14 moments in the history of sports that changed the world

There are great moments in the history of sports that have determined the course of not only sporting events, but also the history of mankind. It was thanks to such moments that people had faith in themselves and hope for a bright future.

The policy of racial segregation in South Africa strongly influenced the political and social infrastructure, even after apartheid was abolished in 1994. The South African national rugby team "Springboks" defeated the New Zealand team "All Blacks" in the Rugby World Cup. It was a historic moment that testified to the weakening of racial conflicts. South African President Nelson Mandela, who for many years fought for the rights of the black population of the country, even shook hands with the captain of the Springboks team, Francois Pienaar.

British doctor Ludwig Guttman organized International Wheelchair Sports Games to help rehabilitate World War II veterans. He invited athletes confined to a wheelchair to take part in competitions that later became the Paralympic Games.

The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin were supposed to be a confirmation of Hitler's theory of the superiority of the Aryan race. However, the American black track and field athlete Jesse Owens broke the plans of the Nazi leader — he became a four-time Olympic champion, winning the 100 and 200 meters, the 4×100 meters relay (with a world record) and the long jump. The famous photo of Owens saluting was taken during the presentation of medals for the long jump. This picture captured one of the most powerful moments in the history of sports. However, when Jesse Owens returned to the United States, the only person who did not bother to congratulate the athlete who angered Hitler himself was President Franklin Roosevelt.

Another historical moment occurred at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. Athletes Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in the air as a sign of pride that they received medals for first and third place, respectively. They repeated this gesture during the US national anthem, the badges of the Olympic project for human rights were visible on the athletes ' chests.

The famous American baseball player Lou Gehrig was forced to retire from the sport at the age of 36 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A touching farewell ceremony was held for the athlete. By the way, in the USA and Canada, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is known precisely as "Lou Gehrig's disease".

The famous American cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer, and the forecasts were disappointing, since the disease was discovered at the last stage. Armstrong defeated the disease and finished first overall in the Tour de France 7 times. His example inspired many people to fight cancer to the end, not to give up and continue to follow their dreams.

The unique athlete Bobby Martin was born almost without legs. But this did not prevent him from becoming interested in American football at school and playing for a local team at university.

Until the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, women were not allowed to participate in competitions. That year, women athletes were announced in the disciplines of grass tennis and golf. And the London Olympic Games in 2012 were marked by the debut of women's boxing.

In 1965, Cassius Clay won the heavyweight title. The next day, he declared that he was a member of the" Nation of Islam " and changed his name to Mohammed Ali. Due to the fact that the famous boxer Muhammad Ali not only refused to serve, but also actively opposed the war in Vietnam, the athlete was deprived of the championship title, a license to participate in fights and a passport, without which he could not leave the country.

In April 1947, baseball player Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first black player in the Major Leagues in American history. Despite receiving death threats and constant discrimination from other players, Robinson made an outstanding sports career thanks to his talent and diligence.

On September 20, 1973, women's tennis star Billie Jean King played in a match against former world number one Bobby Riggs, who at one time spoke unflatteringly about the level of women's tennis and believed that he could beat any woman on the court. King defeated Riggs and received $ 100,000.

Canadian athlete of Jamaican origin Ben Johnson set a world record in the final race at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. However, three days later, the athlete was caught using steroids, and his titles were canceled. Johnson was allowed to participate in the Olympic Games in Barcelona years later, but he was again disqualified for using banned drugs. In 1993, the athlete was disqualified from the sport for life.

The National Golf Club in the American city of Augusta did not accept black players until 1975. In 1997, 21-year-old Tiger Woods won the Masters tournament, which was held at this golf club.

American football player Reggie Bush of the USC team helped the University of Southern California win many matches. In 2005, he was awarded the Heisman Trophy for that season, but it soon became clear that the athlete and his family received generous gifts from sports agent Lloyd Lake. The university was not credited with several wins in the 2004 season.