One Vault, One Leg, One Golden Moment

On July 19, 1996, one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history took place during the Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia. In the women's gymnastics individual all-around competition, Kerri Strug, a member of the United States women's gymnastics team, known as the "Magnificent Seven," faced a crucial moment that would determine whether the U.S. would win the gold medal.

Going into the final rotation, the U.S. team held a slim lead over the Russian team. Strug was the last gymnast to perform on the vault for the United States. On her first attempt, she under-rotated and landed awkwardly, causing her to fall and injure her ankle. Despite the pain, Strug knew that a solid second vault was essential for the U.S. to secure the gold medal.

With the pressure mounting and the crowd holding their breath, Strug lined up for her second attempt. She sprinted down the runway, launched herself onto the vault, and executed a nearly flawless twisting Yurchenko. As she landed, Strug immediately lifted her injured leg off the ground, hopping on one foot to salute the judges before collapsing in pain.

Her determination and courage paid off. The judges awarded her a score of 9.712, enough to clinch the gold medal for the United States. It was the first time the U.S. women's gymnastics team had ever won the Olympic team competition.

The image of Strug being carried off the mat by her coach, Bela Karolyi, became an instant classic and a symbol of Olympic perseverance. Her selfless act and unwavering commitment to her team's success made her a national hero and an inspiration to aspiring gymnasts around the world.

Strug's performance on July 19, 1996, will forever be remembered as a shining example of the Olympic spirit and the lengths athletes will go to achieve their dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of gymnasts and athletes across all sports to never give up, even in the face of adversity.