The Paris Summer Olympics 2024 have finally arrived! Why do we care? One reason is because breakdancing is making its debut this year. The Olympics are also crucial because every four years, they give the world a reason to suddenly care deeply about archery and synchronized swimming simultaneously. Despite geopolitical tensions or cultural differences, the Games provide a platform where athletes and spectators alike can celebrate shared values of fair play, sportsmanship, and mutual respect. The Olympic spirit transcends borders, fostering a sense of camaraderie among nations. In other words, we put our annoyances and cancel culture aside, and just celebrate young athletes giving it their all!
This year, the games run from July 26-August 11. There are 10,500 athletes from 184 countries taking part. You can watch live streaming of the Games on Peacock. These games stem from a long tradition of gathering for the Games in ancient Greece, dating back to 776 B.C. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896. So, let us take a moment to reflect back on the best and worst Olympic moments of all time (and see how many you can remember without giving away your age):
5 Best Olympic Moments:
- Jesse Owens, Berlin 1936: Jesse Owens, an African American athlete, won four gold medals in track and field events at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Adolf Hitler’s belief in Aryan racial superiority and inspiring millions worldwide.
- Muhammad Ali, Rome 1960: Then known as Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali won the gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, marking the beginning of his legendary career as one of the greatest athletes and cultural icons of all time.
- Nadia Comaneci, Montreal 1976: Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She went on to win three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, captivating the world with her grace and precision.
- Miracle on Ice, Lake Placid 1980: The United States ice hockey team, comprised mostly of amateur and college players, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union team in the semi-finals of the 1980 Winter Olympics. This victory during the Cold War era became known as the “Miracle on Ice” and remains a legendary moment in sports history.
- Michael Phelps, Beijing 2008: Michael Phelps set a historic record by winning eight gold medals in swimming events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, surpassing Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Games set in 1972.
5 Worst Olympic Moments:
- Tlatelolco Massacre, Mexico City 1968: Just days before the Mexico City Olympics, Mexican government forces opened fire on student protesters in Tlatelolco Plaza, resulting in hundreds of deaths and casting a pall over the Games.
- Munich Massacre, Munich 1972: During the Munich Olympics, Palestinian terrorists attacked the Israeli team quarters, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, as well as a German police officer.
- Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan Incident, Lillehammer 1994: Figure skater Tonya Harding’s associates attacked her rival Nancy Kerrigan by striking her on the lower right thigh with a baton, shortly before the start of the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, leading to a scandal that overshadowed the competition.
- Disqualification of Canadian Women’s Relay Team, Sydney 2000: The Canadian women’s 4x100m relay team was disqualified at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after a lane violation, despite finishing first, which was a heartbreaking moment for the team.
- Marion Jones’ Doping Confession, Sydney 2000: American sprinter Marion Jones won multiple medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics but later admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs, resulting in her medals being stripped and a tarnished legacy.
These moments, whether uplifting or tragic, have left a lasting impact. But hey, this is a legal blog, so must leave you with a tidbit of vital information about how to pass on your family treasures; things such an Olympic medal or grandma’s wedding ring. Let us start with the medal itself, which holds significant worth. An Olympic medal, especially a gold one, is valued over $1,000, yet its value extends beyond the metal it is made from. The record amount paid for an Olympic medal stands at $1,466,574, set in 2013 for one of Jesse Owens’ four gold medals from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The owner of the medal should leave a simple bequest in their Last Will and Testament (“Will”) or as a Separate Writing Memorandum at the end of the Will. The Will must meet all the formalities of Florida law, but the Writing Memorandum (simply a list of tangible personal property and who each item should be left to) could be updated without the formalities of a Will. The maker simply would need to sign it and date it.
Likewise, if you have valuable or sentimental items of tangible personal property you wish to leave to a loved one, the best way to do it is through a specific bequest your Will. We can help walk you through the entire process. Our law firm conducts consultations over the phone or Zoom and facilitates concierge signing right from your home. We speak English, Spanish, and Russian. Contact OC Estate and Elder Law at (954) 251-0332 or info@ocestatelawyers.com to receive a free consultation today.
