If he achieved legendary status in his sport through bouts against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton or George Foreman, Muhammad Ali will also always remain indelibly linked to the great history of the Olympic Games, which he marked on two occasions and in two entirely different contexts, almost half a century apart.

It was not the Olympics which made Ali “The Greatest”, but his breakthrough role gave the boxer a unique place in Games folklore.

The Essential Olympic Stories podcast is brought to you by Eurosport in association with Bridgestone.

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At the Mexico Olympics of 1968, Bob Beamon redefined the boundaries of the possible by shattering the long jump world record with his first jump in the final.

The American’s leap of 8.90 metres pulverised the competition and was a staggering 55 centimetres better than the old benchmark.

This almost immeasurable record would endure for over two decades.

The Essential Olympic Stories podcast is brought to you by Eurosport in association with Bridgestone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Louganis is the greatest diver of all time. First man to win the double double, at the Los Angeles and Seoul Olympics, the American took his discipline to fresh heights.

But the legendary Louganis did so while being weighed down by a heavy burden throughout the 80s: his HIV positive status, which he kept a secret.

The Essential Olympic Stories podcast is brought to you by Eurosport in association with Bridgestone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.