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Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
American Splendor
From shining examples of our country's spirit to remarkable displays of courage, sports figures have etched their names into our hearts and minds with magical performances throughout history. In their honor, we take a look back at the defining sports moments that made us proud to be American.
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Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Whitney's Anthem
<b>The American:</b><br/>Whitney Houston <b>The Moment:</b> In the first days of 1991's Gulf War, Whitney Houston's performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" before Super Bowl XXV helped lift the nation. Her version even became a popular single, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard charts.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Piazza's Post-9/11 Blast
<b>The American:</b><br/>Mike Piazza <b>The Moment:</b> In the first game in New York after the 9/11 attacks, Mike Piazza provided a much-needed lift. He delivered a two-run homer to give the Mets a win over the Braves, and to help try and return the city to some sense of normalcy.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
The Miracle on Ice
<b>The Americans:</b><br/>1980 U.S. Hockey Team <b>The Moment:</b> At a time America was in an identity crisis, 20 hockey players created a surge of patriotism. The U.S. team came out of nowhere to win the gold medal, including perhaps the biggest upset in sports history over the Soviets.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Landing on Her Feet
<b>The American:</b><br/>Kerri Strug <b>The Moment:</b> Kerri Strug landed into history even with a leg injury. The gymnast was hurt during a vault routine during the Atlanta Olympics, but went on to perform despite the injury to help the Americans capture gold in the team gymnastics competition.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Conquering Berlin
<b>The American:</b><br/>Jesse Owens <b>The Moment:</b> With a world on the brink of war in 1936, Jesse Owens put on a display with the backdrop of the "Nazi Olympics." Owens won four gold medals in one day, setting a standard for Americans, and one that won over Germans in the crowd.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Heavyweight History
<b>The American:</b><br/>Joe Louis <b>The Moment:</b> Joe Louis faced Max Schmeling in a heavyweight rematch in 1938, with Schmeling touted by Hitler as a symbol of Aryan supremacy. Louis beat the German, and the bout became one of the most memorable events of the 20th Century.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Fleming's Triumph
<b>The American:</b><br/>Peggy Fleming <b>The Moment:</b> While the Americans overall struggled at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, one skater stood tall. Peggy Fleming won the gold in figure skating, and starting an era of dominance in the sport for U.S. skaters with her performance.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Breaking the Barrier
<b>The American:</b><br/>Jackie Robinson <b>The Moment:</b> Jackie Robinson made history in 1945, as he became the first black player in the major leagues. Robinson performed well despite a bright spotlight and vicious taunts, and now is an icon in the sport for his role as a pioneer.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Rocky Balboa Is Born
<b>The American:</b><br/>Chuck Wepner <b>The Moment:</b> A little-known boxer became the inspiration for "Rocky" in his fight against Muhammad Ali. Wepner fought Ali for the heavyweight title in 1975, and despite being badly beaten early, he still kept challenging Ali until a late knockout.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Ryder Rally
<b>The Americans:</b><br/>1999 U.S. Ryder Cup Team <b>The Moment:</b> Despite entering the final day of play facing a huge deficit, the Americans rallied to earn a memorable comeback at Brookline, capped by Justin Leonard rallying from four strokes down after 10 holes to earn the victory.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Spitz Gets Seven
<b>The American:</b><br/>Mark Spitz <b>The Moment:</b> American swimmer Mark Spitz set a record in 1972 by winning seven gold medals in dominant fashion, finishing first in every event he was entered in at the Munich Games with a record performance.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Monday to the Rescue
<b>The American:</b><br/>Rick Monday <b>The Moment:</b> During a 1976 game against the Cubs, a pair of protesters ran onto the Dodger Stadium turf to try and burn an American flag. However, the Dodgers outfielder raced over to save the flag, and write his way into the history books.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Tour de Force
<b>The American:</b><br/>Lance Armstrong <b>The Moment:</b> Lance Armstrong recovered from a bout with cancer to earn the Tour de France title in 1999 - a race the cyclist won a record seven times before announcing his retirement from the sport in 2005.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
The Golden Five
<b>The Americans:</b><br/>1976 U.S. Boxing Team <b>The Moment:</b> Sugar Ray Leonard, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, Leo Randolph and Howard Davis Jr. all won gold medals in boxing at the Montreal Olympics in one of the most dominant U.S. boxing performances at the games.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
America's Sweetheart
<b>The American:</b><br/>Mary Lou Retton <b>The Moment:</b> Mary Lou Retton became an American icon with her performance in the 1984 Olympics, becoming the first gymnast outside Eastern Europe to take a gold medal in the all-around competition.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
Checkmate, Spassky
<b>The American:</b><br/>Bobby Fischer <b>The Moment:</b> Bobby Fischer beating Boris Spassky in 1972 to become the only American to hold the world chess title. However, the once-American hero became an exile after competing in Yugoslavia in 1992 and never returned to the U.S.
Star-Spangled Moments in Sports
World Cup Wonder
<b>The Americans:</b><br/>2002 U.S. Soccer Team <b>The Moment:</b> The Americans put together a dramatic run at the World Cup, beating Portugal in the Group stage, then ousting Mexico in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals.
