30+ Greatest Sports Moments of the Past 100 Years
2012: Marking MMA on the Map
Honored Athlete: Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey
Sport Category: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Date of Event: March 3, 2012
Ronda Rousey is a name synonymous with the rise of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA). Although she began her MMA journey in 2010, it was on March 3, 2012, that she truly made her mark by becoming the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion.
Rousey was known for her incredible skills, especially her signature move—the “armbar.” This technique not only showcased her grappling prowess but also became a defining aspect of her fighting style. In her match against Miesha Tate, who was the reigning champion at the time, Rousey successfully executed her armbar to secure a victory, solidifying her place in MMA history.
Her triumph didn’t stop there. Rousey went on to become the first woman to hold the UFC title, breaking barriers and setting multiple records in the process. She not only elevated the visibility of women in combat sports but also inspired countless female fighters to pursue their dreams in a field that was traditionally male-dominated.
Ronda Rousey’s legacy is one of empowerment and change, as she transformed the perception of women in MMA and paved the way for future generations of female fighters. Her influence continues to resonate in the sport today!
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2012: A Total Game Changer
Honored Athlete: All
Sport Category: All
Date of Event: Summer Olympics 2012
The 2012 Summer Olympics in London marked a groundbreaking moment in sports history. Over a century after the inaugural games in 1896, which featured only 14 countries and 241 male athletes, the Olympics had evolved into a global celebration of athletic talent.
In 2012, more than 200 countries participated, and for the first time ever, every nation sent both male and female athletes to compete. This monumental achievement highlighted the strides made in gender equality in sports and showcased the growing recognition of female athletes on the world stage.
The 2012 Olympics not only celebrated incredible athletic performances but also emphasized unity and inclusivity, as athletes from diverse backgrounds came together to compete. It was a powerful reminder of how far the Olympic movement has come and set a precedent for future games, paving the way for continued progress in the fight for equality in sports.
The legacy of the 2012 Olympics continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding us that sports can be a powerful platform for change and a source of inspiration for generations to come!
Image via Diliff / Wikipedia
2012: The Only Consecutive CrossFit Champ
Honored Athlete: Annie Thorisdottir
Sport Category: CrossFit Games
Date of Event: July 15, 2012
Annie Thorisdottir is a name that resonates in the world of CrossFit, especially after her remarkable achievements at the CrossFit Games. Since the inception of this competitive fitness phenomenon in 2007, the Games have evolved into a global spectacle, attracting athletes from all over the world.
The competition begins with six weeks of open tryouts, where participants from various backgrounds showcase their skills and determination. Those who excel then move on to three days of regional competitions, ultimately leading to the highly anticipated CrossFit Games. It’s here that the top male and female athletes go head-to-head in a series of grueling challenges designed to test their strength, endurance, and agility.
In 2012, Thorisdottir made waves by showcasing her incredible athleticism and resilience. As a two-time champion, she became a symbol of what dedication and hard work can achieve in a sport that emphasizes community and personal improvement.
Her success not only inspired countless CrossFit enthusiasts but also played a significant role in popularizing the sport on a global scale. Annie Thorisdottir’s journey continues to motivate athletes to push their limits and embrace the competitive spirit of CrossFit!
Gymnastics, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, jump rope, climbing, runs, and different kinds of physical labor tasks are all part of the competition. It’s special because each year’s tasks are different. And in 2012, Annie Thorisdottir won the race a second time. She is the only person in the world to have been a CrossFit champion twice in a row.
2012: One Gold After Another
Honored Athlete: Missy Franklin
Sport Category: Swimming
Date of Event: August 3, 2012, and August 4, 2012
The 2012 Summer Olympics in London was a landmark event for many athletes, but one standout moment came from the incredible Missy Franklin. At just 17 years old, she showcased her extraordinary talent and determination, competing in multiple swimming events and making history in the process.
Franklin didn’t just participate; she dominated the pool, winning five medals for the U.S. team, including four golds. Her performances were nothing short of spectacular. Notably, she set world records in both the 200-meter backstroke and the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, solidifying her status as one of the best swimmers in the world.
What makes her achievements even more impressive is how she managed to compete in four events over just two days. Despite the intense pressure and fatigue, Franklin’s resilience shone through, and she claimed two gold medals in that short span.
Her accomplishments not only inspired her teammates and fans but also brought attention to the sport of swimming, particularly for young female athletes. Missy Franklin’s remarkable journey at the London Olympics serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of dreams!
Image by Mediapunch/Shutterstock (5494547b)
2014: 5 Feet High vs 14 Feet Tall
Honored Athlete: Katy Catanzaro
Sport Category: American Ninja Warrior
Date of Event: May 2014 – Season 6
American Ninja Warrior (ANW) has taken the nation by storm, captivating audiences with its thrilling obstacle courses and inspiring competitors. Among the many incredible athletes who have participated, Katy Catanzaro stands out for her groundbreaking achievements in Season 6.
At 5 feet 11 inches tall, Katy became the first woman in ANW history to conquer the notorious 14-foot warped wall, a defining challenge of the competition. Not only did she scale this daunting obstacle, but she also advanced to the city finals in Dallas, making history in the process. Her determination and skill demonstrated that women can excel in physically demanding sports, breaking barriers and inspiring countless viewers.
Katy’s success sent a powerful message: with dedication and hard work, anyone can overcome challenges, regardless of gender or stature. Her achievements in the arena of American Ninja Warrior have encouraged many to pursue their dreams and push their limits, proving that anything is possible with the right mindset!
2015: The One that Stopped at the Top
Honored Athlete: American Pharoah
Sport Category: Horse Racing
Date of Event: June 6, 2015
American Pharoah made history in 2015 by achieving what many had thought was nearly impossible: he won the Triple Crown, becoming the first horse to do so in 37 years. This prestigious title is awarded to a horse that wins three significant races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. American Pharoah didn’t just stop there; he also clinched victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Thoroughbreds of all time.
His remarkable year placed him among the elite group of only 12 horses in history to earn the Triple Crown title. After such an incredible season, American Pharoah gracefully retired, leaving behind a legacy that inspired fans and future racehorses alike. His triumphs reignited interest in horse racing and showcased the beauty and power of these magnificent athletes, proving that dreams can indeed come true on the racetrack!
Image via Mike Lizzi / Wikipedia
2015: The First to Defeat
Honored Athlete: Isaac Caldiero
Sport Category: American Ninja Warrior
Date of Event: May 2015 – Season 7
The challenges of American Ninja Warrior are nothing short of legendary, and it took years for competitors to conquer the grueling courses. In Season 7, two standout athletes, Geoff Britten and Isaac Caldiero, emerged as the only competitors to complete Stage 4 of the competition—a feat that had eluded so many before them.
The tension was palpable as they faced the final challenge. With a 75-foot rope climb standing between them and victory, the stakes were incredibly high. Geoff Britten put up an impressive time of 29.65 seconds, but Isaac Caldiero outperformed him, reaching the top in just 26.14 seconds. This remarkable achievement made him the first-ever American Ninja Warrior winner!
Caldiero’s victory was monumental, showcasing not only his incredible physical abilities but also his determination and resilience. His success inspired a new generation of competitors and fans, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can reach new heights—literally!
2015: The First to Complete
Honored Athlete: Geoff Britten
Sport Category: American Ninja Warrior
Date of Event: May 2015 – Season 7
The 2015 season of American Ninja Warrior brought the excitement to Las Vegas, where two remarkable competitors made history by reaching the pinnacle of the course. It was a nail-biting finish, with Isaac Caldiero clocking in at 26.14 seconds and Geoff Britten just behind at 29.65 seconds. While Caldiero ultimately claimed the title of the first American Ninja Warrior winner, there was a significant moment of pride for Britten.
Britten made history as the first competitor to reach the summit of the final course, achieving a milestone that had eluded many before him. This accomplishment marked him as a groundbreaking figure in the sport, earning him respect and admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike.
His journey showcased not only his incredible strength and skill but also his determination and perseverance. Britten’s achievement serves as a testament to the spirit of American Ninja Warrior, where every competitor pushes their limits and inspires others to do the same.
Image via @geoffbritten / Instagram
2016: America’s Gymnastics Superstar
Honored Athlete: Simone Biles
Sport Category: Gymnastics
Date of Event: Summer Olympics 2016
Simone Biles captured the world’s attention during the 2016 Summer Olympics, leading the USA gymnastics team known as the “Final Five” to unprecedented success. With her extraordinary talent and fierce determination, Biles won four gold medals and one bronze, solidifying her status as the most decorated female athlete of those Games.
Biles’ journey is not just about her accolades; it’s also a powerful story of resilience. Growing up in foster care, she faced significant challenges, yet she transformed her struggles into a source of strength. Through her achievements, she has become an inspiration for many, advocating for children in foster care and using her platform to make a difference in her community. Her impact goes beyond gymnastics, making her a role model for future generations.
2017: The Greatest Athletic Achievement the 2010s
Honored Athlete: Alex Honnold
Sport Category: Free Solo Climbing
Date of Event: June 3, 2017, and June 6, 2018
Alex Honnold is a pioneer in the world of free solo climbing, known for his breathtaking and daring ascents without any safety gear. His most iconic achievement came in 2017 when he became the first person to free solo climb El Capitan, a towering 3,200-foot granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Despite skepticism from the climbing community and even his sponsors, Honnold completed the climb in just 3 hours and 56 minutes, earning recognition as “The Greatest Athletic Achievement of the Decade.”
In 2018, Honnold aimed to challenge his own limits and, alongside fellow climber Tommy Caldwell, they completed the route in under two hours, showcasing the evolution of climbing and pushing the boundaries of human potential. His accomplishments have not only redefined the sport but also inspired countless athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem.
Image via @alexhonnold / Instagram
