The Football Association Is Founded
On October 26, 1863, English clubs formed the Football Association in London, the first body to set common football rules.
Pele Is Born in Brazil
On October 23, 1940, the Brazilian footballer Pele, the only player to win three World Cups, was born in Tres Coracoes.
Don Larsen Pitches the Only Perfect Game in World Series History
Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history on October 8, 1956, for the Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Abebe Bikila Wins the Rome Marathon Barefoot
On September 10, 1960, Abebe Bikila won the Rome Olympic marathon barefoot, the first sub-Saharan African Olympic champion.
The Tokyo Olympics Open, the First Games Held in Asia
The Tokyo Olympics opened on October 10, 1964, the first Games held in Asia and the first broadcast live by satellite.
One Jump That Broke the Scale
Bob Beamon jumped 8.90 metres in the Mexico City long jump final on October 18, 1968, a world record that stood for 23 years.
He Went Over Backwards
Dick Fosbury won Olympic high jump gold on October 20, 1968, going over the bar backwards in the style now named after him.
Mark Spitz Wins a Seventh Gold Medal at the Munich Olympics
On September 4, 1972, Mark Spitz won his seventh gold medal at the Munich Olympics, a record that stood until Michael Phelps in 2008.
Billie Jean King Beats Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes
On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome, before 50 million TV viewers.
The IOC Restores China's Seat
On October 25, 1979, the International Olympic Committee adopted the Nagoya resolution, restoring the People's Republic of China's seat.
The Seventh Military World Games Open in Wuhan
On October 18, 2019, the seventh Military World Games opened in Wuhan, China, with more than 100 countries taking part.