There are many Olympic moments of historic significance, but there are some that stand out. These include Nadia Comaneci's longest jump, Bob Beamon's javelin throw record, and Greg Louganis’ concussion while diving. Find out more about some of the most significant moments in the Olympics. We'll also discuss the history of diving and the relationship between sport and politics.
Nadia Comaneci breaks the long jump record
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 raised in Onesti, Romania. Bela and Marta Onesti founded the Karolyi Gymnastics School in Onesti. Nadia is a diminutive version of Nadezhda which means "hope". Adrian is Comaneci’s older brother.
The Olympic Games are a timed event, and the time limit is twenty-three seconds. Comaneci’s time in the long-jump is nearly one-half seconds quicker than the previous record. Her performance is a source of inspiration for all gymnasts. Olympics are one of the most prestigious events. Nadia Comaneci’s record-breaking long leap is a testament to her brilliance.
Bob Beamon’s record-breaking javelin throw
The world still talks about Bob Beamon’s record-breaking javelin throw during the London Olympics. This feat has been hailed by Sports Illustrated magazine as one of the five greatest sporting moments of the 20th century. However, the veteran athlete is now well into his 70s and has other interests in addition to track and field. These include helping youth achieve their goals through business ventures and mentoring them. He is also an ambassador for Special Olympics and hopes to continue his involvement in the Olympic movement.
Unlike the women's javelin, which was originally designed for men to use, the women's javelin has undergone significant changes to allow more women to compete. In the late 1980s consecutive world records were set at around 80 meters. Beamon's Olympic record for women has not been broken until now. 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
The world's top diver, Greg Louganis, has suffered a concussion while diving 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 treated at the hospital and returned to compete to win the gold medal. He became the first man to defend the Olympic springboard diving title after suffering a concussion. Louganis admitted to Barbara Walters 1995 that he was suffering AIDS. The disease had been contracted during the 1988 Games. However, this news was not to keep Louganis from competing, and he did test negative for HIV.
Louganis was a champion diver over more than 20 years. He won two Gold Medals in Diving at the 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 won several gold medals in other competitions such as the 1979 Pan American Games or the 1983 Summer Universiade. Louganis also won numerous other events in addition to the Olympic gold medals. In 1988, ABC named Louganis the "Athlete of the Years".