Legends of Sports

They were divided at the 38th parallel, but reunified in Sydney. It was probably only symbolic-perhaps even delusional, but when an event can bring two countries which are officially at war to march under the same flag, it gives the spectator an idea of the strength of the Olympic movement. A flag with the map of undivided Korea in blue over a white background was carried by Park Jung Chon, a North Korean judo coach and Chun Un Soon, a basketball player from South Korea while the band aptly played an emotional folk song. Same uniform, same flag, same song – it seemed for one fleeting moment in history, the two nations forgot the past and embraced the future.


9. An African delight in Barcelona














The two were as different as they come. One, a white South African. The other, an Ethiopian. Derartu Tulu and Elena Meyer had just finished first and second in the 10,000 meters. What followed was perhaps the most poignant victory lap in history. Hand in hand, the two Africans celebrated their victory together. For many, it heralded South Africa’s re-entrance into the sporting arena after years of apartheid but it was the beauty of two African athletes, in their hour of glory to recognize each others performance that seemed to provide the shining light for the dark continent.


8. Pyambu Tuul runs the race











Pyambu Tuul represented Mongolia in the marathon at Barcelona in 1992. He came in last. When asked why he was so slow, he replied ‘”No, my time was not slow, after all you could call my run a Mongolian Olympic marathan record.” Not satisfied, another reporter asked him whether it was the greatest day of his life. To which came the reply which can throw anybody off their seats. “And as for it being the greatest day of my life, no it isn’t”, he said,”"Up till six months ago I had no sight at all. I was a totally blind person. When I trained it was only with the aid of friends ran with me.


7. Dan Jansen’s redemption













It seemed to be happening all over again. A sense of deja vu had set in. Dan Jansen, the speed skater who had promised so much, but had failed to deliver was competing in the 1000 meters finals at Lillehammer. Surely, it was his last chance at redemption. Four years earlier at the Calgary games, he had competed in the 500 meters speed skating event hours after hearing the news of his sister Jane’s death. He had failed to make much of an impact. The jinx continued in Albertville. Call it what you will-destiny, an act of divine providence, whatever-he skated like never before, created a world record, and took home the gold. And if there is anything called poignancy in sport-it is this- Dan Jansen, holding his little girl and looking up to the heavens saying ‘This is for you, Jane.’


6. Miracle on Ice















Lake Placid, New York, 1980. The Soviets had invaded Afghanistan. Carter was not sending an American Contingent to the Moscow Summer Olympics. It was in this cauldron of spite that the American team comprising of mostly amateurs had just taken the lead against the mighty Soviets. Ten minutes of intense hockey followed, but the Soviets could not breach the American defense. With the clock winding down, ABC’s Al Michael’s immortal words ‘Eleven seconds, you’ve got ten seconds, the countdown’s going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk. Five seconds left in the game. Do you believe in miracles? YES’, were accompanied by jubilation on the rink as well as the stands. Decades later, its still the video you show your kids to teach them what it is to be American.

Also See the Top 5 Emotional Olympic Moments