Every four years, the Winter Olympics grace the screen – and fans – with some of the most memorable moments in sports history. And it is all thanks to the athletes from around the world that come together.
With the Winter Olympics in full swing once again, it is time to look back at some of the most iconic moments to happen during this frosty event. These are the moments that stick in the minds of many. Thanks to technology, many of these moments have been recorded for future generations.
Eric Heiden Wins 5 Gold Medals
In 1980, American speed skater Eric Heiden broke records when he came home with five gold medals. This earned him the nickname Man of Gold, which is fairly accurate given the circumstances. Eric Heiden won the 500 meters, 1000 meters, 1500 meters, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meter runs for speed skating.
The Jamaican Bobsled Team’s First Run
1988 saw the first appearance of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, and they took the world by storm. While they didn’t win (or finish) the race, they did manage to walk to the finish line, making for a memorable moment. People were so moved by their story that it eventually was turned into a movie, Cool Runnings.
Nancy Kerrigan’s Silver Medal
Nancy Kerrigan is a story about perseverance and determination. Just weeks before she was set to skate for the 1994 Olympics, she was attacked (with a clear intention of ruining her chances of winning). Instead of walking away, Kerrigan wowed the crowd by showing up, performing with everything she had, and taking home the silver medal.
U.S Women’s Wins 1998 Nagano Hockey Games
This was a triumphant year for women’s hockey. 1998 saw the Olympic debut of the U.S. Women’s team – and their victory. They beat Canada with a score of 36-8. Additionally, they faced Canada’s team twice during this time – and won both times.
Hermann Maier’s Return
Hermann Maier, an Austrian skier, took a horrible fall in the winter of 1998. He went off the course by thirty feet, crashing into two fences along the way. Despite this accident, Maier was back on the course less than three days later. Ultimately, he took home the gold.