Since the inception of the modern Olympics in 1896, the Games have been the setting for some iconic moments in both sport and culture. The event has the ability to transcend sport, while acting as a platform for significant social and political commentary.
So, continue reading to learn about some of the most significant moments to come from the Olympic Games in the 21st century (in no particular order).
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London 2012 – Women of the World
Wojdan Shaherkani was an athlete in the Women’s Judo bracket. Not only is it impressive that she was only 16 at the time, but her appearance as the first woman to compete for the Saudi Arabian Olympic team was symbolic of something much bigger.
For the first time in the history of the Olympics, it meant that every competing country had female representation. Fully deserving of a spot on this list and epitomising the values the Olympics strives for, it really was a huge (if delayed) victory globally for women’s sports.
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Sydney 2000 – Cathy Freeman Unites the Nation
Going into her home games in 2000, there was immense pressure on 400m runner Cathy Freeman. The Australian Olympic team’s advertising campaign featured her heavily, her face adorned billboards all over the country. She additionally was chosen to light the Olympic torch as one of the country’s most prominent athletes.
Freeman is of Aboriginal descent and was seen as a symbol of unity in what could be at times a tense and fractured Australia. She was cheered on by 110,000 fans when the starting gun went off and after a measured 300m, she powered her way into the last 100 and clinched victory, falling to the ground in emotion.
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Beijing 2008 – Fastest Man On Earth
Nowadays, we may have become desensitised to Usain Bolt powering away from his competition. But in 2008, the world was about to learn his name as the fastest man that has ever lived. Firstly in the 100m men’s final, fans were shocked after Bolt won the gold seemingly comfortably, slowing down before the end of the distance and beating his chest in victory just prior to crossing the finish line.
And after all that, the time flashed up as a world record of 9.69 seconds. However, few thought after these exploits that he would challenge the legendary Michael Johnson for his 200m record.
But again, the Jamaican took gold, beating the world record even with a 0.9 second headwind. Two golds and two world records in a matter of days for the fastest man who has ever lived, sensational.
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Rio 2016 – The Olympic Flag
In Brazil, for the first time in Olympic history a team of refugees competed under the Olympic flag, marking a huge step forward for athletes from countries in political turmoil. These athletes that had been forced to flee their lives and homes in hope of a better life could now proudly compete at the world’s biggest sporting event.
The ten athletes coming from South Sudan, Ethiopia, DR Congo and Syria competed for the Refugee Olympic Team, finally getting their chance to be recognised for their lifetime of dedication and incredible skills.
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Beijing 2008 – Golden Hour
At Beijing 2008, champion swimmer Michael Phelps competed for the USA in individual and team swimming events. During the Games, he was awarded his eighth gold medal (the most ever awarded to an individual at a single Olympics), passing Mark Spitz to be the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time.
Phelps would go on to win an incredible 28 medals in total and is known worldwide as one of the greatest Olympians ever.
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