Five of the most memorable moments from the Olympic Games
On your marks…
The time has finally arrived for the Rio Olympics. The 31st modern summer Olympic Games, held in Rio de Janeiro, has an incredible 207 different countries taking part, with over with 10,500 athletes competing in 42 different sports, each hoping to come home with a medal and become an Olympic champion – are you as excited as we are?
Of course the Rio Olympics have been dogged by controversy, but there’s no denying the excitement that is always generated around the world when the opening ceremony begins.
Modern Olympic history began in Athens, Greece all the way back in 1896, though the very first Games were held in 776BC, in the city of Olympia, where they get their name of course.
In celebration of the world’s greatest sporting event, we’re going to take a look back at some of the Games’ most memorable moments and heroic Olympians over the last 120 years, and also offer a few handy suggestions for some of the fantastic Tinggly experiences you could enjoy if you’re heading to Brazil for the Games this summer and have a bit of free time to explore…
Jesse Owens – Berlin 1936
During the 1936 Games (which took place in Hitler’s Nazi Germany), African-American Jesse Owens became a sporting legend and made history at the same time, as he not only managed to break or equal an amazing nine Olympic records, but also set three world records – defying the dictator and his racial superiority theories along the way.
Wilma Rudolph – Rome 1960
American track and field athlete Wilma Rudolph, aka “The Black Gazelle,” won triple gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 1960 Games in Rome – an achievement that was made even more impressive due to the fact that she was paralysed by polio as a young child, and it was feared she would never walk again.
Muhammad Ali – Atlanta 1996
For the opening ceremony of the 1996 centennial Games in Atlanta, the late American boxing icon Muhammad Ali (who won gold at the 1960 games in Rome) was asked to light the Olympic flame. Despite his struggles with Parkinson’s Disease, he was able to do so, and as a result created one of the most emotional moments in the Games’ history.
North and South Korea Unite – Sydney 2000
After many years of hostility following the Korean war, at the opening ceremony for the 2000 Games in Sydney, North and South Korea stood united as the two teams marched together in matching uniforms and carried a unified flag – a defining political moment.
Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farrah – London 2012
On what became known as “Super Saturday”, Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farrah gave the home crowd cause for much celebration during the 2012 Games at London’s Olympic Park in Stratford, when they won six gold medals between them in just 44 minutes – the most successful day for Team GB in 104 years!
Hopefully reminiscing about some legendary moments from Olympic Games of years gone by has truly whetted your appetite for Rio 2016. In the Tinggly offices you can be sure we’ll be glued to the screen from start to finish watching some of the world’s finest athletes at work.
But as always, we also find the time to discover the best activities in Brazil in our quest to create the ultimate gift experience collection. If you’ve been lucky enough to receive a Tinggly gift voucher and you’re in Rio for the Olympics, or just planning a holiday to Brazil soon, then here’s just a few ideas to give you a little inspiration…
Why not tantalise your tastebuds and discover some delicious traditional Brazilian dishes during a cooking class with a difference in a Hidden Feijoada Experience in Rio De Janeiro? Or maybe take a memorable cruise along the mighty Amazon River in first a boat, then a canoe, seeing a host of local wildlife such as dolphins and stunning scenery as you go? And speaking of taking in the scenery, we’ve also got a trip to Iguazu National Park and Falls, which offers a breathtaking way to experience a subtropical forest and enjoy some spectacular views, complete with the chance to meet members of a local community and sample some traditional delicacies.
Sound like fun? Rio is waiting for you.