11 Unforgettable Olympic Moments

The Olympics always give us memories that last a lifetime, but why not make the London Games even better by winning some gold of your own?

1. 1968: Hamburgers Are Airlifted To France

McDonald’s commitment to the Olympic Movement began in 1968, when the company airlifted hamburgers to U.S. athletes in Grenoble, France, after they reported being homesick for McDonald’s food.

2. 1976: The Olympic Flame Is “Electronically” Lit

In 1976, the Olympic torch had to travel from Athens to Montreal. This was done by lighting the torch in Greece and then transmitting the flame by satellite to Canada, where a pulse triggered a laser beam and made a flame.

Via: latimesblogs.latimes.com

3. 1976: Nadia Comaneci Gets The First Perfect 10

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4m2YT-PIkEc.

In 1976, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci was just 14 years old. However, on one very special day, she became the first gymnast in history to receive a perfect 10. Before the games ended, she went on to earn 6 more.

Via: youtube.com

4. 1988: Greg Louganis Wins Gold After Getting Stitches

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TiBBmOsmdSY.

While performing his reverse 2½ pike in preliminaries, Louganis hit his head on the diving board. He required 10 stitches. But he got right back out there and continued diving. He qualified for the finals, and even won 2 gold medals.

Via: youtube.com

5. 1992: Derek Redmond’s Father Helps Him Across The Finish Line

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HFKpZnok10s.

Derek Redmond snapped a hamstring in the middle of the 400 meters semi-final. He collapsed to the ground, but then got back up and tried to finish. People with stretchers ran to his aid, but he kept on running and everyone burst into tears when he finally crossed the finish line with his father’s help.

Via: youtube.com

6. 1994: Dan Jansen Finally Wins Gold

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HRIwJwbxBQ4.

Jansen was the favorite to win the 500 and 1,000 meter races in 1988, but then he learned his sister had died of Leukemia. He went on to fall early in the 500 meter race, and went home empty handed. He returned to the Olympics in 1992, but once again didn’t win any medals. But in 1994, Jansen returned and finally won Gold in the 1,000 meter race and celebrated by taking a victory lap with his daughter.

Via: youtube.com

7. 1996: Muhammad Ali Lights The Olympic Flame

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5TaITzi64Sw.

In 1996, Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic Flame. It was magical.

Via: youtube.com

8. 1996: Kerri Strug Helps Team USA Win Gold

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fFn47a_Ny0Y.

The first time Kerri did her vault, she fell and twisted her ankle. She got a score of 9.162. But in order to beat the Russians and claim the Gold for Team USA, she needed to go again, land on both feet and get higher than a 9.4. So that’s what she did.

Via: youtube.com

9. 1996: The First Branded Restaurant Opens In The Olympic Village

After it became clear American athletes wanted comfort food during the Olympics, McDonald’s made it easier for them to get it by opening up a location in the Olympic Village. It was the first quick service restaurant to have that kind of presence.

10. 2008: Michael Phelps Wins His 8th Gold Medal

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=emzsB1b2cWw.

By the time Phelps dove in the water during the 400-meter medley relay, the US was behind Japan and Australia. But thankfully, Team USA finished first and Phelps was eventually awarded his 8th gold medal (which broke the record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympics). He celebrated by going to McDonald’s.

Via: nuancemusic.com

11. 2012: The World’s Biggest McDonald’s

McDonald’s is putting the finishing touches on what will soon be the world’s largest fast-food restaurant.

Via: dailymail.co.uk

12. 2012: The Introduction of the Favorites Under 400 Menu for the Olympic Games

The new Favorites Under 400 calories menu is one of many ways in which McDonald’s continues to offer nutrition information to help customers make informed choices. Select items from the new menu are also spotlighted in McDonald’s Win When USA Wins Gold promotion, which brings customers the fun of the London 2012 Olympic Games through a unique online experience.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to US, DC, Guam and Saipan residents, 13+. Event play ends 8/12, In-store ends 8/13 and Online Drawing entry ends 8/31. Subject to Official Rules at participating McDonald’s or usawinsgold.com. See Official Rules for details, restrictions, and no purchase instructions. Void where prohibited.