The Olympics are a rare moment in time when the entire world unites over the love of athleticism and sport. Athletes from around the world come together to accomplish the impossible and show off what they’ve been training for their whole lives. From ground-breaking records to unforgettable moments of sheer determination, the Games are a treasure trove of inspiring stories and incredible accomplishments. Join us as we explore some of the most amazing Olympic feats that have captivated audiences over the decades. These legendary moments have left an unforgettable mark on sports history and continue to inspire us all.
#1: Bob Beamon’s Record-Breaking Leap
Bob Beamon left all the previous long jump records in the dust when he participated in the 1968 Mexico City Games. When he did his first long jump in the final competition, he broke the previous record by a whopping 55 centimeters. The measurement device couldn’t even measure the entirety of his jump, so a steel tape had to be used to get the official measurement.
According to the official Olympics website, Beamon’s record was so staggering that it inspired a new word. “Beamonesque” describes an athletic feat that surpasses all previous records by a long shot. It’s not every day that an Olympic athlete inspires the creation of a new word. Beamon’s record is one of the longest-standing, remaining unbroken for almost 23 years until someone broke it in 1991.