Can You Identify These Famous Moments in Sports History?

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Famous Moments in Sports History?
Image: Olympic/Wimbledon/olympicvancouver2010

About This Quiz

There's something really incredible that tends to happen when athletes get together on a court, field, race track, or course. We're not sure if it's something in the air or if it's the will to win, but humans have been awed by these special men and women for as long as organized sports have existed. So we've collected more than a few of those moments and we want you to tell us what they are. 

Do you remember when Mark Spitz won seven gold medals in the Olympics during which part of the Israeli team was killed? What about the time when Pele, the youngest World Cup soccer player at the time, scored at the World Cup finals? Do you remember when Dale Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500? Well, we've got all those historical moments and more just for you to name.

Needless to say, only a true sports fan can tell us what all these pictures are or even what they signify, but we think you're up to the task of doing it. So prove us right by showing us that you do actually know who is in each and every one of these pictures. Prove to us that you can name these historical sports moments. 

Babe Ruth sold to New York Yankees
Wiki Commons
What happened here?
Babe Ruth sold to New York Yankees
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Baseball's greatest player of all time, Babe Ruth, originally played for the Boston Red Sox. Prior to the 1920 season, Babe was sold to the New York Yankees for $100,000.

USA hockey team defeats Soviet Juggernaut
Olympic
Which great sports moment is this?
Rumble in the jungle
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
USA hockey team defeats Soviet Juggernauts
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1980, an amateur U.S. hockey team took an unexpected win against the Soviet team. As one of the greatest upsets in sports, the win occurred during the Cold War.

Bob Beamon sets new world record in long jump
Olympic
What is this picture showing?
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
Bob Beamon sets new world record in the long jump
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Mr. October
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the 1968 World Olympics, long jumper Bob Beamon stunned the crowd when he made a jump of 29 feet, 2.5 inches, breaking the world record.

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Jesse Owens debunks Aryan Myth
Wiki Commons
Can you tell us which moment this is?
Sid the Kid
Jesse Owens debunks Aryan Myth
Mays amazes
50 in 39
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Credited with the responsibility of "single-handedly crushing Adolf Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy," Jesse Owens, an African-American, set three world records and an Olympic record at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin.

Tiger Woods becomes youngest masters champ
ESPN
Identify this historical sports memory.
Wrestling's greatest upset
Fisk waves it fair
Tiger Woods becomes youngest Masters Champ
Cold War on ice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1997, at the tender age of 21, Tiger Woods finished at a record 270, making him the youngest player to have won the Masters Championship.

Chicago Bulls picks Michael Jordan
NBA
Are you sure you know which sports moment this is?
Hail Flutie
Johnny on the spot
Eric the Great
Chicago Bulls picks Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most famous basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan's career in basketball kicked off when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1983 NBA draft.

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Nadia Comaneci-first perfect score gymnast
Olympic
What's happening here?
Rumble in the jungle
The galloping ghost
Nadia Comaneci becomes first perfect score gymnast
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10. She received six more scores of 10 at the same games.

Affirmed wins by a neck 1978
ESPN
Which iconic sports moment is this?
Affirmed wins by a neck
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
Sid the Kid
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1978, at Belmont Park, in what is considered one of the best horse racing rivalries, Affirmed and Alydar raced each other for the third time. In the end, Affirmed took his third win, this time only by a neck.

Kerri Strug Standing Tall
Olympic
Tell us what this picture shows.
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
Mays amazes
Kerri Strug stands tall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most memorable Olympic moments, Kerri Strug sticks her landing on her second attempt on the vault despite having an injured ankle.

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Bird of Prey 1987
NBA
Which of these options matches this picture?
Wrestling's greatest upset
Bird of prey 1987
Cold War on ice
50 in 39
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the final five seconds of game five of the 1987 NBA Playoffs, Larry Bird steals the ball from Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons and passes it to Dennis Thompson who scores the winning shot.

Duel in the Sun 1977
NBC
Can you name this sports moment?
Babe's crowning achievement
Fisk waves it fair
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Duel in the sun 1977
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1977 Open Championship, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus competed in a tournament known as the "Duel in the Sun." In this tournament, Watson made a dramatic birdie putt that won him the championship.

Reggie Jackson hits three home runs in World Series
MLB
What great sports thing is happening here?
Eric the Great
Reggie Jackson hits three home runs in World Series
Johnny on the spot
The galloping ghost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, Reggie Jackson did something only one other player had ever done before. He hit three home runs off three consecutive pitches from different pitchers. This resulted in his nickname, "Mr. October."

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Team Canada wins hockey gold in Winter Olympics2010
olympicvancouver2010
There's something amazing happening in this picture. What is it?
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
Mr. October
Team Canada wins hockey gold in Winter Olympics 2010
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Competing against the U.S. hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canadian Sidney Crosby netted the winning goal giving Team Canada the gold medal after having lost it in the 2006 games.

Babe Ruth's Called Shot
Yankees32RETRO
Which great sports moment is this?
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Babe Ruth's called shot
Rumble in the jungle
Wrestling's greatest upset
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, famous baseball player, Babe Ruth, hits a home run in the direction that he had previously pointed to right before the shot.

Celtics win first championship 1957
NBA
What happened here?
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
Celtics win first championship in 1957
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first of 11 championships to be won by the Celtics, the winning game was played against the Hawks, at the Boston Garden in 1957. During double overtime, the Celtics managed to maintain their lead and prevent the Hawks from scoring.

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King Arthur 1968
NBA
What is this picture showing?
King Arthur 1968
Sid the Kid
Fisk waves it fair
Mays amazes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Defeating Tom Okker in the first United States Open, in 1968 Arthur Ashe became not only the first to win the tournament, but also the first black man to win a men's singles title.

The HIt KIng 1985 Pete Rose
MLB
Can you tell us which moment this is?
The Hit King 1985
50 in 39
Nova does the impossible
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Breaking the record for most career hits, Pete Rose of The Reds, hit his 4192nd hit during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres

Mary Lou Retton An American 10- Los Angeles 1984 Olympics
Olympic
Identify this historical sports memory.
The galloping ghost
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
An American 10
Johnny on the spot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Winning the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, Mary Lou Retton scored perfect 10s on the floor exercise and vault. She was the first non-European to win the individual all-around gold medal.

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Gertrude Ederle swims the English Channel 1926
historycomestolife
Are you sure you know which sports moment this is?
Gertrude Ederle swims across the English Channel
Mr. October
Eric the Great
Cold War on ice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Commencing her crowning journey at Cape Gris-Nez, France, Gertrude Ederle, 19, became the first woman to swim across the English Channel, setting a new record.

Wilma Rudolph storms Rome  1960 Olympics
Olympic
What's happening here?
Amazing Arnold
Wilma storms Rome 1960
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
Hail Flutie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the 1960 Olympics held in Italy, Wilma Rudolph, having previously overcome polio, won three gold medals and became the first American female to do so in one Olympic game.

North Carolina wins 1957 NCAA title
nutty.archives
Match the picture to what's going on in it.
Wrestling's greatest upset
North Carolina wins 1957 NCAA title
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With only six seconds left in the game, North Carolina's Joe Quiggs manages to score two free throws to win the NCAA title for North Carolina in 1957. The game was considered one of the best in NCAA tournament history.

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Uconn Huskies win 90 games in a row
UCTV Channel 14
Which iconic sports moment is this?
Babe's crowning achievement
UConn Huskies win 90 games in a row
Sid the Kid
Irish stop streak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The UConn Huskies team, led by Maya Moore, captured an impressive back-to-back national championships winning a total of 90 games in a row, holding the longest streak by a division one basketball team.

Dale Earnhardt wins Daytona 500
NASCAR
Tell us what this picture shows.
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Dale Earnhardt wins Daytona 500
Mays amazes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After several attempts at the Daytona 500 race, twenty to be exact, racer Dale Earnhardt finally won the race in 1998.

Eric Heiden wins five gold medals in speedskating 1980
Olympic
Which of these options matches this picture?
Eric Heiden wins five gold medals in speedskating 1980
Mr. October
Rumble in the jungle
The Galloping Ghost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Breaking the world record in 1980, speed skater Eric Heiden became the first athlete to win five gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games.

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The greatest Year in Golf 1930
Golfing World
Can you name this sports moment?
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
The greatest year in golf
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
50 in 39
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1930, Bobby Jones achieved something no other golfer has been able to do since. He had what is considered the greatest year in golf by winning all four major golf tournaments that year.

Muhammad ALi  made cauldron lighter in 1996
Olympic
What great sports moment is happening here?
Nova does the impossible
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
Muhammad Ali cauldron lighter in 1996 Olympics
Fisk waves it fair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A moment referred to as Ali's Golden Moment, the world was stunned when Muhammed Ali was the surprise cauldron lighter at the 1996 Olympics Games Opening Ceremony.

Carli Lloyd scores hat trick in World Cup final
FOX Soccer
Which iconic moment can you see in this picture?
Eric the Great
Johnny on the spot
Cold War on ice
Carli Lloyd scores hat-trick​ in World Cup Finals
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Winning her team the World Cup title in 2015, Carlie Lloyd scored a hat-trick in the first 16 minutes of the World Cup final against Japan. She is the second person to have ever done that.

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Usain Bolt's Beijing Performance 2008
Olympic
There's something amazing happening in this picture. What is it?
Sid the Kid
Usain Bolt's Beijing performance 2008
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Wrestling's greatest upset
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jamaican rocket Usain Bolt is the most famous sprinter. Adding to his fame at the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China, Bolt won both the 100m and 200m gold medals, setting new world records for both races.

Magic in the Middle
NBA/CBS
Which great sports moment is this?
Amazing Arnold
Magic in the middle
The Galloping Ghost
Hail Flutie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A mere rookie point guard, Magic Johnson won the title of MVP during Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals when he compiled a stat line of 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists as the center for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bobby Thompson's Greatest shot
allendale101
Match the picture to what's going on in it.
Amazing Arnold
Bobby Thompson's greatest shot
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
Mr. October
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The game-winning home run of the 1951 National League pennant was hit by Bobby Thompson. Hit during the first-ever televised game, the shot is commonly known as the "Shot Heard Around The World."

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Havlicek steals the ball to win 1965
NBA
What happened here?
Mr. October
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
Havlicek steals the ball to win in 1965
Mays amazes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leading to the Celtics' win of their seventh NBA title, John Havlicek stole the ball from the 76ers' Hal Greer during the last five seconds of the game, preventing them from scoring.

Arnold Palmer makes a huge comeback in 1960 US open
Rolex
What is this picture showing?
Arnold Palmer makes a huge comeback in 1960 U.S. Open
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the final round of the 1960 U.S. Open, Arnold Palmer was in 15th place. To everyone's astonishment, he emerged victorious defeating Jack Nicklaus with a six-under par 65.

Rafael Nadal defeats Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2008
Wimbledon
Can you tell us which moment this is?
Rafael Nadal defeats Roger Federer
Rumble in the jungle
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Regarded as one of the best tennis games in history, Rafael Nadal steals the Wimbledon title from the five-time winner, Roger Federer who had anticipated a sixth win.

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The Ice Bowl 1967
NFL
Identify this historical sports memory.
50 in 39
Cold War on ice
Fisk waves it fair
The Ice Bowl 1967
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In what is referred to as the Ice Bowl of 1967 due to the harsh weather conditions under which the game was played, Bart Starr of the Packers had a one-yard run, winning his team the NFL championship.

Pele delivers in 1958 World Cup
Wiki Commons
Are you sure you know which sports moment this is?
Eric the Great
Pele delivers in 1958 World Cup
Wrestling's greatest upset
Johnny on the spot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The youngest player to partake in a World Cup finals match, Pele became the youngest World Cup scorer when he scored six goals during the 1958 World Cup at age 17.

Triumph Amid Tragedy 1972 Olympics
Olympic/Avi1111 via Wiki Commons
What's happening here?
Mays amazes
Sid the Kid
Triumph amid tragedy 1972 Olympics
The Galloping Ghost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

U.S. Olympian Mark Spitz won seven gold medals and set seven world records amidst the Olympic tragedy of 1972 where eleven members of the Israeli team were killed.

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Goal of the Century copy
Wiki Commons
Match the picture to what's going on in it.
Mr. October
Red Sox comeback against Yankees
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Goal of the century 1986
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, Diego Maradona from Argentina's team scored what is commonly known as the "Goal of the Century." Maradona dribbled the ball past the entire English team before knocking it into the net.

The Music CIty Miracle 2000
NFL
Which iconic moment can you see in this picture?
The Music City Miracle 2000
Hail Flutie
Amazing Arnold
Nova does the impossible
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In what is considered one of the most controversial plays in NFL history, Lorenzo Neal, Frank Wycheck and Kevin Dyson of the Tennessee Titans, team up to score the winning touchdown in 2000.

Babe Zaharias's wins US Women's Open in 1954
USGA
Which iconic sports moment is this?
Babe Zaharias wins U.S. Women's Open in 1954
Liverpool completes greatest comeback
Bob Beamon leaps into the history books
Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute barrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A multi-sport star, Babe Zaharias was new to the game of golf when she completed a Grand Slam and won the United States Open consecutively from 1950 to 1952. When she returned to the tournament in 1954 after medical treatment, she reclaimed the title, winning by 12 strokes.

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Willis Reed helps win Knick's first NBA title
ESPN/Sportcentury
Tell us what this picture shows.
Michael Phelps takes eight gold medals
Rumble in the jungle
Willis Reed helps win Knick's first NBA title
‘The Shot’ by Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite his leg injury, then captain of the New York Knicks, Willis Reed, started game seven of the 1970 NBA finals, scoring the first two points for his team. The team then went on to defeat the Lakers for their first NBA title.

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Olympic/Wimbledon/olympicvancouver2010