Victory, Defeat, and Glory: 15 Sports Moments That Shook the World

When it comes to sports, some victories aren’t just determined by the scoreboard. They’re about grit, heart, and refusing to give up, even in the face of injury or hardship.

From Kerri Strug sticking her vault landing on a busted ankle in the ’96 Olympics to a young Muhammad Ali defeating Sonny Liston with the legendary “phantom punch,” it’s no surprise these epic moments have lived on long after the final whistle. Take a look at these 15 photos that capture some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history.

1. Kerri Strug’s Vault Routine on an Injured Ankle (1996)

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Kerri Strug of Team USA pushed through the pain to stick her final vault landing while battling an injured ankle. With the gold medal on the line, Strug’s routine went on to secure the team’s first-ever all-around Olympic gold in women’s gymnastics. She was then carried off the floor by coach Béla Károlyi.

2. Usain Bolt Shatters the 100-Meter World Record (2009)

During day two of the 12th IAAF World Athletics Championship in Berlin, Germany, Usain Bolt of Jamaica pushed the boundaries of speed by turning into the Flash and cemented his status as an instant sports legend with a new record of 9.58 seconds in the 100-meter sprint.

3. Muhammad Ali’s ‘Phantom Punch’ Against Sonny Liston (1964)

Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, stands over Sonny Liston just seconds after knocking him out with a punch so fast it was barely seen. Liston entered the Heavyweight Title fight as the overwhelming favorite, making Ali’s W all the more unforgettable.

4. Michael Jordan’s ‘Flu Game’ (1997 NBA Finals)

Battling what many believed to be food poisoning, Jordan dropped a whopping 38 points against the Utah Jazz while looking visibly exhausted and unwell. Though he had to lean on his teammates to finish the game, he still managed to score seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The Bulls then went on to defeat the Jazz 90–88 in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals.

5. Brandi Chastain’s World Cup Winning Kick (1999)

After sinking the winning penalty kick during a nail-biter game against China, Chastain dropped to her knees in celebration as the U.S. won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The image became iconic and helped women’s sports gain traction in the U.S.

6. Jesse Owens Wins Gold at the Berlin Olympics After Defeating Nazi Germany’s Lutz Long (1936)

In front of Adolf Hitler and a sea of Nazi flags, the American track and field star shattered racial myths and track records by winning four gold medals, and became a lasting symbol of courage and equality.

7. Tiger Woods Wins the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia (1997)

At just 21 years old, Woods went on a record-breaking 12-stroke lead to win the 1997 Masters Tournament as the youngest player ever. His performance redefined golf and inspired a new generation of athletes hoping to make a name for themselves.

8. The Miracle on Ice (1980 Winter Olympics)

A ragtag group of U.S. college players shocked the heavily-favored Soviet team (and the world) in one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The Soviets, seen as “unbeatable,” had dominated international hockey for over a decade. The win gave the country a jolt of pride during the ongoing Cold War, especially as the American team went on to win a gold medal.

9. Bo Jackson’s Wall Run (1990)

After making a catch in full stride, the Kansas City Royals’ Jackson seemed to defy gravity as he scaled the outfield wall like a video game character. The insane flash of athleticism and speed during a Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles game left the world in awe as no one could believe their eyes — even as they watched it happen.

10. Serena Williams’ First Grand Slam Win (1999)

At just 17, Serena powered her way to the U.S. Open to win her first Grand Slam title win. Williams went on to have one of the most prolific and impressive careers in tennis history, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals.

11. Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Goal (1986 World Cup)

During the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Argentina’s Diego Maradona ignited controversy with this handball goal that was passed off as a header. But just minutes later, he stunned the world as he weaved through England’s defenders to score what became known as the “goal of the century.” The victory helped propel Argentina to its second World Cup title in eight years.

12. Tom Brady’s 28–3 Comeback (Super Bowl, 2017)

In 2017, the New England Patriots were down a hefty 25 points in the third quarter of the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons. Brady led the Patriots to the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, rewriting what was possible on football’s biggest stage and cementing his status as the GOAT (greatest of all time).

13. Jackie Robinson Breaks the Color Barrier (1947)

Wearing number 42 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson stepped onto the field as the first African-American player in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947. He went on to become a major asset for the franchise, earning six All-Star selections and winning the National League MVP (most valuable player) award in 1949. Beyond the game, Robinson became known as a civil rights icon that spent his life fighting for justice and equality both on and off the field.

14. Simone Biles’ Record-Breaking Triple-Double (2019)

During the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Biles became the first gymnast in history to land a triple-twisting double backflip. The move, now officially named the “Biles II,” cemented her legacy as one of the all-time greats.

15. Rulon Gardner (Left) Beats Aleksandr Karelin (2000 Olympics)

Facing a Russian wrestler who hadn’t lost in 13 years, Gardner pulled off one of biggest upsets by defeating Karelin in the 2000 Olympic finals in Australia. Karelin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was stunned by Gardner’s strength and resilience.

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