In 1965, Cassius Clay fought Sonny Liston for the first time and won the heavyweight championship in a major upset. The 22-year-old champion then decided to change his name to Muhammad Ali, and he had no qualms about giving Sonny Liston an immediate rematch the following year.
Liston was an intimidating figure at his peak, and he was often associated with the mob for his criminal record. However, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Ali when they fought the second time, as captured in this picture. They fought on May 25, 1965, and Ali would keep the title until 1967.
MARY DECKER SLANEY
Prior to the 1984 Olympics held at Los Angeles, world champion distance runner, Mary Decker Slaney had won gold medals in the 1983 Summer Olympics in the 1500m, and the 3000m category. She had high hopes coming in, due to her preparations, until she got herself tangled in the middle of the 3000m run.
The picture shows her trying to get up, but overcome by pain. She came into a jumble with Zola Budd who was able to continue, although she was also quite shaken. Zola was leading the race before the incident happened, and she dropped considerably to seventh place. Mary Decker Slaney however, did not finish the run after she injured her hip.
MAXWELL FORNAH
This touching photo shows a member of the Single Leg Amputee Sports Club competing for the ball. This shot shows the lasting pain caused among its citizens from the decade-long civil war and the human spirit that still dares to be great despite its scars from a horrible past.
The Single Leg Amputee Sports Club was founded by survivors of the war. Most of them are victims of landmines and have lost a leg or both. They formed this club to show to their society, and the world, that they are capable people; that they don’t want to beg for food, but would rather empower themselves. They are fighting against marginalization in their own communities.
JACK NICKLAUS
Unlike most professional golfers, Jack Nicklaus tried to manage his schedule for competitions by focusing more on the Masters Tournament, The U.S. Open, Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. He avoided competing in too many events, and yet after his 25-year career, he still finished with 73 victories.
Had he competed a bit more aggressively, perhaps he wouldn’t land third on the list, behind Sam Snead (82), and Tiger Woods, who has won 80. This photograph was taken on April 13, 1986 when Nicklaus became the oldest golfer, at age 46, to win the Masters Tournament.
BOBBY ORR
This photograph is generally regarded as the most famous in NHL history. It was taken on May 10, 1970 during the Stanley Cup finals between the Boston Bruins and the Saint Louis Blues. Bobby Orr, defenseman, and one of the greatest players of all-time, leads Boston to victory during overtime.
He scored “The Goal,” and is tripped as he celebrates their win. 1970 would also be Bobby Orr’s most awarded season. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy (total of 8), Art Ross Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and The Hart Memorial Trophy. No player in NHL history has ever won the four major awards in the same season.