Top 7 People That Made Moments in Recent Olympic History
The Olympic Games, seen as the zenith of athletic accomplishment, have consistently presented the world with memorable moments transcending mere sports.
These occurrences carry deep cultural, social, and at times, political weight in recent years, complementing the breathtaking athletic performances.
On the journey of life, our Olympic stars have proven to be more than mere victors on the grand stage. These are individuals who, against all odds, have displayed incredible courage and unwavering tenacity to reach the pinnacle of their achievements. They’re not just breaking records; they’re making significant contributions that echo far beyond the arena.
In the contemporary Olympics, we witness a platform where humanity’s victories and challenges unfold, encompassing the shattering of historic records and heartening displays of togetherness.
This article delves into the “Top 7 People that made Moments in Recent Olympic History” over the last decade. Each of these figures has left an enduring imprint on the narrative of sports and global culture, forever shaping the course of history.
Top 7 People that made Moments in Recent Olympic History
1. Usain Bolt’s
The first prominent person worthy of mention is Usain Bolt. He is a sprinter from Jamaica. He made history in 2016 by winning gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay events at the Rio Olympics for the third time in a row.
This achievement cemented Bolt’s position as the world’s fastest man. As at 2016, he was recognized as the only other track and field athlete with nine gold medals. Bolt’s triumph brought him even with American sprinter and long jumper Carl Lewis and Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi. Only American swimmer Michael Phelps, who increased his record to 23 with five gold medals in Rio, has won more Olympic competitions.
Despite being nearly as dominant in Rio as he had been in the previous two Summer Games, Bolt, 29, has stated and kept his word that the 2016 Olympics would be his final Olympic campaign. However, the memory of his performance at the 2016 Olympics persisted.
2. Simone Biles
Simone Biles, an American gymnast, surprised the world with her amazing athleticism and won four gold medals and a bronze medal, demonstrating unrivaled skill and inventiveness in gymnastics.
Simone Biles was the center of attention prior to Rio 2016. She was America’s leading Olympic candidate.
Biles had already won 10 gold medals before the Olympics, including one each at the FIG World Cup and three different World Championships.
By the time Rio 2016 was over, Biles had added two more gold medals to her collection (floor and vault), along with a bronze in the balance beam.
She made a moment in Olympic history by becoming the first Team USA gymnast to ever win four gold medals in a single competition, and few would contest that she was Rio 2016’s most prominent star. She was also chosen to carry the American flag during the closing ceremony in recognition of her achievements.
3. Michael Phelps
American swimmer Michael Phelps ended his legendary career with five gold medals and one silver in Rio, bringing his total Olympic medal count to 28, the most by any athlete in history.
Michael Phelps is without a doubt the greatest Olympian to ever compete. Phelps has surpassed Usain Bolt with 28 medals, including 23 gold, more than doubling the total of his nearest challengers. At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, he became the first athlete to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics.
4. Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky of the United States obliterated records and dominated the 800m freestyle competition, demonstrating her extraordinary endurance and talent.
Katie Ledecky is the first Olympian since Meyer to complete the 200, 400, and 800 triple. The American swimming standout won her specialty event, the 800m freestyle, in eight minutes and 8.87 seconds at the World Championships in Japan. She currently has 29 of the event’s 29 all-time best times.
Ledecky’s victory also ended her tie with Michael Phelps because it was her 16th triumph in the individual swimming competition. She won four medals at the competition, including two golds (800 m and 1500 m freestyle) and two silvers (400 m freestyle and 4×200 m freestyle relay).
5. Erica Wiebe
Women’s freestyle wrestling gold medalist Erica Wiebe of Canada became a role model for tenacity and perseverance in the sport. In the women’s 75 kg freestyle event, she won gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
She was the second Canadian woman to win gold after Carol Huynh in the sport of wrestling at the Olympics, making her the third Canadian champion overall. Wiebe has won the gold medal at both the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Gold Coast, making her the current champion in the same weight class.
Wiebe started competing in the Indian Pro Wrestling League after winning the gold medal in Rio, leading the Mumbai Maharathi. One of the highest-paid wrestlers in the world, Wiebe receives a salary in the league of 4.3 million Indian rupees, or more than $80,000 in Canadian currency.
6. Simone Manuel
Simone Manuel, an American swimmer, broke barriers in the sport by becoming the first African-American woman to win an individual swimming gold medal at the Olympics. In total, Manuel brought home four medals, taking home gold in the 4100 medley relay as well as silver in the 50 freestyle and 4100 freestyle relay. Simone Manuel is committed to promoting inclusivity in swimming in addition to winning Olympic medals.
7. Kohei Uchimura
The second consecutive Olympic all-around gold medal went to Japanese gymnast Kohei Uchimura, who displayed incredible skill and grace. The Japanese gymnast who started his career at the age of 3, won the gold medal for the second consecutive Olympic all-around competition when he stuck his landing from his high-flying, high-risk horizontal bar routine.
It also elevated him to the status of the greatest and most successful male gymnast of all time, according to gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci. He is now known as the first gymnast to win back-to-back Olympic golds in the all-around competition since fellow countryman Sawao Kato in 1972.
End Note
These remarkable Olympians have played a pivotal role in creating unforgettable moments in recent Olympic history. Their exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and outstanding sportsmanship have showcased the prowess of competitors worldwide, transforming the Olympic Games into a truly spectacular and inspiring event.
They stand as a constant reminder of the remarkable heights athletes can reach and the profound impact the Olympic Games can have on our planet. Their legacies will endure in the collective memory of sports enthusiasts and the broader global community.
