Bill Russell was considered as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, as he transformed how basketball was played from a defensive standpoint. As an 11-time champion in 13 seasons and five-time MVP, he was an eager defender, and throughout his career, he amazes 21,620 rebounds.
To block his opponents, he used skill, rather than force, to prevent shots from being taken. Bill was unmatched at swooping across the lane like a big bird to block and alter shots.
The Olympic Games of 1980
Russian-Polish relations during the Cold War were tepid at the best of times and had a tendency to incline to a being cold. So when the Summer Olympics took place in 1980 in the Soviet Union, it was bound to happen that they would have tense interactions. The games served as an exhibition showcasing Communism vs. Capitalism.
So when the Polish pole vaulter named Wladyslaw Kozakiewicz set the new world record in pole vaulting and win a gold medal, his landing was more than moving. Photographed above is Kozakiewicz giving what's known as the Italian Salute to the raucous Soviet crowd.
England Wins the 1966 World Cup
It's relatively surprising that England only has one world Cup victory, we would expect more considering it's a country that loves soccer so much and puts so much pride into the sport. Back in 1966, in front of its home crowd, England won its first and only World Cup by beating West Germany 4-2.
It would seem that only time will tell how long it takes for England to attain this pinnacle of the soccer world once again. England still remains enduringly frustrated with their country's performance at the World Cup.
Ali's Gold Medal
The Summer Olympics of 1960 transpired in Rome and featured a young Muhammad Ali, who was still known as Cassius Clay back then. At the Olympics, Ali represented the US and he would later take his country to court to challenge his draft to the Vietnam War. It would the only Olympic games where Ali performed as an athlete, and he won 4-0 in the Light Heavyweight division by defeating the Polish boxer in the finals.
Many years later, after fighting for civil rights in America, Ali kindled the torch at the Atlanta Summer Games in 1996. Although he was a highly controversial figure back in those days, Ali is now considered an icon of the Civil Rights Movement.
Cy Young's Legendary Pitch
Cy Young was the man behind the most prestigious pitching award in MLB. For 22 seasons, the right-hander played in the Majors and won a record 511 games while capturing one World Series title.
Cy Young passed away in 1955 at age 88, and following his death, baseball introduced the Cy Young award just one year later, and it's bestowed every year to the best pitcher in baseball.