- Michael Jordan’s “flu game” in the 1997 NBA Finals: Jordan famously played through flu-like symptoms to score 38 points and lead the Chicago Bulls to victory over the Utah Jazz.
- The United States women’s soccer team wins the 1999 World Cup: Brandi Chastain’s iconic penalty kick and celebration helped seal the USWNT’s victory over China in the final.
- Mike Tyson’s upset loss to Buster Douglas in 1990: Douglas knocked out the heavily favored Tyson in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
- Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch in 1996: The legendary boxer and activist was a surprise choice to light the torch at the Atlanta Olympics.
- Joe Carter’s walk-off home run in the 1993 World Series: Carter’s home run gave the Toronto Blue Jays their second consecutive World Series title.
- Kerri Strug’s vault in the 1996 Olympics: Strug famously injured her ankle during her first vault attempt, but still managed to stick the landing on her second attempt to help the US women’s gymnastics team win gold.
- Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL game in 1999: Gretzky retired as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and played his final game in Madison Square Garden to a standing ovation.
- Lance Armstrong’s first Tour de France win in 1999: Armstrong’s triumph was the first of seven consecutive Tour de France victories, although those accomplishments would later be overshadowed by his doping scandal.
- Cal Ripken Jr. breaks Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak in 1995: Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive games, breaking Gehrig’s record of 2,130.
- Tiger Woods wins his first major championship at the 1997 Masters: Woods became the youngest player to win the Masters and set a new tournament record with a score of 18 under par.