Inspiring Facts About Sports Underdogs and Comebacks
“It aint’ over till it’s over” —Yogi Berra
Sports are exciting because they are unpredictable: Underdogs can claim an unexpected victory, the team that’s all but lost at the end of the first half makes a heroic comeback, and the champion doesn’t always win.
For as long as sports have been played, there have been thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses that have since become legend. Below are 43 inspiring facts about sports underdogs, comebacks, and upsets.
Sports Underdogs Facts
43. 5,000-1 Odds
Nobody expected Leicester City to win the Premier Soccer League title in 2015. The club had 5,000-1 odds to win, and were possibly the biggest longshot championship in sports history.
They won by taking advantage of some down years for the big teams like Mancester United and Chelsea, and took home their first championship in team history. They also won a very few gamblers a lot of money.
42. The Greatest Show on Turf
Once upon a time, the New England Patriots were actually an underdog team. Back in 2001, Tom Brady was a backup quarterback for Drew Bledsoe, and only got into a game when Bledsoe was injured.
Brady led the team through the playoffs and into the Superbowl, where they faced the St. Louis Rams—one of the best offensive teams ever. The Pats pulled out a stunning victory, and Tom Brady became an instant legend.
41. A Future Wimbledon Champion
When 17-year-old Boris Becker won the warm-up event at Wimbledon, broadcasters declared him a “future Wimbledon champion.” Little did they know that they'd be proven right only three weeks later.
Becker went into the tournament an unseeded novice, and it took him five sets to defeat more experienced players to improbably make it to the final.
Playing with a confidence and swagger beyond his years, he defeated opponent Kevin Curren for an unlikely victory.
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}