There are many Olympic moments of historic significance, but there are some that stand out. 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 discuss diving's history and the relationship to politics.
Nadia Comaneci breaks the long jump record
Nadia Comaneci's record-breaking long jump at 2012 Summer Olympics was the first ever time that a female has broken the long jumping world record. Comaneci was born in Onesti, Romania. Bela Onesti and Marta Onesti, her parents, founded the Karolyi gymnastics academy in Onesti. Nadia is a diminutive name of Nadezhda. This means "hope." Adrian is Comaneci's brother.
The Olympic Games are a timed event, and the time limit is twenty-three seconds. Comaneci's time on the long jump is nearly one-half second faster than the previous world record. Her performance is an inspiration to all gymnasts. Olympics are one prestigious event. Nadia Comaneci has set a new record in long jump.
Bob Beamon's world-record javelin throw
The world still talks about Bob Beamon’s record-breaking javelin throw during the London Olympics. Sports Illustrated magazine hailed this feat as one of five great sporting moments of 20th century. The veteran athlete is well into his 70s, and has many other interests. 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.
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 and 1990s, world records of close to 80 meters were broken. Beamon has held the world record for the longest time by a woman on the Olympic stage. The 1988 Olympics saw three of the most outstanding women's long-jumpers in history, including Yelena inbayeva.
Greg Louganis' concussion in diving
Greg Louganis is the world's number one diver and suffered a concussion at the London Olympics. The incident happened while Louganis was diving at the London Olympics. He fell while doing a reverse two and a half pike. Louganis had to be rushed to hospital to get stitches. However, he returned to compete and won the medal. After suffering a head injury, Louganis was the first to defend the Olympic diving title. Louganis revealed to Barbara Walters in 1995 that he was suffering from AIDS, and that he had contracted the disease during the 1988 Games. Louganis didn't stop from competing, though, and did not test positive 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 only diver to have ever won multiple Gold Medals. His previous best results came at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics. He has gone on to win several gold medals at other competitions, including the 1979 Pan American Games and the 1983 Summer Universiade. In addition to his Olympic gold medals, Louganis has won countless other events. In 1988, Louganis was named ABC's Athlete of the YEAR.