Thinking About Betting on the 2024 Olympics?

If like many people, you fancy a flutter on the ongoing Olympic Games, currently underway in Paris, France. You may find it beneficial to carry on reading this post before making you “sure bet” Good luck!

Below is a “fun” list of eight of the more memorable sporting upsets that cost many gamblers a few sleepless nights!

Billy Mills’ 10,000m Victory – Tokyo 1964:

    • Background: Billy Mills, a relatively unknown American distance runner, competed against strong favorites, including Australian Ron Clarke and Tunisian Mohammed Gammoudi.
    • The Upset: In the final lap, Mills surged ahead, overtaking Clarke and Gammoudi to win the gold medal. His victory remains one of the most unexpected moments in Olympic history.
    • Impact: Mills’ triumph inspired generations of athletes and highlighted the power of determination and belief.

Ester Ledecka’s Alpine Skiing Super-G Triumph – Pyeongchang 2018:

      • Background: Ester Ledecka, a Czech snowboarder, decided to compete in the Super-G skiing event despite being primarily known for snowboarding.
      • The Upset: Ledecka borrowed skis from American skier Mikaela Shiffrin and stunned everyone by winning the gold medal, defeating established Alpine skiing stars.
      • Impact: Her dual-sport achievement showcased versatility and the unexpected magic of the Olympics.

Rulon Gardner’s Wrestling Victory – Sydney 2000:

    • Background: Aleksandr Karelin, a Russian Greco-Roman wrestler, was undefeated for 13 years and had won three consecutive Olympic gold medals.
    • The Upset: Gardner, an American farm boy, faced Karelin in the final. Against all odds, Gardner won, ending Karelin’s legendary streak.
    • Impact: Gardner’s victory symbolized resilience and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Kostas Kenteris’ 200m Sprint – Sydney 2000:

    • Background: Greek sprinter Kostas Kenteris switched from the 400m to the 200m discipline.
    • The Upset: Kenteris defeated established sprinters, including American Maurice Greene, to win the gold medal.
    • Impact: His unexpected victory ignited national pride and excitement in Greece.

Emil Zatopek’s Marathon Victory – Helsinki 1952:

    • Background: Emil Zatopek, a Czech long-distance runner, decided to run the marathon despite having never competed in the event.
    • The Upset: Zatopek won the marathon, adding to his gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.
    • Impact: His triple gold feat remains legendary in Olympic history.

Mary Lou Retton’s Gymnastics Triumph – Los Angeles 1984:

    • Background: Mary Lou Retton represented the United States in gymnastics.
    • The Upset: Retton outperformed Romanian gymnasts, including Ecaterina Szabo, to win the individual all-around gold.
    • Impact: Her victory captivated the nation and inspired young gymnasts.

Great Britain’s Upset in Softball – Beijing 2008:

    • Background: The US Women’s Softball team was dominant, having won three consecutive gold medals.
    • The Upset: Japan defeated the US team in the semifinals, ending their streak.
    • Impact: It highlighted the competitiveness of softball and the unpredictability of the Olympic stage.

Sweden’s Victory in Women’s Ice Hockey – Turin 2006:

    • Background: The US and Canadian women’s ice hockey teams were powerhouses.
    • The Upset: Sweden defeated the United States in the semifinals, marking the first time the US team lost to a team other than Canada.
    • Impact: It showcased the growth of women’s ice hockey globally.

These upsets remind us that the Olympics are not just about favourites; they’re about the unexpected, the underdogs, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Bare this in mind before placing your bet, it may just save you some money 🙂