30+ Greatest Sports Moments of the Past 100 Years
1973: The Battle of the Sexes – Billie vs Bobby
Honored Athlete: Billie Jean King
Sport Category: Tennis (Battle of the Sexes)
Date of Event: October 20, 1973
The Battle of the Sexes in 1973 is one of the most significant events in sports history, and it featured two incredible athletes: Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. At just 29 years old, King faced off against the 55-year-old former tennis champion Riggs in a match that went far beyond just tennis. They were competing for a prize of $100,000, but more importantly, they were fighting for respect and recognition for women in sports.
Billie Jean King’s determination and skill shone brightly that day as she defeated Riggs in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. Her victory was a pivotal moment that changed perceptions about women’s sports and showcased the power of female athletes.
Beyond her win on the court, King has always been a champion for gender and social equality. She played a crucial role in founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), advocating for equal pay and opportunities in sports. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that age and gender do not define ability or potential.
Billie Jean King’s impact continues to resonate today, inspiring athletes and advocates around the world to fight for equality and make their voices heard. Her match with Riggs wasn’t just about tennis; it was a landmark moment in the ongoing battle for women’s rights in sports and beyond!
1976: The First “Perfect 10”
Honored Athlete: Nadia Comaneci
Sport Category: Gymnastics
Date of Event: July 19, 1976
Nadia Comaneci was just 14 years old when she became a sports legend in 1976. At the Montreal Olympics, she performed with such grace and precision on the uneven bars that she earned the first-ever “perfect 10” in gymnastics history. This groundbreaking achievement not only changed the course of her career but also transformed the world of sports for young girls everywhere.
In that unforgettable competition, Nadia went on to win multiple medals for the Romanian Olympic team, dazzling audiences with her talent. Interestingly, the scoreboards at the time weren’t even equipped to display a perfect score of “10,” which was almost unheard of. Instead, they showed “1.00” when she first achieved that perfect mark!
Nadia’s accomplishments inspired countless athletes and paved the way for future generations of gymnasts, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and dedication. Her legacy continues to motivate young girls to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond, making her a true icon in the world of athletics!
Image via Wikipedia
1976: The Hamill Camel
Honored Athlete: Dorothy Hamill
Sport Category: Figure Skating
Date of Event: Winter Olympics 1976
Dorothy Hamill’s journey in figure skating began at a young age, and by the time she was 12, she was already competing. After years of hard work and dedication, she reached the pinnacle of her sport at the Winter Olympics when she was just 20 years old.
At the 1976 Olympics, Dorothy captivated audiences with her grace and confidence on the ice, earning her the gold medal and the affectionate title of “America’s Sweetheart.” Her performance was not only technically impressive but also full of emotion, which resonated with fans around the world.
In addition to her Olympic triumph, Dorothy is also known for creating the elegant “Hamill Camel” move, a beautiful combination of a camel spin and a sit spin. This signature move further showcased her creativity and skill, making her a standout in the world of figure skating.
Dorothy Hamill’s legacy goes beyond her gold medal; she inspired many young skaters to follow their dreams and brought a new level of popularity to the sport. Her achievements and charm continue to be remembered, making her a beloved figure in Olympic history!
1978: The Literal Neck and Neck Race
Honored Athlete: Affirmed
Sport Category: Horse Racing
Date of Event: June 10, 1978
While horse racing might not seem like a traditional individual sport, the bond between rider and horse is vital, making it a unique showcase of teamwork. One of the most thrilling moments in horse racing history came during the 1978 Kentucky Derby, which featured an intense rivalry between two incredible horses: Affirmed and Alydar.
This was the tenth time these two champions faced off, and their races were nothing short of electrifying. Each time, they were literally neck-and-neck, with Alydar finishing just behind Affirmed. When Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby that year, he didn’t just claim victory in one race; he went on to secure the elusive Triple Crown, which consists of winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same season.
Affirmed’s triumph was especially significant because it marked the eleventh Triple Crown win in history—and it would be nearly 40 years before another horse would achieve this feat. The excitement of the race, combined with the fierce rivalry, made it a memorable event for fans and solidified Affirmed’s place in horse racing lore. His legacy continues to inspire both horse racing enthusiasts and future champions!
Image via Visindar / Wikipedia
1980: Sleeping In the Day of the Big Race
Honored Athlete: Eric Heiden
Sport Category: Speed Skating
Date of Event: February 23, 1980
Eric Heiden’s remarkable achievements at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid are a defining moment in sports history. He became the first athlete to win five individual gold medals in speed skating, an accomplishment that showcased not just his talent but also his incredible determination and skill.
What makes Heiden’s story even more captivating is the context around his final race. The night before, he watched the unforgettable hockey match between the U.S. and the Soviet Union—a game that is often remembered as a pivotal moment in Olympic history. The excitement of that match kept him up late, leading to a bit of a scramble the next morning as he struggled to wake up on time for his final event.
Despite the lack of sleep and the rush to get to the rink, Heiden not only made it just in time but also delivered a stunning performance. He set a new world record during that race, clinching his fifth gold medal and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time.
His triumph is a reminder that even in the face of challenges and distractions, extraordinary achievements are possible. Eric Heiden’s legacy continues to inspire athletes to pursue excellence, no matter the circumstances!
1984: The First Spokeswoman for the Breakfast of Champions
Honored Athlete: Mary Lou Retton
Sport Category: Gymnastics
Date of Event: August 3, 1984
Mary Lou Retton is a true icon in the world of gymnastics, and her journey to stardom in the 1984 Olympics is nothing short of inspiring. Not only was she the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal, but she also brought home five medals in total, capturing the hearts of fans around the world.
Before her Olympic success, Retton faced a significant setback when she injured herself during a floor routine just prior to the Games. Despite this challenge, she worked incredibly hard to recover and make it to the Olympics, showcasing her determination and resilience. Her dedication paid off, and she achieved her dream of emulating her idol, Nadia Comaneci, who had set the bar high in gymnastics.
Beyond her Olympic accomplishments, Mary Lou became a household name and the first model for Wheaties, known as the “Breakfast of Champions.” She was also honored as Sportswoman of the Year and Amateur Athlete of the Year, further solidifying her impact on the sports world.
Mary Lou Retton’s legacy goes beyond her medals; she inspired a generation of young athletes, especially girls, to pursue their dreams in sports. Her story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself!
Image by Focus On Sport / Contributor / Getty Images (645869636)
1988: The Fastest Woman of All Time
Honored Athlete: Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo)
Sport Category: Track & Field (Running)
Date of Event: September 25, 1988
Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as Flo Jo, left an indelible mark on the world of athletics, captivating fans not only with her incredible speed but also with her distinctive style, including her eye-catching nail art. While she made a splash during the 1984 Olympics, it was in 1988 that she truly cemented her legacy as the fastest woman in history.
During the 1988 Summer Olympics, Flo Jo delivered a stunning performance, shattering records with her remarkable speed. She ran the 100-meter dash in an astonishing 10.49 seconds, a time that was groundbreaking and set her apart as a true champion. This record was so impressive that it stood for twenty years, with no man able to surpass it during that time. To this day, Flo Jo still holds the women’s 100-meter world record, a testament to her extraordinary talent.
Her achievements went beyond just winning races; Flo Jo became a symbol of excellence in track and field, inspiring countless athletes, especially women, to chase their dreams. Her combination of speed, style, and charisma made her a beloved figure in sports history, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of runners!
1994: Banned from the USFSA
Honored Athlete: Tonya Harding
Sport Category: Figure Skating
Date of Event: January 6, 1994
The story of Tonya Harding is one of the most controversial and dramatic moments in sports history. At the 1994 Winter Olympics, the world was stunned by a shocking attack on fellow figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. As medical personnel escorted Kerrigan away, she famously asked, “Why?”—a question that echoed the confusion and outrage surrounding the incident.
At the time, Harding and Kerrigan were rivals vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, and the tension between them had been building. However, the situation took a dark turn when it was revealed that Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, had orchestrated the attack on Kerrigan, aiming to injure her knees and sabotage her chances of competing.
In the aftermath, Harding accepted a plea deal, which led to her losing her title and facing a lifetime ban from the U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFSA). The scandal overshadowed Harding’s athletic career and sparked intense media scrutiny, turning both athletes into household names, albeit for tragic reasons.
The incident raised questions about sportsmanship, rivalry, and the pressures athletes face, making it a somber chapter in the history of figure skating. Harding’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly competition can turn into controversy, and it highlights the importance of integrity in sports.
Image by Colorsport/Shutterstock (3147299a)
1996: “The Greatest” Battling More than Just People
Honored Athlete: Muhammad Ali
Sport Category: Boxing
Date of Event: July 19, 1996
Lighting the Olympic torch is one of the highest honors in sports, and in the 1996 Summer Olympics, that honor went to none other than Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as “The Greatest.” His selection was deeply moving, especially considering his battle with Parkinson’s disease. As he lit the flame, he symbolized not only the spirit of the Olympics but also resilience and strength, inspiring countless people around the world.
Ali’s journey to that moment was not without its challenges. Back in 1960, after winning the gold medal in boxing, he famously threw the medal into a river in protest after being denied service at a diner because of his race. This act highlighted the deep frustrations and injustices he faced, even as a celebrated athlete.
By the time the 1996 Olympics rolled around, Ali had long since become an icon not just in boxing but in the fight for civil rights. To honor his legacy and rectify the past, the Olympic committee presented him with a new gold medal during the ceremony, replacing the one he had thrown away. This gesture was a powerful acknowledgment of his impact on sports and society.
Ali’s lighting of the torch was a historic moment, reminding everyone of his incredible achievements and the ongoing struggle for equality. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and advocates for justice, making him a true legend both inside and outside the ring!
