In its extent and prominence, the history of sports owes much to photography. This is because, as much as words have meaning, the saying does not lie, and "a picture is worth a thousand words". In fact, seeing a photograph of a historic moment in sport transfers us to another time.
As part of World Photography Day, let's look back at some of the most iconic images recorded throughout Sports History.
Norman Potter, The Miracle Mile
May 6th, 1954 | Take a look at the picture
Roger Bannister broke a record few believed humanly possible. The 1954 Sportsman of the Year ran the first sub-four-minute mile, crossing the line to the roars of astonished viewers in Iffley Road, Oxford.
Photo by Norman Potter, on Central Press
If you want to know more about this photo, click here.
Best of Lifer, Muhammad Ali
May 25th, 1965 | Take a look at the picture
On 25 March 1965, Muhammad Ali would knock out Sonny Liston in one of the most controversial fights in boxing history.
The person responsible for the photograph was Neil Leifer.
If you want to know more about this photo, click here.
Air Jordan, Walter Iooss Jr.
February 6th, 1988 | Take a look at the picture
The photo shows Jordan flying through the air, seemingly levitating while his right-hand pushes the ball out to his side and toward the hoop. It was the second straight title for the Bulls star, and the ’88 contest is widely considered the best because of the duel between Jordan and Wilkins.
If you want to know more about this photo, click here.
Olivier Morin, Lightning Bolt
August 16th, 2008 | Take a look at the picture
Bolt improved the world record time he set in Beijing a year earlier, crossing the line in 9.58 seconds to win his first World Championship gold medal. Taking over a tenth of a second off the previous best mark, this was the largest ever margin of improvement in the 100 m world record since the beginning of electronic timing.
If you want to know more about this photo, click here.
Neil Leifer, Black Power Salute
October 1968 | Take a look at the picture
Tommie Smith and John Carlos of Team USA raise their fists for racial equality on the medal stand after winning the 200-meter gold during the 1968 Summer Olympics at Estadio Olimpico. They were expelled, after this gesture.
If you want to know more about this photo, click here.
