Young Lance Armstrong
17-year-old Lance Armstrong, then a professional triathlete, appears to be exhausted but content after competing in the Jeep Triathlon Grand Prix in May 1988. Lance grew up playing a plethora of sports, including football and soccer. He started putting his focus on swimming as he approached his teens, and at the age of 13, he became a junior triathlete, and by 16, he was a pro triathlete. This athletic prodigy was ranked the top triathlete in the 19-and-under group in the 1987–1988 Tri-Fed/Texas.
Years later, Armstrong would eventually become the world’s most renowned cyclist, winning 7 consecutive Tour de France races beginning in 1999. Unfortunately, he is also infamous for a very public doping scandal where he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, and consequently, getting the titles revoked.
Always Be Safe
Athletes competing in winter sports often find themselves in the midst of some pretty spectacular scenery. Yet we doubt they’re able to take too much time to soak it in! This mountainous, fog-ridden backdrop looks majestic and apocalyptic all at once. In the foreground, three skiers can be seen in mid-air and mid-competition at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Held in Sochi, Russia, the conditions were formidable. Yet competitors Katrin Ofner, Anna Holmlund, and Stephanie Joffroy were fearless as they vied for the top spot on the podium. Can you imagine competing in such an intense sport with your vision so limited by fog?
Muhammad Ali & Mike Tyson
Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest boxers ever, if not THE greatest. Saying that, Mike Tyson is not far behind. They fought at different times and never opposed each other. This rare photo of Ali and Tyson was published on Tyson's Instagram page. All he wrote was "Still a Fan," which basically says it all.
During their careers, Ali fought in over 500 rounds, while Tyson participated in only 200. Muhamad Ali was known as one whose aim was to knock down and embarrass his opponent. They are incomparable; however, each left a significant mark on American sports history.
The Most Infamous Boxing Match
They say a picture says 1000 words. This one tells 1000 words about a battle that occurred on July 3, 1899. At the turn of the 20th century, we learn a lot about the recreational activities and fashion choices of naval officers. Boxing is certainly not a popular pastime, nor is the diaper-looking pair of shorts seen on the boxer on the left.
This amazing photo was taken by Edward H. Hart on the anniversary of the battle of Santiago, Cuba. Up until the early 1800s, Boxing was preserved in European countries; however, once it reached American shores, it sunk in and hit hard.
Terrorism Devastates The 1972 Summer Olympics
During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, a Palestinian terrorist group that went by the name of Black September held 11 Israeli Olympic team members hostage and shot them dead. A West German police officer was also killed during a crossfire between the terrorists and the German police.
An event meant to represent unity and sportsmanship ended with a tragic and bitter reminder that hatred can infiltrate the most joyful events. In 1973, the Israeli Mossad responded to the horrific massacre in a raid coined Operation Wrath of God, which targeted the main suspects.