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Kerri stuck her landing in people's memories After taking a look at ESPN.com's Memorable Moments from recent Summer Olympics, many users echoed our sentiments about which events still stand out in our memories today, including Greg Louganis in '88, the original Dream Team and the '72 Munich massacre.
Bob Beamon's long jump in Mexico City in '68. If I close my eyes, I can still see the astounding length and the progression from disbelief to pure joy in Beamon. Deborah Sullivan Philadelphia 1984 men's 1500-meter final. Sebastian Coe, recovering from a near crippling blood disorder, was dogged by the British press leading up to the Olympics. Criticized in his prime for never facing rivals Steve Ovett or Steve Cram outside of major meets, Coe had to overcome adversity physically as well as mentally. Heading into the final lap, Coe took charge, just like he did in Moscow four years earlier. He crossed the line in Olympic record time successfully defending his gold medal. But unlike 1980, Coe's moment of celebration turned into anger. Just beyond the finish line, Coe turned towards the media rows, specifically the British press, and unleashed a tirade for the world to see. He took their print and shoved it right back in their faces. Then he received his gold medal. Vindicated. One of the best Olympians ever. Dan Lucas Tampa, Fla. Michael Johnson in the 1996 Games became the first male (and would have been the first person had Jose-Marie Perec not achieved the feat just before) ever to win the 200- and 400-meter golds in the same Olympics. Johnson's world-record breaking time of 19.32 seconds in the 200 at the Games stands as perhaps the most dominant performance and untouchable mark in track and field history. This grueling double gold showing and the manner in which Johnson obliterated the fields in each race (also with an Olympic record of 43.49 in the 400) is deserving of recognition as among the greatest ever in sport. Allen C. Nunnally Boston Ben Johnson, 100-meter final at Seoul, 1988. I was 11 years old at that time. My family and I watched it "live" on television -- in fact, I taped the race and watched it at least 50 times afterwards. For one day, our country was reunited because of one man. For once, we knew we could compete with the big guys (U.S., Russia, Great Britain, Germany). But two days later, well, it was all over. For me, this is the most memorable Olympic moment, one filled with sadness and disappointment. Justin Brochet Quebec, Canada When Derek Redmond tore his hamstring in the 1992 400 meters in Barcelona. When he first fell down in pain he was soon forgotten as everyone turned to see the result of the race. While the winners were celebrating, the crowd grew quiet as they realized that Redmond had gotten to his feet and was now struggling forward. I could not believe what I was seeing. I had never seen so much courage in an athlete. Then to add even more emotion, Redmond's father pushes his way out of the crowd to embrace his son and help him across the finish line. There were many teary eyes around the world that day. David Zabaleta White Plains, N.Y. There can be no Olympic moment without including Jesse Owens' complete domination of Hitler and his philosophies. You can pick any one of them; however, collectively they make a powerful statement. All this at a time when African-Americans were still not accepted in our own country. Donald D. Washington Washington, D.C. Kerri Strug missing her first vault. Then rising again with her ankle hurt, sacrificing herself to make sure her team won the gold. That showing of determination, of giving it all when all was needed, stands out in my mind as one of the greatest symbols of the Olympic Games of all time. Zach Ellard Roswell, Ga. The 1988 U.S. men's volleyball team. The team of Karch Kiraly, Tim Simmons, Eric Sato, to name a few, had the flash of the Dream Team before there was a Dream Team, and they were just as dominant. Eddie Lee St. Louis It had been a long time since Percy Williams dominated the 100m sprint for Canada, and Ben Johnson seemed to be the new King of Track. We were all let down as a nation when Ben got the boot for drugs. The sad part about it all is that it opened the door on the realization that many of these athletes do take performance enhancing drugs. Unfortunately, these scandals have now replaced gold-medal stories on the front pages of the media. For this, I believe that Ben will be remembered in history as not only a cheater, but the beginning of the end the purity of the amateur Olympic athlete. Dan Radu Calgary, Alberta Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive gold medal at this very Olympics in Sydney. It was an emotional moment for everyone at the Lake, but not just for them. It was emotional for everyone that had watched the race that day. To achieve gold medals at five consecutive Olympics in a competitive sport such as rowing is nothing short of amazing, especially when suffering from diabetes. If this is not one of the true memorable moments of this Olympiad, then what is? The man is a living legend amongst the sporting greats of all time. This should be remembered forever as it will NEVER be repeated. Matthew Williams Nottingham, England In Atlanta 1996, after winning the 200m and 400m, Michael Johnson stood to receive his well-earned gold. As he stood there on the podium and as our national anthem began to play, tears filled the eyes of that tremendous athlete. A chill went down my spine. At that moment, I was so extremely proud to call myself an American. Andy Palys Auburn, Alabama The emotional Jeff Blatnik winning the (1984) super-heavyweight gold in greco-roman wrestling. He was "one happy dude!" Travis Jones Chandler, Ariz. Mark Spitz winning seven gold medals in a single Olympics. Dave Young Key Largo, Fla. Kerri Strug sticking her landing while having a severely injured ankle. The magnificent seven women winning the gold medal for the U.S. in Atlanta is a memory for the ages. Peter Glasgow Fairfax, Va. Vince Carter's dunk on the 7-2 guy, Weis. Being the basketball fanatic that I am, I have seen some jaw-dropping dunks. However, this one takes the cake. MJ has dunked ON 7 footers but not OVER a 7-foot guy. How often will that happen? That is the one moment that you turn and ask yourself "Did that just really happen? Did he just jump OVER that guy and dunk on him?" Then you see the replay and you continue to stand there mouth open looking at the TV screen. Speechless! It is like one of those Mastercard commercials: Late night snack of potato chips and soda: $2.50. Staying up late to watch the Olympics: 4 hours of sleep. Seeing Vince Carter jump over and dunk on 7-2 Frederic Weis: Priceless! Jason T. Semedo Alexandria, Va. Without a doubt, the most memorable Olympic moment for me was in 1984 when Mary Lou Retton won the gold for the U.S.. It was a classic sports scenario, she needed a seemingly impossible 9.95 to tie but instead she nailed a perfect 10. Perhaps what was so memorable was how millions of Americans were watching, most not knowing anything about gymnastics, yet when she landed we all knew it was flawless. Michael Bock Columbus, Ohio Jesse Owens standing atop the gold medal platform while the American flag is being raised much to Adolf Hitler's dismay. I never saw it live, but even viewing that moment on film is heart-wrenching. Myron Mychal Chicago Alexi Grewal winning the Olympic gold in the cycling road race in the '84 Olympics in L.A., barely beating Steve Bauer of Canada. Al Michaels made the call when the racers were coming up the hill in LA. Grewal had been previously disqualified over a dispute over drugs, and to see him barely make it into the race, then win it, and to see ABC's coverage of Grewal on the podium, crying in disbelief, with the American flag overlaid onto the shot, was just awesome. Dave Warner Manassas, Va. Until now, it was the 1992 race when Derek Redmond was helped to the finish of his race by his father. That has now been eclipsed by the great Tommy Lasorda bawling his eyes out with pride in both his country and the previously unknown baseball players who finally found their moment of glory. Hats off to those career minor-leaguers who have kept on playing, year after year, with a lot of heart and very little money. They have, at long last, been rewarded for their love of the game. Rebecca J. Barnes Seattle, Wash. Jim McKay's call of Dave Wottle's stretch run (golf cap and spindly legs) in the men's 800 meters in 1972 at Munich. "And here comes Dave Wottle...He's got one Kenyan ... he's got the other Kenyan ..." The thrill reminds me of the pure love of sport I had as a kid. Brett Love Santa Monica, Calif. Dream Team I, like original Coca-Cola, never to be duplicated -- but they'll always keep trying. Never will a team of such talent, champions, and superstars ever grace the court at one time on the same team. It was a moment, once and for all, showing our dominance in a sport that we created and perfected. Even though winning the gold medal was like taking candy from a baby, no one will ever watch a 40-point blowout with the same concentration, intrigue and joy than they did seeing Magic, Jordan and Bird on the same floor together at last. J P Jones St. Louis The dunk Vince Carter had over Frederic Weis was absolutely the greatest athletic display in any sport that I have seen in a long time. He managed to clear a 7-foot-2 inch man and dunk over him. To me, that is more amazing than running fast or swimming because it is pure athleticism. This moment will stand out in my mind for a long time. Erik Snyder Huntingdon Valley, Pa. The 1980 U.S. Hockey Team. This has to be one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history, I was 1 year old then, but I know the significance of the victory and cannot believe it was left off of the list. Mark Ahrens Iowa City, Iowa The strongest image I have from past Olympics is of the terrorist standing on the balcony of the Israeli athlete's quarters in Munich, 1972. To this day, I can feel emotions ranging from deep fear for the athletes' and the world's safety to rage at the terrorists' audacity and disregard for the lives of others. I was in high school when this happened and just starting to absorb the things going on in the world around me. That particular moment in history started me on the path to growing up sooner than I probably wanted. Mike Roberts Phoenix Muhammad Ali lighting the torch at the Atlanta games in 1996. Seeing him standing there holding the torch made me realize that time can pass by so fast. It seems like only yesterday that he was one of the greatest boxers of all time. It also showed me how fast Parkinson's Disease can weaken even the strongest man. It was a very touching moment in my mind, and in the minds of all who witnessed this in person or watching on television. It will always stand out in my memory as one of the most nostalgic Olympic moments of all time. Jennie Bloom Ames, Iowa 1972 Munich Games, gold medal basketball game: Soviet Union vs. United States. "Last Second" shot giving the U.S.S.R. the gold medal. Despite being only six years old at the time, I experienced my first taste of "Politics" in sports. The feeling of patriotism and pride one moment to feeling of deceit and corruption the next. Twenty-eight years later the image of the U.S. basketball team standing around in disbelief is still very vivid in my mind till this very day. Shane Suan Aiea, Hawaii The terrorist attack at Munich in 1972, and the decision to continue with the Games. The Olympics is at its best when the celebration of athletic excellence allows us all, competitors and watchers alike, to celebrate the joy and unity of humanity. We look at the winners, and see people just like us living out the most extraordinary dreams. In every act of supreme athleticism or humble sportsmanship our faith and hope in the decency of humankind are renewed. The massacre at Munich was the greatest insult ever meted out to the Games, and the temptation to just close up shop and go home must have been enormous. But to abandon the Games would have been to abandon hope. Every athlete triumphs over adversity, and we all feel lifted by their courage and achievement, and when the Games continued it was like saying "None can live without hope. However hard it might be, and however much we want to stop, if we give up hope we have lost. So let the Games march on, and let hope live in everybody's heart." Charles Eliot Duvall, Wash. The drug scandal involving C.J. Hunter. I feel the U.S. is covering up. If it is indeed true that U.S. athletes were on drugs during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the U.S. has had 12 years to release these cheater's names. It is disgusting to say the least. Shame on you U.S.A. Susan Jensen Prince George, B.C. When Maria Isabel Urrutia won the first gold medal to Colombia. This is the only gold medal that Colombia had won in Olympic history. Mauricio Penagos A Bogota, Colombia Cathy Freeman winning the 400m in this Olympics. What a tremendous scene. In a games marred by all types of scandal and just outright ugly scenes...by the IOC, IAAF, U.S.OC, etc...Freeman showed us why the Games will always prevail. The Aussie fans reaction to her race was tremendous, and definitely sent shivers up my spine. Cathy handled it with such grace and pure dignity. Here's to Cathy Freeman, and here's to the Australian people for showing us why the Games and our focus should be on the athletes that do it with the greatest respect for the Sport! Casey Schilling Edmond, Okla. It wasn't all over the papers, or even the television. In fact most people may have missed it. But to me one of the best sights I've seen in a long time at the Olympics was when Terence Parkin of South Africa won the silver medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 2000 Olympics. That fact that he became the first South African male to get a swimming medal wasn't what made it great. It was the fact that he's been deaf since birth that made it spectacular. He brought out the true and, seemingly forgotten meaning of the games. If you work hard and use your full potential, you can truly accomplish anything. Tammy Lattavo Canton, Ohio In the 1968 Olympics, two African-American athletes (Tommie Smith, John Carlos, 200-meter gold and bronze, respectively) raised gloved fists of anger against the racial strife and Vietnam conflict. This act, while admonished by the IOC and the USOC, made a bold statement about the exploitation of the African-American athletic population. Richard Stiek Lawton, Okla. Seeing the hooded Palestinian terrorists on the walkway of the Israeli athletes' apartments at the 1972 Munich games. The thought of those times still invokes horror and a sense of betrayal in me. However, the more I learn about the athletes murdered the more inspired I am by their amazing bravery and heart. Their lives and stories truly ascend any achievements golden in that Olympic year. Warren McPherson Hillsboro, Ore. Rulon Gardner. Need I say more? If this isn't an Olympic moment, I don't know what is. Diamond Tam Dublin, Ireland I was a gay athlete in high school, so I can relate to Greg Louganis' story. His book really inspired me a lot. I have only been watching the Olympics since 1984, when I was old enough to really understand what was going on. When he hit his head on the springboard, then came back in the finals to win the gold, and then turned around and won the platform gold, that, to me, was the greatest moment in Olympic history. He really had to go through a lot of adversity to even make it to the Games. Being HIV positive, his lover very sick and his father dying of cancer, that would be enough for me to want to give up, but he didn't, and that makes him one of the most celebrated sports heros off all time in my book. I am 26 years old now, and I still look at Greg Louganis as a role model, and appreciate everything he has done for AIDS awareness, and homosexual and heterosexual athletes all around the world. Gilbert Schysm Tucson, Arizona Men's 800 meters, 1972. Dave Wattle, wearing a cap, passes two African runners (Kenyan, I think) in the homestretch to bring home the gold. The call was something like "he's got one Kenyan ... he's got the 2nd Kenyan ... Wattle wins the gold!" Brad Sipes Philadelphia Billy Mills win in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics in 1960. Gene Holahan Fresno, Calif. Sadly, the Olympic moment from the 2000 Sydney games that will always stand out in my mind is the IOC stripping an innocent 16 year old Romanian gymnast of an all-around gold medal in the gymnastics competition. As someone who is currently suffering from a cold, I can understand why young Andreea Raducan took the prescribed cold medicine last week prior to the competition. Also, I know the effect cold medicines have on a person, and frankly, they make you drowsy, sluggish, and tired -- not exactly a performance enhancing stimulant as the IOC would have you believe. It is sad that in their witch hunt from drug users, the IOC has chosen to single out one tiny, innocent victim in Andreea Raducan, the greatest gymnast at these summer games. John Slotman Moorestown, N.J. Eric Moussambani from Equatorial Guinea swims for a country that has very little interest in the sport. It took more heart than any nonswimmer can imagine finishing a minute after every other swimmer in the race. Swimming with his head up, struggling to make it to the other end, I held my breath the entire time until he finished. Good job, Eric. Matt Chan Chicago This is a moment from the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Two American women swimmers (Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer) touched the wall at exactly the same time and tied for the gold medal in the 100 free. The two girls were best friends and trained together for a long time. The crowd was going crazy, the girls were crying, it was the perfect Olympic moment. I was only 12 years old then, but I have never seen any moment in any sport that could ever top that. Shannon Kimmons Rockford, Ill. I think of all the great images of Olympics past, none will stand out in my mind like that of Vince Carter soaring OVER Frederic Weis in this year's Olympics. I've never seen that in the playground, college or pro basketball, Olympics, anywhere. He not only jumped over the 7-2 Weis, but he was also about 10 feet from the basket when he took off. It was a high jump, long jump, and hurdle at the same time. Amazing. Sam Diaz Forest Hills, N.Y. Lake Placid, 1980 winter Olympics -- U.S. defeats Russia in ice hockey. Greatest sports viewing moment of my life Dean P. Doucette Hickory, N.C. Seeing Cathy Freeman win the Gold in the 400m for Australia gave me goose bumps. I really rejoice in her success because this is the victory that sends a message, to not only the Australians but to the rest of the world, that because we are all different (culturally) we are the same, we rejoice at the same, we can accomplish the same things. Grace Nolan Tallahassee, Fla. I remember the 1972 Olympic basketball final between the U.S .and Soviet Union. I was trying to leave for a party, but waited until the game was over. After the overtime and the U.S. had won, I left with my wife for the party. When I got there I remarked wasn't it great the U.S. won the basketball tournament. Everyone there said no, the Russians won. I couldn't believe the U.S. hadn't won; it was incongruous that another overtime had been played and the Russians had won. I still can't believe it, and it aggravates me every time I see a replay of the game. Bill Simpson Quincy, Ill. Sure, watching Rulon Gardner upset the world's greatest wrestler was a proud moment, but I think what affected me more was the scene where his wife made the phone call back to the states. When she yelled to her parents "HE WON! HE WON! HE DID IT!" I honestly felt all the emotion she felt and that, I think, did more for me. In the face of insurmountable odds, one woman, one family, believed in the underdog. That, to me, is priceless. John Magrino Orlando, Fla. Munich '72. Don't know why, but I remember Frank Shorter's win in the marathon as a 9-year-old. Specifically, the moment he entered the stadium only to see that imposter trotting around the track in front of him. The incredible spectrum of emotion that crossed his face from shock to dejection to relief and finally joy are images that stay with me to this day. Winston Rodney Long Beach, Calif. In 1996 when Janet Evans takes the final leg of the torch carrying and passes the torch to the Muhammad Ali, and then the "Greatest of All Time" lights the Olympic torch to officially mark the beginning of the Atlanta Games. Before even the first medal was awarded, it was obvious to everyone watching that this was no ordinary sporting event, as one of the greatest icon of sports of all time stood there beaming with Olympic pride and spirit. With every shake Ali withstood to light the torch, my body did the same as I shook with excitement, joy and awe. Jeremy Gudoy Honolulu Heavy favorite Mary Decker crying uncontrollably after getting bumped and falling in the 3000m run against barefooted Zola Budd in the 1984 Olympics. It was gut-wrenching to see all her hard work over the years reduced to tears after a tragic accident. The most emotional moment of Summer Games, outside of the Munich disaster in 1972, that I can recall. Michael Bowers Ridgefield Park, N.J. A dairy farmer from Wyoming -- an unknown guy named Rulon Gardner -- beats Russian Alexander Karelin for a gold medal in Greco-Roman Wrestling. Karelin had not lost a match of any kind in 13 years! Gardner looked like a big teddy bear taking on Rambo, yet he prevailed and even did cartwheels at the end. In his interview, he was humble enough to admit that Karelin was one of his wrestling idols, a man he had "put on a pedestal." He said Karelin just "made one mistake" that he was able to take advantage of for the win ... no talk of "dominating" the event, no cockiness, no posturing. Makes you wonder if he is really an American athlete. Jim Harrold Brandon, Fla. (Gold-medal winning) Laura Wilkinson's smiles and waves to the crowd before each dive. Her attitude and reactions reflect what I feel it should be like competing in the Olympics. Go Laura. Don't miss that one. Robert Carlson Ithaca, N.Y. In Mexico City, Al Oerter wins the discus, with his personal best distance. He becomes the first man to win the same Olympic event in 4 successive Olympic Games. His Olympic performances were all outstanding. His first throw at the age of 19 in the 1956 games, set a new Olympic record. In 1964, with a torn cervical rib cartilage, Oerter removed his neck brace, stepped into the ring, and set a new Olympic record during the prelims. By 1968, in Mexico City, most of his competitors resigned themselves to competing for the silver and the bronze, as he won his fourth straight Olympic gold medal. Oerter missed going to Munich, which would have been his 5th games, by one place during the U.S. Olympic Trials. Chris Lausten Puyallup, Wash. At the 1984 Inaugural Women's Olympic Marathon, Gabriele Andersen-Scheiss (A U.S./Swiss dual citizen representing Switzerland) was staggering along from sheer exhaustion. She managed to elude all attempts to stop her and finished the race. I still cry when I think about it. D.M. Suydam Chicago |  | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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