From Eric the Eel to Steven Bradbury: The unlikely Olympic heroes

For the first time since before Usain Bolt graced the track, the men's 100m final at the Olympics this year was an open field.

Stepping into the Sydney Aquatic Centre in 2000 was the first time Eric Moussambani had ever seen an Olympic-sized swimming pool.He had been relegated to practising one hour a day in a hotel pool in Equatorial Guinea, but a wild card draw for developing countries allowed him to qualify for the men's 100m freestyle event at the Olympics.

It meant Moussambani was swimming his heat alone and guaranteed to place first, but even then it was a struggle.At the turn, his lack of experience was obvious and he lost momentum as he pushed away from the wall. But what's most remarkable is he went on to improve dramatically, shaving a minute off his Olympics time and becoming national swim coach of Equatorial Guinea.Im Dong-Hyun is a former world number 1 archer who claimed gold in Athens and Beijing, and Bronze in London.It would be an impressively consistent haul for someone with 20:20 vision, but as it stands Im Dong-Hyun's vision is far worse than that of most of his competitors.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Match Highlights: Eels v RabbitohsThe Eels and Rabbitohs do battle during Round 21 of the 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership welcome to GETTR!
Source: NRL - 🏆 19. / 59 Read more »

Eels v Rabbitohs: Moses returns, Ferguson out; Murray, Benji backKick-off times, TV times, team lists, match info and full preview for round 21 match between the Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs I can’t hear the commentators on nine because of the crowd noise!! Game on Yes please!
Source: NRL - 🏆 19. / 59 Read more »

Fuming boxer refuses to wear medal in ceremonyThis fighter couldn't bring himself to put on his Olympic silver. Sportsmanship Typical whinging Pom.
Source: wwos - 🏆 12. / 68 Read more »

‘One China’, three flags: Beijing’s pursuit of Olympic dominance ramps upChina is on the verge of toppling the US for the first time since Beijing 2008. But if it matched its squad with its territorial goals, it would have another 14 medals. ErykBagshaw Eryk what flag does American somoa or Guam use at the Olympics? ErykBagshaw How is Badminton a niche sport? 🤨 ErykBagshaw It’s all about perspective. 1400000000 people and only 10 more golds than say Japan? I’d say that’s below average wouldn’t you? Overpopulation doesn’t always come with benefits nor should it be applauded.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Bronze still in play, but Boomers will rue missing a chance for Olympic basketball goldThe Boomers will view their Tokyo campaign as a blown opportunity at winning gold, after losing to Team USA in the semi-finals, writes Russell Jackson. I couldn't believe the final result We’re no where near as good
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

The Matildas' hopes of an Olympic medal have been ended by the US superstarsAustralia rue their defensive mistakes as the United States's women's football team pounce on opportunities in a clinical display in front of goal. 😪 Opals, Boomers and Matildas experienced freedumb today. Beaten by “Superstars” or refs?
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »