Top 100 Sporting Moments in History
Welcome to our Top 100 Sporting Moments series, celebrating the most unforgettable feats in sports history. From record-breaking performances to dramatic victories, this series highlights the moments that made fans jump out of their seats, shed a tear, or simply marvel at the limits of human potential.
This list is presented in no particular order — simply our selection of the top 100 sporting moments that inspired us, amazed the world, and left a lasting legacy across all sports.
Number 100 – Usain Bolt Breaks the 100m World Record (2009)
Event: 2009 World Championships – Berlin
Moment: Bolt crosses the line in 9.58 seconds, setting a new 100m world record.
The Moment:
On 16 August 2009, the world witnessed one of the fastest seconds in sports history. Already a superstar after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt stepped onto the track at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and delivered a performance for the ages. Exploding out of the blocks with his trademark relaxed yet explosive stride, Bolt crossed the line in 9.58 seconds, shaving 0.11 seconds off his own previous world record.
The stadium erupted as cameras captured his now-iconic lightning bolt pose, a gesture that would become a symbol of his dominance and charisma in sport.
Why It’s Iconic:
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Record-Breaking Speed: Bolt became the fastest man in history, setting a benchmark for sprinters worldwide.
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Dominance and Margin: He won by almost half a second, an enormous gap in the 100m, showcasing his unparalleled talent.
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Global Impact: Millions of fans across the world watched live, cementing Bolt’s status as a global sporting icon.
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Charisma and Showmanship: Beyond the record, Bolt’s personality and playful celebrations elevated the spectacle of athletics.
Did You Know?
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Bolt’s stride length during the 100m final averaged 2.44 meters, allowing him to cover ground faster than his competitors.
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His reaction time at the start of the race was 0.146 seconds, fast enough to get him ahead but still within the legal limits for record recognition.
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Usain Bolt holds multiple world records, including the 200m and 4x100m relay, making him one of the most decorated sprinters of all time.
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Nicknamed the “Lightning Bolt,” he brought a level of entertainment and personality to track and field rarely seen before, inspiring millions of young athletes globally.
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The 2009 Berlin performance was part of a “triple crown” at the championships, where Bolt also broke the 200m and 4x100m relay records, cementing his legendary status.
This moment is not just a record; it’s a symbol of human potential. Bolt’s combination of speed, grace, and charisma created one of the most memorable sporting moments ever and is why it earns its place at number 100 on our Top 100 Sporting Moments list.
How the Series Works
Each week, we’ll reveal another iconic sporting moment, building excitement all the way down to number 1, the ultimate sporting achievement in our opinion. The list covers:
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Athletics: Record-breaking sprints, marathons, and jumps
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Football: Legendary goals, comebacks, and tournaments
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Boxing & Combat Sports: Knockouts and championship victories
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Motorsport: Historic wins and daring overtakes
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Team Sports: Dramatic victories and clutch performances
Every entry highlights why the moment is unforgettable, its global impact, and why it belongs in the Top 100.
Stay Connected
Follow our series to see all 100 sporting moments, share your favourite memories, and relive the moments that made sports history.
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Written by Elliot Micallef