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.
Palestinian Gunmen Attack the Israeli Olympic Team in Munich
On September 5, 1972, Black September gunmen took Israeli athletes hostage at the Munich Olympics, ending in the deaths of all nine hostages.
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.