Nothing Will Beat The Miracle on Ice

Sports are filled with iconic moments. Big goals, huge homeruns, and game-winning touchdowns that made the crowd go wild. There are few things in life as emotionally-charged as when your team does something exceptional to bring home a win. Here are 20 iconic moments in modern sports history.

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1. Joe Namath's Guarantee

In Super Bowl III, Jets quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed victory despite the Jets being the heavy underdogs. Namath delivered, leading the Jets to a 16-7 victory. His confidence and swagger became as iconic as his Super Bowl guarantee. 

New York Jets on Wikimedia

2. Miracle on Ice

The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid were the setting for one of sports' most iconic moments. The Miracle on Ice happened when the U.S. men's hockey team, made up of unknown amateurs, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union. This improbable win became a symbol of the Cold War, and the U.S. would go on to win gold. 

Dr. John Kelley, NOAA/NOS/COOPS on Wikimedia

3. Michael Jordan's "Flu Game" 

In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was battling the flu and was visibly weak. Yet, he still scored 38 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a crucial win over the Utah Jazz. This performance cemented Jordan's reputation as the ultimate competitor. 

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4. Kirk Gibson's Walk-Off Home Run

In Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, Kirk Gibson could barely walk, but still entered the game as a pinch-hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With two outs in the ninth inning, he faced Dennis Eckersley, the league's most feared relief pitcher. Gibson hit a walk-off home run and heroically limped around the bases. 

1983 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game Program on Wikimedia

5. Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" Goal

In the quarterfinals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup against England, Argentina's Diego Maradona scored one of soccer's more iconic and controversial goals. He used his hand to punch the ball into the net, which went unseen by officials. Moments later, he scored the "Goal of the Century", weaving through five defenders. Argentina won the match and went on to win the tournament. 

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6. Wayne Gretzky Traded to the Kings

The sports world was shocked when Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player in NHL history, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Oilers fans and all of Canada mourned the loss of Gretzky, treating it as a national tragedy. The move also transformed the NHL, which expanded into more U.S. markets. 

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7. Usain Bolt's 9.69-Second Dash

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt won the 100m final in a staggering 9.69 seconds, setting a world record. His showmanship heightened the moment as he slowed down to celebrate before crossing the finish line. 

Usain Bolt Olympics Celebration.jpg: Richard Giles derivative work: MachoCarioca on Wikimedia

8. David Tyree's Helmet Catch

In the final minutes of Super Bowl XLII, New York Giants receiver David Tyree made one of the most memorable catches ever. With defenders all over him, he pinned the ball against his helmet to secure a first down. The play set up the Giant's game-winning touchdown.

Ted Kerwin on Wikimedia

9. Michael Phelps's Eight Gold Medals

At the Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps broke Mark Spitz's record by winning eight gold medals in a single Olympics. He won the 100m butterfly by 0.01 seconds, and his dominance captivated the world.

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10. Boston Red Sox Break the Curse

The Boston Red Sox went 86 years without a championship, only to finally break the "Curse of the Bambino" in style by winning the 2004 World Series. Their journey to victory included an epic comeback against the Yankees in the ALCS, and they became the first MLB team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit. 

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11. Tiger Woods Wins the Masters at 21

At only 21 years old, Tiger Woods dominated the 1997 Masters Tournament. He won by a record 12 strokes, and his victory was celebrated globally. 

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12. Sidney Crosby's Golden Goal

In the gold medal game of the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime, sending the crowd and his home country into complete euphoria. Canada was under immense pressure to win, and Crosby created one of the country's most iconic memories.

Elliot from Castro Valley, California, USA on Wikimedia

13. Serena Williams' Comeback in Australia

Serena Williams was pregnant when she defeated her sister, Venus, to win her 23rd Grand Slam title. She risked her legacy and health to compete in the match, only to cement her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history. 

Александр Осипов on Wikimedia

14. The "Malice at the Palace"

In 2004, during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons, a massive brawl erupted between fans and players. Ron Artest rushed into the stands after a fan threw a drink at him. His response sparked chaos, and it is considered both an iconic sports moment and a low point for the NBA. 

Willie Stark on Wikimedia

15. Michael Jordan's "The Shot"

Every sports fan has heard of "the shot". With seconds left in Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan hit a jump shot over Craig Ehlo to win the series for the Bulls. There is no greater example of Jordan's greatness when the game is on the line than this moment. 

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16. Tom Brady's 28-3 Comeback

The New England Patriots were down 28-3 against the Atlanta Falcons late in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI. Tom Brady engineered the impossible by mounting the greatest comeback in NFL history. The Patriots eventually won 34-28 in overtime. 

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17. Derek Jeter's "Flip Play"

In Game 3 of the ALDS, the Yankees were facing elimination against the Oakland Athletics when Derek Jeter made one of modern history's most iconic sports plays. After a missed relay, he darted across the field, flipped the ball to home plate just in time for the catcher to tag out Jeremy Giambi and save a run. The Yankees went on to win the series. 

Keith Allison on Wikimedia

18. Lionel Messi's 2022 World Cup Triumph

After years of disappointing performances on the international stage, Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. In the final against France, Messi scored twice and converted in the shootout, finally capturing the one trophy that his trophy case lacked. 

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19. Lebron James' Game 7 Block

In the closing minutes of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James made one of the biggest blocks in NBA history. With the score tied, he blocked Andre Iguodala, who drove for a layup that could have sealed the defeat for the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to run into Lebron's perfectly timed defensive play. 

Erik Drost on Wikimedia

20. Chicago Cubs Win It All

After 108 years without a championship, the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series. In a dramatic Game 7 against the Cleveland Guardians, the Cubs rallied in extra innings to bring home the trophy for their long-suffering fans.

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