Jackie Joyner-Kersee won a gold medal in the long jump at the Seoul Olympics on Septemeber 29, 1988. About an hour later, her sister-in-law, Florence Griffith Joyner (Better known as Flo Jo) broke a world record in a semi final heat of the 200 meters. For Joyner-Kersee, the win in the long jump was her second gold medal. She had won (and set a world record) the heptathlon … [Read more...] about Jackie Joyner-Kersee Wins 2nd Gold – September 29, 1988
Olympics
Ben Johnson Disqualified at Seoul Olympics September 27, 1988
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2aeV3fIUDo At the Seoul Olympics on September 24, 1988, competing in the 100 meter sprint, Ben Johnson won a decisive victory over his rival, nine-time Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis. Three days later, after tests revealed that Johnson had used illegal performance enhancing drugs, he was stripped of the gold medal (and his world record was … [Read more...] about Ben Johnson Disqualified at Seoul Olympics September 27, 1988
U.S. Olympic Basketball Streak Ended – September 10, 1972
This one still stinks – The Olympics at its worst. The U.S. Olympic basketball streak ended, after being unbeaten since the sport was introduced at the 1936 games. Going into this game the U.S. team's record was 62-0. In fairness to the Soviet team that allegedly won, it wasn’t their fault that they had played superbly and were within a point of the Americans when the game … [Read more...] about U.S. Olympic Basketball Streak Ended – September 10, 1972
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) wins Olympic Gold – September 5, 1960
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0VelT6XGxY&feature=related The brilliant Shirley Povitch did not overlook the amusing coincidence of a man named Cassius, competing for a gold medal at the Rome Olympics. He wrote "Cassius has come back to Rome. He is an esteemed member of the U.S. compound in the Olympic Village. But 'yon Cassius is not out of Shakespeare. He is out of … [Read more...] about Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) wins Olympic Gold – September 5, 1960
Dave Wottle (The Hat) wins Olympic 800 – September 2, 1972
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fef59qD8gow Dave Wottle always wore an old golf cap when he trained and competed, and this made him immediately recognisable in the opening rounds of the 800m at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich (see photo above). In the final, Wottle immediately dropped to the rear of the field, and stayed there for the first 600m, at which point he started … [Read more...] about Dave Wottle (The Hat) wins Olympic 800 – September 2, 1972