While there are many Olympic moments that are significant, some are more memorable than others. These are the longest jumps by Nadia Comaneci, the javelin throw record by Bob Beamon, and Greg Louganis' concussion during diving. You can read on to find out the most memorable moments from the Olympics. We'll also cover the history of diving, and the relationship between politics & sport.
Nadia Comaneci’s record-breaking long leap
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 name of Nadezhda. This means "hope." Comaneci has a brother, Adrian.
Olympic Games are timed events. The time limit for each event is twenty-three seconds. Comaneci's long jump time is almost one-half seconds faster than the world record. Her feat is an inspiration for 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. 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 young people to help them achieve their goals. He has also been an ambassador of 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 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 incident occurred when Louganis, the world's top diver, was in qualifying on a divingboard. He fell while performing an inverse two-and a-half pike. Louganis was treated at the hospital and returned to compete to win the gold medal. After suffering a head injury, Louganis was the first to defend the Olympic diving title. Louganis, who was then suffering from AIDS, revealed to Barbara Walters that he had contracted the disease in 1988 at the 1988 Games. However, this news was not to keep Louganis from competing, and he did test negative for HIV.
Louganis has been a champion diver for more than twenty years, winning gold medals in diving at 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 also won numerous other events in addition to the Olympic gold medals. In 1988, he was named ABC's "Athlete of the year".