OK, here it is: the end of the week, the end of the 2008 Olympics, and the end of my unofficial celebration of great moments in Summer Olympics history. Today, I have to recognize what I think of as one of the most exciting moments in recent Summer Olympics Games:
The US Women's Gymnastics Team Winning Gold Over Russia in 1996 (Thanks to Kerri Strug Vaulting on an Injured Ankle) ~ I picked this moment for a couple of reasons: first of all, I don't think anyone who watched this can forget Strug vaulting not once but twice on an injured ankle, then being carried out by her coach Bela Karolyi for the medal ceremony. And second, this team was so strong and deep in talent - every girl contributed to the win. I also think, when you watch their floor routines in the second clip, their choreography is stronger than what we saw in these Olympics - I think dance has been sacrificed to tumbling today.
Anyway, there was a reason they were nicknamed "The Magnificent Seven"!
7 comments:
Dang... I remember that so clearly. What a great team, and amazing spirit. I really love their coach.
I remember this. Probably in the top ten a greatest SPORTS moment of all time.
Went to the beach on Wed. and read Lost in Paradise - the PERFECT beach read. I enjoyed it
I totally agree that the teams are forced to remove most of the art of dance from the sport to add more tumbling elements, not only on floor, but beam too.
That image of Kerri Strug should be etched on the foreheads of anyone who ever says that they can't do something. I remember it vividly. Awesome!
I still won't say the '96 team was better than this year's, but I'll give you that it was a very cool moment. Thanks for the video.
I totally agree with you. It was an exciting time. Cindi
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