Incredible Sports Moments That Were Caught On Camera
Every time an athlete takes the court or field to compete, it’s as if they go through some sort of transformation. Through their dedication and skill, these masters appear to have redefined the concept of discipline. Continue reading to be inspired and witness priceless moments when these professional athletes demonstrate their worth in victory and defeat. From boxing to baseball, these sports photos capture some of the most memorable moments in sports history.
BEN JOHNSON
During the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea on September 24, 1988, this photo was taken of Ben Johnson, a former sprinter from Canada. The last time he faced off against Carl Lewis, he was defeated eight times in a row in 1985. In the men’s 100-meter dash, Ben Johnson broke the world record and won an Olympic gold medal. However, he was found guilty of doping after a lengthy investigation and stripped of his medal and his world record.
JACKIE ROBINSON
Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers runs to first base during a game against the New York Yankees in this photo. In April 1947, he became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, starting at first base for the team. On September 28, 1955, during the 8th inning of the first game of the World Series, this photograph was taken.
JACKIE ROBINSON
In his rookie season, Jackie Robinson was named Rookie of the Year, drawing a lot of attention. Additionally, he won the league’s MVP award in just two short years of his career. The Dodgers went on to win the World Series in seven games against the Yankees.
LYNN SWANN
In Super Bowl X, Lynn Swann of the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys to take home the MVP award. Most of the time, MVP awards go to quarterbacks who dictate the pace of the game. Lynn caught four passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in his victory.
LYNN SWANN
Consequently, he became the first wide receiver ever to become a Super Bowl MVP. Only a few more names have been added to the list since its inception. The Dallas Cowboys’ Mark Washington is visible in the background as Lynn makes a difficult catch while floating above him.
MARY DECKER
Mary Decker, the reigning world distance running champion, had already won gold medals in the 1500m and 3000m events at the 1983 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her preparations had given her high hopes going into the race, but she got tangled up in a 3000m run.
MARY DECKER
Despite her best efforts, she is unable to stand. After a collision with Zola Budd of Great Britain, she was able to continue, but she was shaken as well. Before the incident, Zola was leading the race, but she dropped to seventh place. However, Mary Decker was forced to abandon the race after suffering a hip injury.
MAXWELL FORNAH AND VICTOR MUSA
Members of the Single Leg Amputee Sports Club of Sierra Leone can be seen battling it out for the ball in this heartwarming picture. Shot in Freetown, this picture depicts the lingering pain of a decade-long civil war, as well as the human spirit that still dares to be great despite those scars.
MAXWELL FORNAH AND VICTOR MUSA
Survivors of the war founded the Single Leg Amputee Sports Club. The majority of them have been injured by landmines and have lost one or both legs as a result of gunshot wounds. They formed this club to prove to their society and the rest of the world that they are capable individuals who would rather empower themselves than beg for food. In their own communities, they are fighting marginalization.
MUHAMMAD ALI AND SONNY LISTON
Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston for the first time in 1964, winning the heavyweight title in a major upset. The 22-year-old champion then changed his name to Muhammad Ali, and he had no reservations about rematching Sonny Liston the following year.
MUHAMMAD ALI AND SONNY LISTON
At his peak, Liston was a terrifying figure, and his criminal record drew comparisons to the mob. When they fought again, however, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Ali, as shown in this photo. On May 5, 1965, they fought, and Ali won the title, which he would keep until 1967.
JACK NICKLAUS
Prioritizing the Masters, U.S. Open, Open, and PGA Championships over other tournaments allowed Jack Nicklaus to keep his schedule more manageable, unlike most other professional golfers. Even though he avoided participating in too many events over the course of his 25-year career, he managed to win 73 times.
JACK NICKLAUS
It’s possible that he wouldn’t be third on the list behind Sam Snead (82) and Tiger Woods (80) if he had competed more aggressively. On April 13, 1986, Jack Nicklaus, then 46 years old, became the oldest golfer to win the Masters Tournament when this photograph was taken.
BOBBY ORR
This picture is widely considered to be the most famous in NHL history. It was taken during the Stanley Cup finals between the Boston Bruins and the Saint Louis Blues on May 10, 1970. Bobby Orr, a defenseman who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, leads Boston to an overtime victory.
BOBBY ORR
He scored “The Goal,” and he gets tripped up as he celebrates their victory. Bobby Orr’s most successful season would be 1970. Art Ross, Conn Smythe, and Hart Memorial Trophy are among his 8 James Norris Memorial Trophies. The four major awards have never been won by the same player in the same season in the NHL’s history.
WILLIE MAYS
Willie Mays, known as “The Say Hey Kid,” runs at full speed during the 1954 World Series, keeping an eye on the ball as it flies through the air. The crowd went wild when he snagged a defensive play, a move he was well-known for. It was the first game of the 1954 World Series, after all.
WILLIE MAYS
During his 22-year career, Willie Mays won multiple National League MVP awards. This picture captures him making a heroic catch in center field of a deep fly ball. To win that game and win the championship, it was crucial that the Giants maintained a 5-2 lead, which they did.
ANTWAAN RANDLE EL
Antwaan Randle El’s athleticism and versatility have earned him a reputation as a Pittsburgh wide receiver. As a student at the University of Indiana, he was a member of the college football, basketball, and baseball teams. His selection in the 2002 NFL Draft was a surprise.
ANTWAAN RANDLE EL
Randle’s physicality would be put to the test in the NFL, as evidenced by this photo. Chris Akins would turn his head like an owl’s during the Steelers’ game against the Cleveland Browns. The game took place on January 5, 2003, during the AFC Playoffs, and Pittsburgh won 36-33.
MIKE TYSON AND EVANDER HOLYFIELD
When Evander Holyfield faced “Iron” Mike Tyson in a heavyweight fight on June 28, 1977, he knew he needed to use his height and reach to counter his opponent’s strength. Tyson possessed incredible strength and was the world’s scariest knockout fighter, attacking his opponents relentlessly from start to finish.
MIKE TYSON AND EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Tyson was quickly frustrated by Evander Holyfield’s fighting style, as it had been during their first fight. Fans wouldn’t get to see the end of the fight in this rematch because Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting Holyfield’s ear twice; it was a moment Tyson would never forget.
TIGER WOODS
At the age of twenty, Tiger Woods became a professional golfer in 1996. He had a stellar amateur career and was held in high regard from the beginning. Tiger Woods would go on to become one of the most successful golfers of all time, far surpassing everyone’s expectations.
TIGER WOODS
On April 8, 2001, Tiger Woods tees off in the final round of the Masters Tournament. He defeated David Duval by two strokes and went on to win four Masters tournaments during his career. It was that year that he completed the “Tiger Slam,” winning four major championships in a row.
JOE MONTANA
Joe Montana, also known as “The Comeback Kid,” is pictured above. Following his success in college football, he joined the San Francisco 49ers, where he would show his quarterbacking skills. He played in the NFL for 16 years, winning four Super Bowls during his early years in San Francisco. He was the first player in Super Bowl history to win the MVP Award three times.
JOE MONTANA
Joe Montana is captured in this photograph during Super Bowl XXIII in January 1989. This was a close game against the Bengals, and Joe would lead his team down the field 92 yards in the final minutes to win the game 20-16.
VINCE LOMBARDI
Vince Lombardi has a great ability to inspire people. Almost four decades after his death, his views on football and sports in general continue to be popular. After leading the Green Bay Packers to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, which would be followed by more, this photograph shows the great coach being lifted up by the team.
VINCE LOMBARDI
The Oakland Raiders were their opponents, and they were defeated by a score of 33-14. In 1959 and 1961, Vince Lombardi was named Coach of the Year twice. His name was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a year after his death.
DON LARSEN AND YOGI BERRA
Don Larsen, then an American Major League pitcher for the New York Yankees, was feeling it in his veins on October 8, 1956. He wasn’t overly excited or intimidated by the magnitude of the occasion: Game 5 of the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He went on to pitch a no-hitter that day, the only perfect game ever recorded during a World Series.
DON LARSEN AND YOGI BERRA
This photograph captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment. At Yankee Stadium, Don Larsen runs to hug his teammate and catcher Yogi Berra. They went on to win the series in seven games.
BILL RUSSELL AND WILT CHAMBERLAIN
NBA legends Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are photographed boxing out against each other, presumably positioning themselves to grab the rebound. Both are members of the NBA Hall of Fame.
BILL RUSSELL AND WILT CHAMBERLAIN
The rivalry between the two centers is one of the greatest on-court rivalries of all-time. Unlike most basketball rivalries, these two giants shared a common position and thus directly guarded each other. In contrast to Chamberlain, Bill Russell is a team player known for his defensive and rebounding prowess. This picture was taken on April 5th, 1968.
IAN MILLAR
The 10th appearance at the Olympic Games by Canadian equestrian rider Ian Millar in 2012 set an Olympic record. In 1972, at the age of 65, he began his streak at the doomed Munich Summer Games.
IAN MILLAR
There have only been two other Olympians with a total of 9 appearances at the Olympics. Unfortunately, Millar was unable to compete in his 11th Olympic Games in Rio due to a horse injury that will necessitate surgery.
U.S. HOCKEY
Pro hockey players from the United States are not sent to compete in international competitions. Instead, it gives young athletes the chance to compete in international competitions, and it has never ranked higher than fourth. Nonetheless, in the 1980 Olympics, a feat considered impossible was achieved.
U.S. HOCKEY
American hockey team defeats the Soviet Union in “Miracle on Ice,” as it was dubbed at the time. As soon as they realized that they had won the game 4-3 on Mike Eruzione’s final goal, the Americans went into a frenzy of celebration. They went on to win their gold medal match as a result of this momentum.
KERRI STRUG
Kerri Strug was a member of The Magnificent Seven, a US gymnastics team. In 1996, at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, they won the United States’ first ever gold medal in the women’s team competition.
KERRI STRUG
During her first performance at the vault, Kerri Strug injured her ankle. She was clearly in pain, but she refused to give up. This photo captures her landing after her second attempt, holding her pose while her teammates on the sidelines held their breaths. Her performance was crucial to the team’s chances of winning a gold medal.
BILLY KILMER AND MANNY FERNANDEZ
The Miami Dolphins faced the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII on January 14, 1973. Manny Fernandez, a defensive lineman for the Dolphins, had a dominant game with 17 tackles. He also sacked Redskins quarterback Billy Kilmer, as seen here rushing past a Redskins offensive lineman in pursuit of that goal.
BILLY KILMER AND MANNY FERNANDEZ
The Dolphins beat the Redskins, but Manny Fernandez did not receive the MVP Award, despite the fact that he deserved it. Because he had been out late the night before and wasn’t focused, Dick Schaap, who was named MVP, admitted he didn’t realize Fernandez had 17 tackles in that game.
WAYNE GRETZKY
Wayne Gretzky was named the greatest hockey player of all time by the National Hockey League. He is appropriately dubbed The Great One by sports analysts, writers, and professional players, and who knows when another athlete of his caliber will emerge.
WAYNE GRETZKY
Wayne Gretzky was a 20-year veteran of the NHL. He owns 61 league records, all of which have yet to be broken. On April 18, 1999, during his farewell game in New York, this photograph shows Gretzky waving to the crowd.
USAIN BOLT
Usain Bolt, a retired Jamaican sprinter, dominated the track and field events at the Olympics for three years, winning the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4 x 100 meters relay. He’s been dubbed “the fastest man on earth” several times, and he’s the only sprinter to win the 100m and 200m titles in three consecutive Olympic events.
USAIN BOLT
On August 20, 2008, Bolt broke yet another world record in the 200m final. In the Beijing Olympics, he became famous for his two victories, both of which broke world records (100m and 200m).
BABE RUTH
Babe Ruth’s name can be found among the “First Five” inaugural members of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He played Major League Baseball for 22 seasons, beginning in 1914, and his .690 slugging percentage is still untouched. “The Bambino” is widely regarded as baseball’s greatest player of all time.
BABE RUTH
Babe Ruth’s best season as a player was 1926, when he hit.372 with 47 home runs. Ruth takes a break from training to visit with hundreds of baseball fans who can’t get enough of him in this photo.
HANK AARON
Hank Aaron rarely hit less than 24 home runs in a season during his 21 years in Major League Baseball. For 33 years, he was a consistent player who held the MLB record for most home runs. Aaron is one of only two players in the league to hit at least 30 home runs in a single season, which he has done at least 15 times. To this day, the legendary athlete holds a number of records.
HANK AARON
With the bat still in his right hand, he starts his run to first base in this photo. He was playing for the Atlanta Braves in Spring Training on March 30, 1957.
JOHN MCENROE
On the tennis court, no one could accuse John McEnroe of being a bore. Many consider the retired American tennis player to be one of the greatest in the sport’s history. His volleying skills and shot-making creativity always wowed the crowd. His erratic behavior, on the other hand, was probably a bigger part of his allure.
JOHN MCENROE
On July 4, 1981, John McEnroe exults after defeating Bjorn Borg to win the Wimbledon Title. During their careers, McEnroe and his rival met 22 times. In 1983 and 1984, he would return to the tournament and win once more.
BILL MAZEROSKI
Bill Mazeroski hits a walk-off home run to put the game out of reach for the opposition. The Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate by turning around and not even finishing the inning.
BILL MAZEROSKI
“Maz” Mazeroski is the only player in World Series history to accomplish this feat in the seventh game’s ninth inning. That moment has been captured in this photograph. On October 13, 1960, you can see Bill Mazeroski smashing that baseball out of the park.
JULIUS ERVING
Julius “Dr. J” Erving in a photograph taken in January of 1977. He was wildly popular at the time for revolutionizing the game with his modern style of play. He was a high-flying small forward who spent over a decade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
JULIUS ERVING
He enjoyed driving around the baseline or running the ball and elevating himself above everyone else for the jam. He’s shown here in full extension, gracefully delivering a one-handed dunk to score an easy two against the Denver Nuggets.
JOHN KENNEDY AND LYNDON JOHNSON
In 1960, the MLB decided to create an expansion team before the Washington Senators moved to Minnesota, where they would later become the Minnesota Twins. The team’s original name, as well as its old records and history, would be preserved. They’d also be moving from Washington to the new District of Columbia Stadium soon.
JOHN KENNEDY AND LYNDON JOHNSON
The team played at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. in 1961, and in this photo, President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson are seen on opening day, April 10, 1961, looking up high at what appears to be a home run.
JACQUES PLANTE
Jacques Plante’s ice hockey career spanned more than 3 decades. But he was more than just a goalie for the Montreal Canadiens; he was a true pioneer in the sport. He was the NHL’s first goaltender to advocate for the use of a mask. He used one on a regular basis and experimented with many different variations.
JACQUES PLANTE
Jacques Plante examines the ice without putting on a mask in this picture. It was taken at Madison Garden on Dec. 18, 1957, when the Canadiens played the New York Rangers. The Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup six times during his tenure.
PHIL MICKELSON
Except for the US Open, Phil Mickelson has won every major golf tournament. He has been consistently listed in the Top 50 for over 25 years, but for some reason he can’t seem to break through its barrier. He has a career high of number two in the world, which he has achieved several times.
PHIL MICKELSON
Before winning his first Masters Tournament, Lefty poses for this picture. He leaps triumphantly on April 11, 2004, after making an 18-foot putt on the 18th hole to secure a one-shot victory.
PETE ROSE
Pete Rose, an American retired professional baseball player, is photographed in a Superman position diving into third base in August 1975. He is a super athlete in many ways, and he still holds the league’s all-time hits, at-bats, and outs records. With 3,562 games under his belt, Rose was the all-time leading scorer.
PETE ROSE
This photo was taken at Wrigley Field during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. Unfortunately, Pete Rose’s career was marred by betting scandals, and he was unable to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a result.
ROGER BANNISTER
Roger Bannister, a British middle-distance runner, broke the British record in the 1500m at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, two years before trying to break the mile run record. Bannister would be inspired to run “The Miracle Mile” as a result of this.
ROGER BANNISTER
He couldn’t train as hard as he wanted because he was working as a junior doctor at the time. The goal was to run the mile in under four minutes, and while he didn’t quite meet that goal, he still managed to complete it in four minutes and 59.4 seconds. On August 7, 1954, Bannister competed in the British Empire Commonwealth Games against John Lundy. He was named the first “Sportsman of the Year” by Sports Illustrated magazine.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES FANS
The biggest day of Bill Mazeroski’s baseball career occurred on October 13, 1960. In the ninth inning of the 7th game of the 1960 World Series, he hit the first and only walk-off home run in the history of the game, effectively ending the New York Yankees’ hopes of winning the title.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES FANS
Fans erupted in celebration after he cracked that baseball, which was heightened by the fact that the Pirates were about to win their first World Series in over 35 years..
JOE NAMATH
Joe Namath’s meteoric rise to fame was fueled by his stunning prediction that his New York Jets would beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. When asked if the Colts’ defense was the toughest he had ever faced after their win, he replied, “That would be the Buffalo Bills’ defense.”
JOE NAMATH
On December 8, 1974, Joe Namath stands on the sidelines. The Jets faced the Bills in a messy game on this day. They went on to win 20-10, with Namath rushing for 131 yards and passing for two touchdowns.
NADIA COMANECI
During the 1976 Summer Olympics, Nadia Comaneci is pictured doing a somersault. This picture, taken on August 2, 1976, perfectly captures her brilliance in a sport in which she would go on to win five Olympic medals.
NADIA COMANECI
It was because of her that gymnastics became more widely known around the world. She was the first gymnast in history to receive a perfect 10.0. As a result of this performance, she not only received a perfect score but also earned six additional points and three gold medals in total. She won two more gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, where she scored two more perfect scores.
BOB COUSY
In the NBA, Bob Cousy was dubbed “Mr. Basketball” and “The Houdini of the Hardwood” for his innovative ball-handling and passing skills. To him, basketball games were like magic shows that would propel him to greatness. It took him eight years to lead the league in assists, but he was named MVP in 1957 for his efforts.
BOB COUSY
On the night of November 19, 1955, Bob Cousy is shown here trying to elude the Pistons’ defense. Because of his incredible dribbling skills and no-look passes, his defenders would be blinded by them.
TED WILLIAMS
Ted Williams is surrounded by teammates during Spring Training in March 1956. When it comes to baseball, everyone is interested in hearing what Williams has to say. He was a six-time American League batting champion and MVP winner, and in this photograph, he is showing his batting prowess to a Florida audience.
TED WILLIAMS
He hit.345 in 1956, with a career high of.479 in the Major Leagues during that year. He was a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox for 19 years, and he was known for his defense.
DICK BUTKUS
Dick Butkus hustles his way through a game with the St. Louis Cardinals in this photograph. This photo was taken on Sept. 28, 1969, the same year he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He won it again the following season as a result of his unwavering efforts.
DICK BUTKUS
Dick Butkus was known as one of the game’s most intimidating linebackers, and this image depicts how “The Most Feared Man” performs on the field. From 1965 to 1973, he was with the Chicago Bears.
CARL LEWIS
Carl Lewis set numerous world records in track and field, winning 65 consecutive competitions in ten years, ten Olympic gold medals, and much more. As a result, track and field organizations named him “World Athlete of the Century” and “Sportsman of the Century.”
CARL LEWIS
On Aug. 8, 1992, during the Summer Olympics, Lewis’ winning moment is captured in this photograph as he celebrates. Another world record was set by him, this time in the 4x100m relay. He ran the final leg in 8.86 seconds, a world record that he would not break until 2007.
FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER
The notoriously controversial track and field athlete was repeatedly accused of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to achieve her suspiciously good record. She will go down in sports history as one of the most tested athletes ever! She didn’t make a single mistake.
FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER
Her time in the 200m dash at the 1988 Olympics has yet to be beaten. Allyson Felix came the closest at the 2012 Olympics, but even she came up short with a time of 21.69.
SERENA WILLIAMS
Serena Williams won the Australian Open for the sixth time in 2015, defeating Maria Sharapova. It was also her 16th straight win over the Russian pro-tennis player. Serena Williams celebrates winning a point against Maria Sharapova in this 2007 photo.
SERENA WILLIAMS
This was the year she’d start fresh, challenging herself to climb back up the rankings. After falling to number 81 in the world rankings and being deemed out of shape, she was seeded unseeded in the 2007 Australian Open. In the tournament, she defeated Maria Sharapova, marking the start of her return to the top spot.
ALAN AMECHE
Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy as a senior and was signed by the Baltimore Colts the following year to begin his professional football career. Despite his enormous potential, he was only able to play from 1955 to 1960 due to an Achilles tendon injury.
ALAN AMECHE
Alan Ameche may have only played in the NFL for a short time, but he’ll always remember the day in this photo when he played and scored a touchdown during overtime of the 1958 NFL Championship Game. Jim Patton, a defensive back for the New York Giants, is seen trying to stop Ameche from plowing through. This is referred to as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” by sports historians.
JIM BROWN
In this photograph, Jim Brown’s eyes burn as he rips through Philadelphia’s defense. It was taken on November 29, 1964, a year before he retired from professional football. He had already shattered most of the NFL’s major rushing records when he retired.
JIM BROWN
Jim Brown won the AP NFL MVP award three times. During his eight-year career, he averaged over a hundred yards per game. He was hailed as the greatest professional football player of all time in 2002.
LEW ALCINDOR
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a top NBA scorer who was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. He played college basketball for UCLA, where he broke the school’s single-game scoring record by scoring 56 points in his first game. Even before he entered the basketball court, his scoring prowess was well-known.
LEW ALCINDOR
UCLA’s three-year winning streak of 88 games was led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They only had two losses, and this photo depicts one of them in a semi-final game against Houston. On April 1, 1968, this photo was taken. UCLA was defeated 101-69 in what was dubbed “The Game of the Century.”
VASILY ALEXEYEV
Vasily Alexeyev, a Russian weightlifter, is captured in this photograph. He wasn’t as big as most super heavyweights, so his trainer encouraged him to add weight to gain strength when he was first starting out. Until 1968, Vasily Alexeyev had a personal coach.
VASILY ALEXEYEV
This photo was taken in January 1969, a year after Alexeyev made the decision to train alone. In 1970, he became the first man in history to clean and jerk 500 pounds in an official competition. He holds 80 world records and is widely regarded as the greatest weightlifter of all time.
ROBERTO CLEMENTE
Roberto Clemente began his baseball career in Puerto Rico, but the Brooklyn Dodgers noticed him and offered him a contract to play for one of their Triple-A affiliates. He had to adjust to a new climate and learn a new language after leaving his home country.
ROBERTO CLEMENTE
These challenges would not stump Clemente. In fact, he would go on to win the MVP award in 1966 as a baseball player. In a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres, he was photographed tracing a pitch. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ star’s career was cut short in the same year when he died in a plane crash.
MARK SPITZ
Though the 1972 Munich Games were marred by tragedy, it was also the year in which Mark Spitz achieved unthinkable feats by setting seven world records in the span of eight days.
MARK SPITZ
Spitz stunned the world by winning gold medals in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter freestyle and butterfly events, as well as the 4×100-, 4×200-, and 4×100-meter freestyle relays, and the 4×100-meter medley relay. Until Michael Phelps came along, that was unbroken for 36 years.
EARVIN ‘MAGIC’ JOHNSON AND LARRY BIRD
On March 26, 1979, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird are photographed together during a game between Michigan State and Indiana State. They appear to be having a conversation about ball possession. Magic’s Michigan State basketball team would go on to beat Indiana in the 1979 NCAA finals, igniting an iconic rivalry that would last for years in pro basketball.
EARVIN ‘MAGIC’ JOHNSON AND LARRY BIRD
They both became legends in the NBA and turned their rivalry into a lifelong friendship. These two rivals are resurrected whenever basketball fans discuss the 1980s—particularly the Lakers and the Celtics.
MARK MCGWIRE
When Mark McGwire, a former professional baseball first baseman, joined the MLB, he was already set on breaking league records. He set the record for most home runs hit by a rookie in 1987 as a rookie (49). He would go on to become one of the greatest home run hitters of all time.
MARK MCGWIRE
He’s seen here looking up after hitting his 61st home run with a follow through swing. The Cardinals’ star player tied Roger Maris for the most hits in a season, and would easily surpass him the next day. He had 70 by the end of the season, which was a three-year record.
RANDY MOSS
Randy Moss had always wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys, but he was passed over because of his numerous legal issues. Moss was irritated by this because he claims the Cowboys promised to draft him, so he made it a point to beat them whenever the opportunity arose.
RANDY MOSS
Randy Moss is seen doing what he does best, which is playing wide receiver. He had 17 touchdown receptions in his first year in the league, and he still holds the NFL single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions. Moss makes a fingertip catch for Minnesota on Dec. 22, 2001. The Vikings were defeated by Pittsburgh 21-16.
LSU BASEBALL TEAM
In this photo, Ryan Theriot is seen throwing his helmet into the air. He began his LSU career as a starting second baseman before being moved to shortstop in 2000, the same year this photo was taken.
LSU BASEBALL TEAM
Ryan Theriot has every reason to rejoice after scoring the game-winning run in a close game between LSU and Stanford. They were coming back from a three-point deficit when Theriot scored the game-winning touchdown at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, putting them up 6-5.
VINCE YOUNG
Former American football quarterback Vince Young is the man of the hour in this photograph. He looks like he’s on top of the world after the Longhorns beat USC 41-38 in the national championship game.
VINCE YOUNG
Vince Young helped his team rally against their opponents on January 4, 2006, eventually sealing the deal with a game-winning touchdown. He threw for 267 yards and ran for another 200. His game-winning touchdown was ranked 5th among the top 100 plays in college football history by ESPN.
BOB BEAMON
On October 18, 1968, during the Summer Olympics, Bob Beamon was photographed. Beamon is famous for what he accomplished in Mexico City on this particular day. He set a world record of 8.9 meters for the long jump, which he would hold for more than two decades.
BOB BEAMON
A remarkable performance by a track and field athlete would be referred to as “Beamonesque,” in reference to Bob’s spectacular feat, which became a byword for greatness after he achieved it.
ROGER STAUBACH
On November 9, 1963, a photograph of Roger Staubach was taken in which he can be seen beaming with delight after the Navy defeated Maryland in a football game that was played at the Navy.
ROGER STAUBACH
The shot appeared to have been taken in the final seconds of a game in which the outcome had already been determined by the time it was taken. Annapolis, November 9, 1963 | Roger Staubach, the Navy quarterback, beams with delight after the Midshipmen defeat Maryland.
HANK AARON
Hank “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron shows where he got his nickname by batting another baseball out of the stadium for home run number 715 on April 8, 1974. This would set a new record for most home runs, previously held by Babe Ruth.
HANK AARON
Hammerin’ Hank continued to play for two more years, finishing with a total of 755 home runs by the time he retired. Until Barry Bonds upped the ante in 2007, this record stood unbroken for 33 years.
RON TURCOTTE ABOARD SECRETARIAT
Ron Turcotte started out as a hot walker, but he quickly rose through the ranks to become a thoroughbred racing apprentice and winner. With his victory aboard Tom Rolfe, he became well-known. On June 9, 1973, during a race at the Belmont Stakes that would make him famous around the world, this photograph of him was taken.
RON TURCOTTE ABOARD SECRETARIAT
Ron Turcotte is riding Secretariat, a combination that could lead to a fantastic finish. He won the Triple Crown for the first time in 25 years, and he did so by a 31-length margin over the field, the largest in the race’s history. In Grand Falls, New Brunswick, a statue of Turcotte and Secretariat crossing the finish line was erected.
REFEREE JACK VAUGHN
The Fog Bowl was a playoff game between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles in American football. The latter performed admirably until the second quarter, when they lost sight of the crowd and first-down markers.
REFEREE JACK VAUGHN
The dense fog made visibility so poor that no one could get to the end zone, as shown in this photo. After an attempt by Eagles placekicker Luis Zendejas to score, referee Jack Vaughn can be seen trying to pierce his vision over Soldier Field, tracing the projectile of the ball.
JOHN HAVLICEK AND CHET WALKER
Because of the high level of competition, you never know what will happen in an NBA game, where so many factors can change the outcome of a presumed victory. On April 5, 1965, the Boston Celtics needed only to inbound the ball and wait until the final five seconds to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 110-109 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Bill Russell, on the other hand, would cause a turnover after passing a ball that hit a wire, giving the 76ers one last chance to win it.
JOHN HAVLICEK AND CHET WALKER
As he guarded Chet Walker, Havlicek pulled a ruse from his sleeve. He spun around and leaped just as the ball was thrown inbounds, tipping it to his teammate and ensuring a Boston victory. The Celtics went on to win the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
CAL RIPKEN, JR.
Nobody expected Lou Gehrig’s record to be shattered. It had stood up to generations of baseball players without succumbing. His record for consecutive games played is 2,130, and it has stood for 56 years.
CAL RIPKEN, JR.
Then there was Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., dubbed “The Iron Man.” On Sept. 6, 1996, the Angels faced the Orioles, and the two-time (AL) MVP is featured in this photograph. He jogs around the crowd, which has gathered to congratulate him on breaking Gehrig’s record by 502 games.
Oscar Robertson The Offender
1961-62 was a wild year for the NBA. The defense virtually vanished, and the number of possessions per game for each team skyrocketed. Almost no one benefited more from this offensive renaissance than Wilt Chamberlain. Unless, of course, you’re Oscar Robertson. The fact that the team’s points per game average that year (118.8) was the highest in league history aided his triple-double average.
Oscar Robertson The Offender
Of course, we’ll never see such a low emphasis on defense again, so the chances of a player being able to maintain that level of production for an entire season are nil.
JUAN MARICHAL
Juan Marichal is loved by baseball fans who don’t have to watch a game to appreciate him. It’s entertaining enough to just watch him warm-up for a right-handed pitcher. Marichal is well-known for his razor-sharp accuracy.
JUAN MARICHAL
But it’s his high leg kicks, which are possibly the highest in Major League history, that set him apart from his peers. Marichal was warming up for Spring Training on March 8, 1965 when this photo was taken. He spent thirteen years with the San Francisco Giants.
JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE
One would never guess Jackie Joyner-Kersee suffered from severe asthma based on this photograph. However, as a track and field athlete, her discipline and dedication would aid her in overcoming this and other challenges. In the long jump and heptathlon, she is one of the best athletes in the world.
JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE
In front of an ecstatic crowd in Seoul, Korea, on Sept. 29, 1988, the four-time Olympic gold medalist leapt 7.40 meters to set an Olympic record in the long jump. There were numerous rumors at the time linking her to alleged illegal drug use, but investigations would never be able to prove such claims.
ABEBE BIKILA
Before beginning his athletic career, Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila served in the Ethiopian Imperial Guard, rising to the rank of captain. Running 20 kilometers a day through the Sululta Hills was part of his daily routine, and he was subsequently trained for the marathon by a Swedish coach who was the first to recognize his potential.
ABEBE BIKILA
Abebe Bikila runs barefoot across the Arch of Constantine in this photograph. On Sept. 10, 1960, he set the Olympic world record with a time of 2:15:16.2. To avoid the sweltering heat of the day, such competitions are held at night.
PAU GASOL
Pau Gasol, a professional basketball player from Spain, found himself at the end of a decades-long basketball rivalry. A rivalry that dates back to 1959, before the era of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, when the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA finals for the first time.
PAU GASOL
This photo was taken during Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals, in which the Lakers defeated the Celtics, and Pau Gasol played a key role, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. He revels in the fact that he has triumphed over their long-time adversaries.
TIKI GELANA
During the 2012 London Olympics, Tiki Gelana was the long-distance runner to beat. She had trained as hard as she could to represent her country, and she had already won the Amsterdam Marathon in 2011 and the Rotterdam Marathon the following year.
TIKI GELANA
Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya is close behind her, like a shadow that pushes rather than follows. After finishing second to Tiki Gelana, Priscah takes a breather in the middle of the path for a prayer. It was a grueling marathon, and both athletes owe their best efforts to each other.
GORDON HAYWARD
During the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship between Duke and Butler, Gordon Hayward was given the chance to win it all for his team. The Butler star was named Player of the Year in the midst of the 2009-2010 season, averaging 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds.
GORDON HAYWARD
As they had last possession of the ball, trailing 61-59, his abilities would be put to the ultimate test. He was able to shoot the ball from half court before the shot clock expired, and it appeared to go in until the last second, when it hit the backboard and rim, then bounced away, much to the chagrin of their fans.
MATTHIAS STEINER
Matthias Steiner, an Austrian weightlifting champion, had only a fraction of a second to adjust before 432 pounds of sheer force landed brusquely on his neck. He appears to be waving his left hand to an audience in the picture, while the barbell settles close to the side of his head, all after he lost his balance trying to lift it during the London Olympics.
MATTHIAS STEINER
Fortunately, Steiner was unharmed, but he begged to be excused. He had previously won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics and was likely confident (or at least hopeful) of repeating the feat.
BARRY BONDS
Barry Bonds, a former professional baseball player, smacks the ball hard and raises his eyes to the sky, as if witnessing the old career home run record set by Henry Aaron being shattered in real time. Bonds hit his 756th career home run against the Washington Nationals at AT&T Park. He broke Aaron’s record, which had stood for 33 years.
BARRY BONDS
Barry Bonds was a 22-year MLB veteran who won seven NL MVP awards during his time on the field. He came back to coach the Miami Marlins for one season after retiring from baseball.
VIRGINIA TECH VS. BOSTON
A beautiful photograph taken on November 26, 1999 in Blacksburg, Virginia is featured. The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Boston Eagles game is about to begin, and Lane Stadium is packed with football fans.
VIRGINIA TECH VS. BOSTON
After a late-night clash with the Eagles, the Hokies remain undefeated. The following year, they would lose for the first time in their history to Florida State in the 2000 Sugar Bowl. If you’re wondering what the word Hokies means, it comes from Oscar M. Stull’s “Old Hokie” spirit yell, which he coined when the college’s name was changed.
SANTONIO HOLMES
Santonio Holmes, an American football wide receiver, was having his best season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, which culminated in a Super Bowl XLIII matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Homes had 79 catches for 1,248 yards, and this photo shows him plowing through opposing defenses before leaping for a touchdown catch with 42 seconds left.
SANTONIO HOLMES
In a cruel twist of fate, this would be his final season with the team, and he would be traded due to legal issues. His game-winning field goal gave the Steelers a 27-23 victory over the Cardinals.
LORENZO CHARLES AND JIM VALVANO
Lorenzo Charles may not have had a successful NBA career as a small forward for the Atlanta Hawks before going on to play for a number of European teams, but he did have a successful college basketball career at North Carolina State University.
LORENZO CHARLES AND JIM VALVANO
Imagine facing a young Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler on the same team, as Charles would valiantly rally his team against the heavily favored Houston Cougars. As shown in this photograph of Charles celebrating with coach Jim Valvano, he scored the game’s final eight points, including an alley-oop in the final seconds to eke out a victory.
KYLE WHITAKER
This photo perfectly captures the danger and excitement of any rodeo event, from being trampled by a beast to falling into awkward positions resulting in broken bones and other injuries. Kyle Whitaker dives to the ground head first at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo on March 17, 2005. Championships.
KYLE WHITAKER
Abel Kirui won a silver medal in the London Olympics as a result of this momentum. As he and Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich pass through the Leadenhall Market, trailed by Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich, such an occasion is captured in this picture.
WAYNE GRETZKY
This photo was taken at least five years before Wayne Gretzky, aka “The Great One,” retired from the NHL after being widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. This photo was taken when he scored his 802nd career goal, breaking Gordie Howe’s record and becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer.
WAYNE GRETZKY
Almost every major record in the league had been broken by Wayne Gretzky by the time he decided to call it a day. He played for a total of 20 seasons and scored a total of 894 goals during his professional career.
RANDY MCMICHAEL
Randy McMichael, like most rookies turning pro, was bursting with energy and ready to prove his worth in the big league when he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2002 NFL Draft. He’s seen here scoring a touchdown while flying above the opposition.
RANDY MCMICHAEL
This photo was taken on April 15, 2002, during a preseason game against the Saints. McMichael started all 16 games and had a total of 39 passes for 485 yards. In 2007, he was released by the Dolphins. In 2013, the Chargers released him.
MAURICE STOVALL AND DEMARIO SUGGS
On Sept. 21, 2002, during Notre Dame’s game against Michigan State, Maurice Stovall is photographed critically catching a touchdown past DeMario Suggs. He chose The University of Notre Dame when he was named to USA Today’s first-team high school all-American team, but he would not play as a freshman.
MAURICE STOVALL AND DEMARIO SUGGS
Stevan Stovall had 18 receptions for the season (including three touchdowns), and he was a consistent performer throughout his freshman year. In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him as their first-round pick.
MANNY RAMIREZ
Manny Ramirez, a former professional baseball outfielder, was not one to back down from a challenge. Indeed, he is known for showing up when the going gets tough, as evidenced by this photo of him diving into second base after a double.
MANNY RAMIREZ
Manny Ramirez has played for 19 different teams over the course of his career. This is from his time with the Boston Red Sox, when they were defeated 6-5 by the New York Yankees. Ramirez still holds the record for most postseason home runs (29), and he’s one of only 25 players to hit 500 home runs in his career.
LOU GEHRIG
During his time in Major League Baseball, Lou Gehrig was known as “The Iron Horse” because of his ability to play first base. His career spanned 17 seasons, and he was named the most durable player after setting the record for most games played during that time (2,130). Lou Gehrig was not only a reliable hitter but also a powerful one. He was named MVP of the American League two times.
LOU GEHRIG
This picture, on the other hand, illustrates Lou Gehrig’s skills outside of baseball. He can be seen calmly sharing a carefully written speech with the crowd at the New York Yankee stadium, where he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” just weeks after being diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease. What a remarkable outlook in the face of adversity.