Game Day Glory
It is a well-known perception that sport is one of the elements uniting people, stimulating them and creating peculiar situations forming the image of one’s country. The US has had most of these dramatical achievements that have shaped not only American society but even the sports beyond American borders, including the off-the-field aspects. This victory, where the underdog team emerges victorious or yesteryear great athletes put on a great show, shall remain etched on the minds of millions. In this post, however, we shall go through some of the notable sporting victories that were recorded in the history of America, defeats that advanced sports and earned the nation respect.
1. The "Miracle on Ice" – 1980 Winter Olympics
To ensure any account of the great sporting events that shaped America’s history does not omit the 'Miracle on Ice.' During the Lake Placid Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey finals held in New York in the year 1980, the United States men's ice hockey team faced a formidable opponent, the Soviet Union. The composition of the team consisted of virtually all college attendees. This was only a couple of weeks before which time, the Soviets who were, at the time, the reigning Olympics champions of the fourth consecutive term had thrashed the Americans in a friendly match 10-3. Despite the odds, the American squad is known to have pulled one of the biggest surprises in sports. The US team triumphed 4 – 3 in a spectacular match which has gone down in history as one of the Olympic Games most enchanting events. This was all the more important win as this did not only stand as an achievement in sport but also a boost to the country’s morale during a difficult political period with the former Soviet Union. That victory was over Finland in the final game for gold medal, but the hearts of the nation were already captured and the "Miracle on Ice" was an event that made history when the Soviet team lost.
2. Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Besides highlighting his athletic skills, Owens' performance during the Berlin Summer Olympics in the year 1936 made a point to the entire world. Owens, an African-American runner, defied Hitler's scheme of using the Olympics to promote the superiority of the Aryan race by winning four gold medals in the 100, 200, long jump, and 4x100 meters relay events. Owens' victories signified both a bold rebuttal of Nazi propaganda and an affirmation of man's transcendental instincts. Along with numerous other sports heroes, he emerged as an international icon in no time due to his celebrated personality and spirit to fight for equality and justice. Owens' remarkable achievements are even now, the most beautiful memories, connected with the Olympic Games and sportsmen throughout the world have drawn inspiration from him.
3. The 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer World Cup Win
The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team marked a turning point in women’s athletic achievements. The U.S. team, playing for the final match against China, found themselves at the grand Rose Bowl in Pasadena California, amid a crowd of over ninety thousand people. After 120 minutes (two full halves and overtime) of action, not a single score was registered! The winner had to be decided from the penalty area instead. Brandi Chastain, a U.S. defender, was the one who held her nerves the most, winning the penalty shootout 5- 4 for her team. Chastain earned fame for her dramatic gestures and the most famous one will be removing the jersey and kneeling down. The victory of the World Cup in 1999, however, not only established the U.S. as one of the major forces in women’s soccer but also contributed to the growth of the sport and motivated many girls to play sports.
4. Michael Phelps’ 8 Gold Medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
In the course of the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, Michael Phelps did the unprecedented by winning eight gold medals in one Olympic Games thus beating the record of seven gold medals set by fellow American swimmer Mark spitz. This has not been achieved by any other athlete. Phelps showed an incredible effort in all the races, with his impressive speed, endurance and concentration. Also, some of such spectacular quality of wooden victories won by Phelps, Apart from the vast collection of gold medals that he had, helped make his victory famous. For instance, he clinched the 100 metres butterfly event by a clear margin of just 01 seconds, the end margin being almost negligible. Gradual interest to the sport of swimming developed and with Phelps’ triumph in Beijing, it was clear that definitely, he was the greatest Olympian of all eras.
5. Super Bowl LI – The New England Patriots’ Comeback Victory
The year was 2017 and it was the time for Super Bowl LI. It was also the time for the legendary quarter back Tom Brady who played for the New England Patriots. When the patriots were down and out, losing 28-3 against Atlanta Falcons in the late third quarter, most of the viewers concluded that it was all over. However, Super Bowl would still not be outdone by Brady and the Patriots who had done an impossible thing by herself, scoring 25 points to equal the scores at 28-28 and taking it to overtime for the first time ever in the history of super bowls. It was a stunning show of determination and courage. In other words, the poise, aplomb and glorious football heritage that the Patriots are known for had really helped them to turn the game around winning it by 34-28 and thus awarded Brady his fifth and most likely final Super Bowl ring which consolidated his place in history as one of the best passers ever. This game also has a lesson embedded in it and that is no matter how bleak things may be, it is not the end of the road.
Conclusion
Different parts of the world are familiar with American talent in various sports activities. This time, the author would like to dwell on the hockey which is one of the most popular American sports today. From throutgout history, different regions of the world has experienced cultural dominance at a particular period.