Athletes depend on their bodies to perform their skills despite whatever sore muscles, aching joints, or swollen bruises may develop while playing their favorite sport. I was never much for the jock life myself, but I did see my brother walk into our house covered in plenty of scrapes while on the high school wrestling team. It's something that comes with the territory, hence the old adage, "No pain, no gain."
Every four years, we watch the world's most determined athletes make their way to the Olympics to vie for that gold medal. They pull out every spectacular trick they've ever learned, hopefully persuading the judges to award them the top spot. That's when you see moments like Olga Korbut performing her breathtaking flip on the uneven bars in 1972, a move now banned from the sport. Shockingly, that only landed Korbut the silver medal, which she also had to share in a tie.
When French ice skater Surya Bonaly hit the rink in 1998, she was dealing with an injury that caused her to falter early in her routine. Knowing she needed to make a big impression despite her ailment, the former gymnast decided to pull out her most daring move: a backflip. Unlike Korbut, however, this move was already banned from the sport, something Bonaly was well aware of but felt it was worth the loss of points she inevitably suffered.
Watching as she makes the leap, I have to say she was right. There's no doubt in my mind that anyone seeing this has ever forgotten it!
Take a look and be sure to SHARE the incredible moment with your friends.
