Prior to Alex Ovechkin eclipsing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record by scoring his 895th goal on a recent Sunday, Gretzky himself had become the leading goal scorer. This notable achievement was made while playing for the Los Angeles Kings on March 23, 1994, as Gordie Howe’s record was surpassed. During that historic game, a sports network commentator passionately compared the event to other remarkable sports milestones, such as Henry Aaron surpassing Babe Ruth in home runs. The commentator emphasized that Gretzky had set records that seemed unbreakable, including this one.
Gretzky scored his 802nd goal during that memorable game and eventually concluded his career with 894 goals upon retiring in 1999. Contrary to expectations, Ovechkin managed to achieve this incredible feat, scoring from his signature position in the left faceoff circle during a power play for the Washington Capitals. This achievement took place in a game against the New York Islanders. This milestone not only highlights Ovechkin’s skills but also marks his tenure exclusively with the Capitals since his NHL initiation in 2005. Gretzky acknowledged this achievement by stating, “They say records are made to be broken,” though he expressed uncertainty about anyone surpassing Ovechkin’s goal tally in the future.
Ovechkin’s extraordinary accomplishment might remain unmatched despite Gretzky’s record being surpassed. Here are some legendary records considered nearly insurmountable:
– Florence Griffith-Joyner’s record for the women’s 100-meter sprint, set in 1988, still stands strong with only one athlete coming close to her time of 10.6 seconds. Her 200-meter record remains equally untouchable and is often scrutinized for legitimacy.
– In the world of golf, Tiger Woods came close to surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record for major championships, which stands at 18. Despite a promising start, Woods’ quest was hindered by multiple injuries, and his current total remains at 15, with no active player exceeding six championships.
– Domination in the swimming arena by Michael Phelps left him holding the most Olympic gold medals, totaling 23, with no other athlete having more than nine. Phelps also boasts the highest number of total Olympic medals at 28.
– Joe DiMaggio’s streak of hitting in 56 consecutive MLB games remains unbroken since 1941, with the next closest being Pete Rose at 44 games in 1978. Rose also holds the career hit record at 4,256, another baseball milestone that seems beyond reach.
– Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in the NBA, achieved in 1962, remains unmatched, with Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006 being the closest anyone has gotten.
– Cy Young’s career record of 511 pitching wins remains out of reach, set in a bygone era of fewer restrictions. Modern players, like Justin Verlander, are unlikely to come close to even 300 wins.
– Barry Bonds’ career home run total of 762, surpassing Hank Aaron’s 755, and his single-season record of 73 homers in 2001, both remain noteworthy amid controversies surrounding performance-enhancing drugs.
– The longest tennis match in history, John Isner’s 2010 victory at Wimbledon, finished with a staggering 70-68 set. However, new rules have since made such lengthy matches impossible due to introduced tie-break regulations.
These are records that continue to captivate and defy athletes and fans worldwide, highlighting achievements that remain as impressive today as the day they were set.