Russian-Polish relations during the Cold War were tepid at the best of times and had a tendency to incline to a being cold. So when the Summer Olympics took place in 1980 in the Soviet Union, it was bound to happen that they would have tense interactions. The games served as an exhibition showcasing Communism vs. Capitalism.
So when the Polish pole vaulter named Wladyslaw Kozakiewicz set the new world record in pole vaulting and win a gold medal, his landing was more than moving. Photographed above is Kozakiewicz giving what’s known as the Italian Salute to the raucous Soviet crowd.
Bob Feller Kicking It
As an eight-time All-Star Pitcher, Bob Feller helped the Cleveland Indians win the World Series in 1948. As the first athlete to volunteer for military service during World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. Feller was naturally a national attraction any time he stepped on the mound.
Feller's famous leg kick is pictured here, exaggerated but also effective. He was celebrated as one of the best pitchers and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1962. Note how the mound in this photo is much shorter, meaning pitches had to be that much more accurate.
Greg Norman and Tiger Woods
Pictured here, we see Tiger Woods and Greg Norman at the 1995 Masters. He was just a 19-year-old freshman at Stanford, and this was Woods' first major championship. Tiger then placed 41st in the tournament and was the only amateur play in this series. Norman finished tied for third place.
Just two short years later, Woods would win his first Masters, becoming the youngest — and the first person of color — to win the tournament. Years later, Tiger made a name for himself as the world's best golfer amid a remarkable, unprecedented run at winning tournaments.
England Wins the 1966 World Cup
It's relatively surprising that England only has one world Cup victory, we would expect more considering it's a country that loves soccer so much and puts so much pride into the sport. Back in 1966, in front of its home crowd, England won its first and only World Cup by beating West Germany 4-2.
It would seem that only time will tell how long it takes for England to attain this pinnacle of the soccer world once again. England still remains enduringly frustrated with their country's performance at the World Cup.
Bill Russell's Defensive Block
Bill Russell was considered as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, as he transformed how basketball was played from a defensive standpoint. As an 11-time champion in 13 seasons and five-time MVP, he was an eager defender, and throughout his career, he amazes 21,620 rebounds.
To block his opponents, he used skill, rather than force, to prevent shots from being taken. Bill was unmatched at swooping across the lane like a big bird to block and alter shots.