Just like any other scripted movie, the sports is usually unscripted drama full of major surprises. The determination of athletes and players to accomplish goals yields breathtaking candid moments and sometimes grief. What’s interesting to know despite all the obstacles, most sports players or athletes never give up. They try and try until they reach their goals. This determination and dedication are what make them outstanding in a world full of scripted plots.
We’ll delve into the ten biggest and most remarkable comebacks of the athletes, after their life struggles or failure where players showed immense power and spirit to achieve their goals:
10) 1972 5000 m and 10,000 m Olympic Champion, Lasse Viren:
Source: Wikipedia
Lasse Viren’s rise to glory culminated in being a great Olympic Champion. During the Olympics, 23-year-old Lasse unexpectedly won the match as he was met with injuries. The injuries made it quite difficult for him to secure his place. The incident took place during the mid-race when Lasse collided with Mohamed Gammoudi and fell on the ground. The key player Gammoudi withdrew from the race due to injury. While Viren didn’t give up he continued the race and surprisingly regained the ground to secure the top spot. This marked one of Viren’s best performances, as after this Viren successfully dominated in the running phenom game. He made a record of 10,000 m which made him claim the gold medal.
9) 1999 Open Champion, Paul Lawrie:
Source: Wikipedia
Paul Lawrie was a champion from 1999 as he bagged an impressive British Open golf tournament. The winning of Lawrie was almost impossible during the league. The runner-up was Jean Van de Velde, who was the winner of the round. Fortunately, Van De Velde had a meltdown and couldn’t proceed further. This gave Lawrie a remarkable chance to make a comeback and attain his position. Lawrie proved himself to be a Champion as he made a high score of 67 and won the tournament. Despite being a champion, he was disrespected on many occasions. He was not invited to play or receive an appreciation invitation for the respect he deserved.
8) 2005 Champions League Final; Liverpool Vs AC Milan:
Source: Wikipedia
The 2005 Champions League will be forever remembered in football history. In the final, the team of Liverpool played against AC Milan in the final round of the Champions League. The team of AC Milan took a great score of 3-0. This gave a very tough time to Liverpool as they were unable to control the situation and the game. The Liverpool team was in dire need to score the goal which eventually led to a switch in plans. After the change in the plan,
Liverpool stood out as they scored a goal of three in just six minutes. The game went intense because both teams were now in equal positions. The dramatic and incredible finish of Liverpool’s goalkeeper helped the team to fight and win the match. This incredible performance made the team win an amazing title in the Champions League.
7) 2001 Wimbledon Champion, Goran Ivaniševi:
Source: Wikipedia
The Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivaniševi is most popularly known for being runner-up in many tournaments and leagues. His frustration made him lose hope and pursue his career in running a tea shop as he felt like a loser. Most of his failures in his career were at Wimbledon, where he reached the finals thrice but unfortunately missed the chance. In 2001, when Ivaniševi was about to pursue his retirement plan, he was requested to enter the Wimbledon facing against Tim Henman as the opponent. Against Henman, Ivaniševi won the first set 7-5 and finally, in the end, he won the grand slam against Patrick Rafter. This victorious transformation of Goran Ivaniševi from runner-up to champion surprised the world.
6) 2004 800 m and 1500 m Olympic Champion, Kelly Holmes:
Source: Wikipedia
Kelly Holmes is a famous British champion, whose achievement is incredibly praised at the Athens Olympics. She performed outstandingly despite her struggles with mental health and cancer. She achieved a remarkable record of two medals; an 800 m gold medal and a 1500 m gold medal for her outclass performance. The breakthrough in her career, which was hitting rock bottom was now at redemption. After years of struggle and depression, she made a remarkable comeback in her career that shook everyone in the world. After the victory, Holmes openly admitted the struggles about her depression and wellness advocating and inspiring people to seek help and support.
5) Buffalo Bills Vs Houston Oilers:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1993, NFL history remains shocked with the remarkable victory of the Buffalo Bills against the Houston Oilers. This was the major comeback for the Buffalo Bills. The Houston Oilers trailed 32-0, meanwhile, Buffalo remained far behind them. However, the coach gathered the team and made an amazing plan to change their positions. This plan marked an improvement in the team and Bills scored 41 points. In no time, both teams were equal but Buffalo Bill’s new strategy helped them win the game. This inspirational move excited many fans around the world, remaining a testament to the player and team’s resilience and determination.
4) Henri Cochet:
Source: Wikipedia
Henri Cochet, a French team member of the “Four Musketeers” tennis team made an amazing comeback in the history of tennis. In 1927, he made history in Wimbledon as he made an amazing victory against top-rated player, Bill Tilden. As the game started, the top-rated player Bill Tilden progressed and made a stunning score. It was a turning point for Henri Cochet. He adopted a unique approach and came back from two sets down in the quarter-finals. This made Henri Cochet a champion as he won the match in Wimbledon’s iconic tournament. This comeback and victory helped Cochet’s legendary career significantly improve.
3) Manchester United and the Munich Air crash of 1958:
In 1958, a devastating tragedy happened which affected Manchester United’s history. A plane which carried the team crashed on take-off and devastatingly was met with many serious damages. The air crash claimed the lives of eight players. Meanwhile, other players met so many career-ending injuries which left the team’s football and sports career in shambles. Just months later the team Manchester United reached the final but devastatingly lost the match. Despite the loss, Manchester United’s spirit and resilience remained intact and they rebuilt their team. The new team was one of the best teams in the history of English Football history. This team made a comeback by winning the hat trick matches in the 1960s.
2) Seven Times Tour De France Winner, Lance Armstrong:
Source: Wikipedia
Lance Armstrong is a legendary cyclist who rose to fame after 1999. His life’s story remains one of the remarkable stories of resilience and determination. In 1996, Lance was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to a major part of his body. According to sources, he was only given a 30-40% chance of survival. Despite all the bad luck, he underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and multiple surgeries. His resilience and faith made him fully recover from the traumatic experience of cancer. In 1999, he remarkably made a comeback and won a streak of cycling races winning seven times consecutively in the Tour de France.
1) 1977 Formula One World Champion, Nikki Lauda:
Source: Wikipedia
Nikki Lauda, an Austrian Formula One driver returned to the match after meeting a tragic accident. As he returned, he won the Italian Grand Prix and consecutively won the 1977 Championship title of the World’s Drivers. This miraculous victory and comeback is an inspiration for young generations.