 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. Louganis is also the only diver to have 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 also won numerous other events in addition to the Olympic gold medals. In 1988, Louganis was named ABC's Athlete of the YEAR.