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02 Aug 2024
6 Min Read
Ruka Nakamatsu (Student Writer)
Discover what it takes to become an Olympic legend! Illuminate the incredible feats and inspiring stories of sports icons in celebration of Paris 2024.
Welcome back to chapter two of this three-part series! The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially begun, and the cheers from the crowds are louder than ever, filling the air with excitement and anticipation. In this chapter, we'll delve into several iconic Olympic sports and explore the recent additions to look forward to. We'll also revisit remarkable underdog victories and moments of sportsmanship that have touched hearts all over the world. Stay with us until the end for a front-row seat to see how it all unfolds!
From the ancient disciplines of wrestling and athletics to the modern marvels of gymnastics and swimming, the Olympics have long been a showcase of the world's most beloved and timeless sports. Track and field events, in particular, stand out as some of the most thrilling and prestigious competitions. With roots tracing back to the ancient Olympic Games, these events have evolved to include a wide range of contests, from the lightning-fast speeds of sprints to the endurance-testing challenges of marathons, and from the precision of the long jump to the sheer power of the shot put.
While many associate track and field with the iconic Usain Bolt, Jesse Owens' legacy is equally significant. At the Berlin 1936 Olympics, Owens won four gold medals and broke multiple world records, making a powerful statement against the oppressive ideologies of the time.
Four decades later, at the Montreal 1976 Olympics, Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in gymnastics. At just 14 years old, she was the epitome of grace, displaying an extraordinary blend of beauty and fierceness. Comaneci's performances were a mesmerising combination of creativity, innovation, and technical perfection, setting a new standard for the sport. Her routines were not just about athletic prowess but also about artistry and control, captivating audiences and judges alike. She redefined what was possible in gymnastics, inspiring future generations with her remarkable achievements and leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport. Comaneci's legacy continues to inspire future generations, including Simone Biles, who pushes the boundaries of gymnastics today.
Photo credits: International Olympic Committee
In the glow of another achievement, Malaysia celebrates Pandelela Rinong Pamg, its 'National Unity Icon'. Proudly wearing her two Olympic diving medals, she is the first Malaysian woman to earn such an honor. Despite a series of injuries preventing her from competing this year, Pandelela remains determined to come back stronger, showcasing the relentless spirit and unyielding fire that burns within an athlete. Nonetheless, we are inspired by the 26 Malaysian athletes who are competing. This marks Malaysia's 17th appearance at the Summer Olympic Games, with the athletes participating in 11 different sports. Join the thrilling journey as they strive for gold!
Just as baseball and softball were reinstated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Paris 2024 Olympics will continue the momentum with a blend of familiar and new sports that promise to captivate audiences and highlight the diversity of athletic talent. This year, get ready for the excitement of breaking, also known as breakdancing, making its Olympic debut. This dynamic and expressive sport, rooted in urban culture, will bring a fresh and vibrant energy to the Games.
Alongside breaking, the reappearance of newly introduced sports such as the electrifying action of skateboarding, the thrilling waves of surfing, and the high-flying tricks of BMX freestyle will keep the adrenaline pumping. These sports have ushered in a new era for the Games, reflecting cultural diversity and the vibrant urban lifestyle that captivates audiences worldwide. The inclusion of these contemporary and youth-focused sports underscores the Olympics' commitment to expanding the cultural and athletic horizons of this global event.
Everyone loves a good plot twist, and when the unexpected occurs, it captures our hearts and imaginations like nothing else. In the world of sports, there's nothing quite as exhilarating as an underdog victory. These are the moments when the seemingly impossible happens, when the overlooked and underestimated rise to the occasion, defying all odds to achieve greatness. They remind us that anything is possible, inspiring us to believe in our own potential and to never count ourselves out, no matter how daunting the challenge.
Photo credits: The Sun Chronicle
Let's look back at some of the legendary underdog victories in sports history. Remember the 'Miracle on Ice' at the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics, when the U.S. men's ice hockey team, a group of college players, defeated the heavily favoured Soviet Union team? It became a symbolic win, especially during the Cold War, boosting American morale.
Or Abebe Bikila, who ran barefoot at the Rome 1960 Olympics and brought immense pride to Ethiopia, highlighting African athletes on the global stage.
We also cannot forget Cathy Freeman, who, as an Aboriginal Australian, won the 400m gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, becoming a symbol of unity in Australia and promoting awareness and respect for Indigenous cultures.
Photo credits: CBC
The essence of humanity is often most vividly displayed in acts of sportsmanship. It's in those split-second decisions where one prioritises the safety and well-being of others over personal gain. Lawrence Lemieux's heroic rescue during a sailing competition at the Seoul 1988 Olympics is a prime example of this. He abandoned his position to save two fellow competitors from drowning—an act that cost him his position but earned him the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship. This selfless act highlights the true spirit of the Olympics, where humanity and compassion triumph over personal glory.
Photo credits: International Olympic Committee
Some moments seem straight out of a movie like the emotional father-son finish at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics, where Derek Redmond, who suffered a debilitating injury, was helped by his father, Jim Redmond, who broke through security and joined him on the track. Together, they completed the lap amidst a standing ovation from the crowd. This powerful moment demonstrated the unyielding bond of family, the power of perseverance, and the true meaning of support, both on and off the track.
Equally inspiring is the heartwarming moment when Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi chose to share the gold medal in the high jump at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After both athletes cleared the same height and failed to surpass it in subsequent attempts, they were offered a jump-off to decide the winner. Instead, Barshim asked if they could share the gold, and Tamberi immediately agreed. This unprecedented decision, filled with mutual respect and camaraderie, was met with overwhelming joy and celebration. It epitomised the Olympic spirit, where friendship and respect for fellow competitors transcend the desire for individual victory.
This marks the end of chapter two, and I hope it was as thrilling as the Paris 2024 Olympics have been so far! The Olympics remind us of their deeper purpose beyond athletic achievements and competition. These moments on this grand stage highlight the profound human spirit that unites us all, showcasing the best of humanity through acts of compassion, perseverance, and mutual respect. Stay tuned for the third and final chapter of this three-part series, where we'll dive into the fascinating stories of the Olympic host cities, exploring how the Games have impacted and contributed to them. Join me in crossing the finish line together!
Ruka Nakamatsu is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Taylor's University. A voracious reader with an insatiable curiosity, she constantly delves into diverse topics, always on the lookout for the next great story to write.
