With just one month to go to London 2012, ShortList revisits some of the Games’ most unforgettable moments
TAKING A DIVE
Greg Louganis was arguably the greatest diver in history but during the 1988 Games in Seoul, the American took off, straightened out of a somersault and cracked his head on the springboard. He had concussion and five stitches, but still won gold.
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GREAT LEAP FORWARD
Bob Beamon didn’t break the long jump record – he shattered it by 55cm in 1968. His 8.9m leap stood for 23 years.
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FOOL’S GOLD
Canadian Ben Johnson powered to 100m gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in 9.79sec. He was later disqualified when steroid traces were found in his urine. Carl Lewis took the gold and Linford Christie silver.
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NO PAIN, NO GAIN
Hungarian Janos Baranyai’s 2008 Beijing Olympics ended in agony when he dislocated his elbow trying to snatch 148kg.
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PODIUM POLITICS
Jesse Owens ruined Hitler’s propaganda plans in 1936 by winning four golds for the US. German long jump runner-up Luz Long gave a Nazi salute – but later won a sportsmanship medal, after Owens claimed Long gave him tips on take-off.
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LEAN ON ME
During the 400m semi-final in 1992, Brit Derek Redmond tore his hamstring. Determined to finish, he limped to the line, helped by dad Jim, as the crowd applauded each step.
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TRIPLE THREAT
In the early Eighties, Britain ruled middle-distance running. This shot in 1984 was taken with 500m left of the 1,500m final in LA: Seb Coe won gold, Steve Cram silver and Steve Ovett retired with exhaustion.
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MARATHON EFFORT
Italian Dorando Pietri collapsed five times during London’s 1908 marathon. Marshalls helped him across the finish line in first place. That help saw him later disqualified.
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