The Most Surprising Upsets in Sports History: A Closer Look
Hey there sports fanatics, are you ready to relive some of the most shocking upsets in sports history? We’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest surprises in sports, from David beating Goliath to underdogs snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive in 🍿🏈⚽️🏀
1. 1980 Olympic Hockey - USA vs. Soviet Union
It was the height of the Cold War and the USA was facing off against the heavily favored Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The US team, mostly made up of amateur college players, was seen as a long shot to even compete against the international powerhouse. But in what has been dubbed the “Miracle on Ice,” the US team ended up defeating the Soviet Union in an unforgettable 4-3 victory.
2. Leicester City’s Premier League Win
In the 2015-2016 English Premier League season, Leicester City - who were 5000-1 outsiders to win - managed to secure their first-ever Premier League title. It was a shock to the world of football, as Leicester City managed to beat established football giants and traditional title contenders, such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, to earn their spot at the top of the table.
3. Buster Douglas Beats Mike Tyson
In arguably the greatest upset in boxing history, Buster Douglas shocked the world when he defeated Mike Tyson in 1990. Tyson, who was previously deemed unbeatable with an undefeated professional record of 37-0, was heavily favored to retain his world heavyweight title - but Douglas showed the world what he was made of, overcoming 42-1 odds to take home the victory.
4. 2016 World Series - Cubs vs. Indians
After a 108-year drought, the Chicago Cubs made it to the World Series in 2016 to face off against the Cleveland Indians. The Cubs had been viewed as the underdogs for decades, and the odds were stacked against them in this World Series as well. But in one of the most thrilling baseball games in history, the Cubs ended up snapping their losing streak with a 8-7 victory against the Indians in extra innings of Game 7.
5. Rulon Gardner Beats Alexander Karelin
In the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Rulon Gardner, an American wrestler, faced off against Alexander Karelin, a Russian wrestler who had been undefeated for 13 years and was considered the best wrestler in the world. Despite being a heavy underdog, Gardner managed to pull off one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history, defeating Karelin 1-0 to win the gold medal.
These are just a few of the many surprising upsets in sports history that have left fans in shock and awe. From hockey to boxing to football, there have been many moments in sports that have shown that anything is possible. So keep cheering on your favorite underdogs, because who knows? They might just end up being the next to pull off an incredible upset. 🏆🎉👀