The 25 Greatest Moments in Sports History

Intro

We've all born witness to remarkable plays and performances from some of our favorite athletes. In today's generation, with 24-hour highlights, the significance of a great play is dimmed because undoubtably the next one will happen tomorrow. 

Every once in a while, though, something happens, and we, as the viewers, feel a special connection to that moment, as if to imply I saw that happen. Maybe it's our subconscious wanting to be connected to history. 

I've been lucky to witness several of the moments below in real time, and I too, felt the significance: the combination of pressure, time, and place (and sometimes even a little luck). 

Please enjoy the 25 greatest moments in sports history. 

The List

1. The "Miracle on Ice" - 1980 Winter Olympics

​The United States ice hockey team defeated the Soviet Union, considered unbeatable at the time, in a stunning upset. Coach Herb Brooks has been forever enshrined in hockey glory. 

2. Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

​Owens, an African-American track and field athlete, won four gold medals, disproving Hitler's Aryan supremacy theory. 

3. The Thrilla in Manila - 1975

​The legendary boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the Philippines. This was the third fight between the two, and Ali won by virtue of corner retirement in the 14th round. 

4. Nadia Comăneci's Perfect 10 - 1976 Summer Olympics

​The Romanian gymnast scored the first-ever perfect 10 in gymnastics.

5. "The Shot" by Michael Jordan - 1989 NBA Playoffs

​Jordan's game-winning shot against Craig Ehlo and the Cleveland Cavaliers to win Game 5 of their first-round series. 

6. Usain Bolt's World Records - 2008-2009

​Bolt set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints at the Beijing Olympics and the World Championships.

7. The Hand of God - 1986 FIFA World Cup

​Diego Maradona's controversial handball goal for Argentina against England.

8. The Rumble in the Jungle - 1974

​Muhammad Ali's victory against George Foreman in a historic boxing match in Zaire.

9. Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs - 1973

​The "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, where King defeated Riggs.

10. "The Catch" by Dwight Clark - 1982 NFC Championship Game

​Clark's game-winning catch for the San Francisco 49ers against the Dallas Cowboys is a clip that is still played routinely during NFL football games. 

11. Secretariat's Triple Crown Win - 1973

​Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by an astonishing 31 lengths, securing the Triple Crown.

12. Brandi Chastain's World Cup Celebration - 1999

​Chastain's iconic moment when she ripped off her shirt after scoring the winning penalty kick for the US Women's Soccer Team.

13. The Black Power Salute - 1968 Summer Olympics

​Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a silent protest during the medal ceremony.

14. The Immaculate Reception - 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff

​Franco Harris's miraculous catch that led the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory against the Oakland Raiders.

15. "The Fight of the Century" - 1971

​Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier's first meeting, considered one of the greatest boxing matches in history.

16. 1992 Dream Team - Barcelona Olympics

​The star-studded basketball team dominated the competition and brought global attention to the NBA.

17. Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game - 1962

​Chamberlain scored a record 100 points in a single NBA game.

18. The "Fosbury Flop" - 1968 Summer Olympics

​Dick Fosbury revolutionized high jumping with his backward-facing technique.

19. The Boston Red Sox Break the Curse - 2004

​The Red Sox won the World Series, ending an 86-year championship drought.

20. "The Drive" - 1987 AFC Championship Game

​John Elway led the Denver Broncos on a 98-yard game-tying touchdown drive against the Cleveland Browns.

21. The "Perfect 10" by Kerri Strug - 1996 Summer Olympics

​Strug's heroic vault on an injured ankle secured the gold medal for the US women's gymnastics team.

22. Jack Nicklaus's Masters Win - 1986

​At 46 years old, Nicklaus became the oldest Masters champion.

23. Bobby Orr's Flying Goal - 1970 Stanley Cup Finals

​Orr scored the game-winning goal, leading the Boston Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 29 years.

24. The "Philly Special" - Super Bowl LII

​The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a trick play, with quarterback Nick Foles catching a touchdown pass.

25. Tiger Woods's Masters Comeback - 2019

​Woods won his fifth Masters title, completing a remarkable return to form after a series of personal and health challenges.