Sports History Quiz: 20th Century Milestones

Basketball was the second most popular sport in high school by World War I and was the second, third, or fourth most popular sport at the college level behind football.

Adolph Rupp coached the University of Kentucky men's basketball team for 44 years, winning 874 games and four national championships.

The Savoy Big 5 was a black basketball team based in Chicago, founded by Abe Saperstein. It was later renowned as the Harlem Globetrotters, known for their exhibition games.

Jesse Owens, an exceptional athlete, tied the world record in the 100-meter dash as a high school senior at Ohio State University. He later went on to compete in and win gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Joe Louis, nicknamed "The Brown Bomber," is considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions of the 20th century. He was known for his dominance in the boxing ring and his impactful social role.

Joe Louis's record was 54 wins and 4 losses. He turned professional in 1934 and is considered one of the most influential figures in boxing.

The 1920 Olympic Games were held in Antwerp, Belgium. Some notable events include the debut of women's figure skating and the first time an African American athlete, DeHart Hubbard, won a gold medal for the United States.

The 1924 Olympics in Paris marked the beginning of the Winter Games, a separate competition for winter sports.

The 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam were significant for the inclusion of track and field events for women, paving the way for greater female participation in sports.

Jesse Owens, an American track and field athlete, broke three records and tied another at the National Intercollegiate Meet in Michigan in 1935, demonstrating his exceptional athletic abilities.

The 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, were significant for Jesse Owens's remarkable performance. He won four gold medals, defying racial discrimination and leaving a lasting legacy in the face of Nazi ideology.

Bob Mathias, an American decathlete, is known for his exceptional performance in the decathlon, a grueling event combining ten different track and field disciplines.

Alice Coachmen, an American high jumper, became the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1948 Olympics in London, breaking racial barriers and inspiring generations of athletes.

Alice Coachmen's relentless determination and self-belief led her to create her own training routine, practicing on dirt, in fields, and at a neighborhood playground. Her dedication paved the way for her groundbreaking achievements.

Alice Coachmen's exceptional talent caught the attention of a coach in 1938, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey in athletics, ultimately leading her to become an Olympic champion.

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) was an organization formed by sociologist Harry Edwards in 1967 to advocate for greater equality and social justice within the Olympic Games. It played a significant role in pushing for the boycott of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

The 1968 Mexico City Olympics were marked by controversy over racial discrimination and social inequality. They are known for the actions of the OPHR, which advocated for a boycott of the games, and the powerful Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium after the 200-meter race.

Jesse Owens strongly opposed the boycott of the Olympic Games, believing in its power to promote opportunity and change. He emphasized how athletics could open doors for young people without access to traditional educational pathways.

Wilma Rudolph, nicknamed 'The Wilma Rudolph Story', was an American track and field athlete who overcame childhood polio to become a world champion runner. She was the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games, earning this honor at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

In 1972, the Munich Olympics were overshadowed by the tragic Munich massacre, where Palestinian terrorists attacked and killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches. The tragedy shocked the world and highlighted the dangers of political conflicts intruding upon the Olympic Games.

Refer Johnson, an American decathlete, was a celebrated athlete who achieved a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was also bestowed with the honor of carrying the American flag during the opening ceremony and later became the torchbearer for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Muhammad Ali, a significant figure in boxing and American history, was a celebrated heavyweight boxer who won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics before going on to become a world champion and an influential voice for civil rights.

Ralph Boston, a celebrated American long jumper, refused to participate in any protest that might undermine American participation in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He felt deeply committed to his team, his family, and his country and believed that withdrawing from the Games would not be the best approach.

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles was marked by a boycott by the Soviet Union and its allies in retaliation for the 1980 Moscow Olympics boycott.

Carl Lewis, a track and field athlete, became a star at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, fulfilling his pre-Olympic hype.

Carl Lewis's achievement in winning four track and field gold medals at the 1984 Olympics made him the first athlete to do so since Jesse Owens in 1936.

The 1988 Summer Olympics, held in Seoul, South Korea, faced security concerns due to threats of terrorism from North Korea.

Ben Johnson, a Jamaican sprinter, was disqualified from the 1988 Seoul Olympics after failing a drug test and testing positive for steroids.

The reintroduction of tennis and the introduction of table tennis marked significant changes in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

The 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, emphasized a smoke-free environment and were considered a peaceful event, largely void of political and social issues.

The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, featured a commercialized opening ceremony and significant media coverage.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics were a significant event for the sport of basketball, featuring two "Dream Teams" comprised of highly renowned players.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics were marred by a bomb attack in Centennial Park, a tragic event that shook the games.

In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Michael Johnson showcased his exceptional talent by winning gold in both the 200m and 400m races, a feat that solidified his status as a track and field legend, becoming legendary for his gold shoes.

Dan O'Brien, a remarkable decathlete, competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, demonstrating his versatility and endurance across ten different track and field disciplines.

Carl Lewis, a seasoned athlete, showcased his prowess in the long jump at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, securing a gold medal and further cementing his legacy as a track and field legend.

Nadia Comaneci, a Romanian gymnast, achieved historical significance as the first gymnast to earn a perfect score of 10 at the 1976 Olympics, revolutionizing the sport and leaving a lasting mark on gymnastics.

Nadia Comaneci was closely monitored and restricted from leaving Romania after her coach defected, highlighting the political tensions of the time. Her only exception to the travel ban was to attend the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Muhammad Ali, a boxing legend, initially went by the name Cassius Clay. He later changed his name to Muhammad Ali, embracing his Islamic faith.

Muhammad Ali, a renowned boxer, announced in 1984 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement and coordination.

After his Parkinson's diagnosis, Muhammad Ali established and raised funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Arizona, dedicated to researching and treating the disease. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." This statement reflects Ali's belief in taking bold steps and facing challenges, a philosophy he embodied throughout his life and boxing career.

Muhammad Ali was known for his verbal prowess, using it to taunt his opponents in the ring. His trash-talking was an integral part of his fighting style, adding to his legendary status.

During the epic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight against George Foreman, Ali famously said, "They told me you could punch, George." This statement highlights Ali's mental game, underlining his ability to psych out his opponent.

The "anchor punch" was Ali's signature move, a quick and powerful right punch delivered with accuracy. This punch was a key part of his boxing arsenal and helped him secure many victories.

Rope-a-dope was a boxing strategy employed by Ali, where he would lean against the ropes, allowing his opponent to tire themselves out by punching him. He would then counterattack when his opponent was exhausted. This strategy was a testament to his intelligence and adaptability.

Muhammad Ali became a world champion in heavyweight boxing a remarkable three times throughout his career, a testament to his skill, determination, and enduring legacy in the sport.