The Olympics are more than just a sporting event. They are a celebration of human achievement, diversity, and spirit. They are also a source of powerful emotions, both for the athletes and the spectators. Sometimes, the Olympics can make us cry, whether it is tears of joy, sadness, or admiration. In this article, we will look at some of the biggest tear-jerking moments in Olympic history, moments that touched our hearts and moved us deeply. These moments show us that the Olympics are not only about winning medals, but also about overcoming challenges, showing compassion, and inspiring others.
1. Muhammad Ali lights the Olympic flame (1996)
One of the most iconic moments in Olympic history happened at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Games, when boxing legend Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic cauldron. Ali, who had won gold as a young Cassius Clay in 1960, was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and trembled visibly as he held the torch. Despite his condition, he smiled and waved to the cheering crowd, who gave him a standing ovation. His courage and dignity were an inspiration to millions of people around the world.
2. Derek Redmond limps across finish line with his dad (1992)
Derek Redmond was one of Britain’s best hopes for a medal in the 400m at the 1992 Barcelona Games. He had qualified for the semi-finals with ease and was running well in his heat when disaster struck. About 250m from the finish line, he felt a sharp pain in his right hamstring and collapsed on the track. He refused to give up and got up to continue running, hobbling in agony. His father, Jim, who was watching from the stands, ran onto the track and helped his son to complete the race. They crossed the finish line together, embraced by each other and by the applause of the spectators
3. Cathy Freeman delivers in Sydney (2000)
Cathy Freeman was more than just an athlete for Australia. She was also a symbol of reconciliation and unity for a country that had a troubled history with its indigenous population. Freeman, who had lit the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Games, was under immense pressure to win gold in the 400m, her signature event. She did not disappoint. Wearing a full-body suit that represented both the Australian flag and the Aboriginal flag, she ran a flawless race and crossed the line first, setting a new Olympic record. She then took a victory lap with both flags draped over her shoulders, celebrating her triumph and her heritage.
4. Yoshinori Sakai (Baby Hiroshima) kicks off the Tokyo Games (1964)
The 1964 Tokyo Games were the first Olympics to be held in Asia and a sign of Japan’s recovery from the devastation of World War II.
The opening ceremony featured a poignant moment when Yoshinori Sakai, a 19-year-old runner who was born on August 6, 1945, the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, carried the Olympic torch into the stadium and lit the cauldron.
His gesture was seen as a message of peace and hope for a new era.
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5. Luz Long embraces Jesse Owens in front of Hitler (1936)
The 1936 Berlin Games were meant to showcase Nazi Germany’s supremacy and ideology. However, they were also the stage for one of the greatest performances by an athlete and one of the most touching acts of sportsmanship. Jesse Owens, a black American sprinter and jumper, defied Hitler’s expectations and won four gold medals in front of his hostile gaze. One of them came in the long jump, where he faced stiff competition from Luz Long, a German jumper who was favored by Hitler. Long helped Owens qualify for the final by giving him advice on his technique after he had fouled twice in the preliminaries. In the final, Owens beat Long by just five centimeters and set a new Olympic record. Long congratulated Owens warmly and hugged him on the podium, ignoring Hitler’s displeasure and creating an image of friendship that transcended politics and race.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many tear-jerking moments that have happened in Olympic history. They remind us that behind every medal and every record there is a human story, full of emotions, struggles, and dreams. They also show us that the Olympic spirit is not only about competition, but also about cooperation, respect, and compassion. These moments make us cry because they touch our souls and connect us with each other. They are what make the Olympics so special and unforgettable.