Who scored the fastest goal in World Cup history, timing just 11 seconds?

In a breathtaking display of speed and precision, Hakan Sukur of Turkey became a part of the history of the world cup with the fastest goal ever recorded, a mere 11 seconds into the match against South Korea during the 2002 World Cup.

On the memorable day of June 30, 2002, at Daegu Stadium in South Korea, Sukur unleashed his lightning-quick strike that left spectators in awe. Turkey went on to claim a hard-fought victory with a 3-2 scoreline, and Sukur’s phenomenal performance earned him the coveted title of Man of the Match.

Sukur’s record-breaking goal materialised in spectacular fashion, a thunderous header propelled by sheer determination from a well-executed corner kick. With lightning reflexes, he soared above the South Korean defenders, expertly guiding the ball past the bewildered goalkeeper. The goal materialised so swiftly that even the opposing players were caught off guard, unable to muster a response.

This extraordinary feat by Sukur has ensured he has been remembered as the person who created one of the most memorable moments. It serves as a testament to his exceptional speed and aerial prowess, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities within the blink of an eye. The goal stands as a potent reminder that within the captivating competitiveness of a World Cup match, anything can transpire, forever nailing the names of football heroes into the memories of fans worldwide. Still, 21 years later and nobody has beaten the record but some have come close. As the game speeds up and tactical skill and speed improves, it’s only a matter of time until this changes.

Who is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with the most Olympic medals?

In the vast expanse of Olympic achievement, there stands a figure whose brilliance and magnificence outshine all others. Michael Phelps, the retired American swimmer, emerges as the unrivalled champion, adorned with the most Olympic medals in history. With a staggering tally of 28 medals adorning his illustrious career, Phelps surpasses all predecessors, his name forever remembered in the history of sporting greatness. Among this treasure trove of accolades, a remarkable 23 medals shimmer with the radiance of gold, testifying to his extraordinary dominance in the pool. Remarkably, Phelps accomplished the feat of winning eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games, an awe-inspiring triumph that unfolded in Beijing 2008.

Phelps’ journey to Olympic glory is a testament to the convergence of natural talent and unwavering commitment. From the tender age of seven, he embarked on his aquatic odyssey, diving headlong into the world of swimming. With each stroke and kick, Phelps ascended the ladder of excellence, propelled by an insatiable hunger for success. At the age of 15, he made his grand entrance onto the Olympic stage, gracing the city of Sydney in the year 2000. Amidst fierce competition, he secured two bronze medals, igniting the flame of his Olympic destiny.

The pinnacle of Phelps’ career unfolded in a remarkable harvest of Olympic honours. His illustrious collection includes 23 golden treasures, three silver keepsakes, and two bronze mementos. His unparalleled achievement of eight gold medals in a single Olympics, a spectacle witnessed in Beijing 2008, remains an indelible mark of his extraordinary prowess. With his retirement from competitive swimming in 2016, Phelps cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes to have ever graced the global stage. It is an achievement that stands as a towering testament to his unrivalled greatness, an emblem of athletic brilliance that will endure for generations to come.

Who was the oldest winner of the Wimbledon men’s singles title during the Open era?

The Open era of tennis began with the British Hard Courts Championships, staged at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth, Dorset in April, 1968, following an emergency meeting of the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) the previous month, which abolished the distinction between amateur and professional players in a limited schedule of 12 tournaments. Since then, the oldest winner of the Wimbledon men’s singles title was American Arthur Ashe Jr., who was 31 years, 11 months and 25 days old when he beat number one seed, and defending champion, Jimmy Connors 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in the final on July 5, 1975. In so doing, he also became the first and, so far, only black man to win the men’s singles at the All England Club.

Seeded sixth, Ashe beat number three seed Bjorn Borg – who would, of course go on to win five consecutive men’s singles titles between 1976 and 1980 – in four sets in his quarter-final and number sixteen seed Tony Roche in five sets in his semi-final to set up a meeting with 22-year-old Connors, who was overwhelming favourite, in the final. Nevertheless, Ashe breezed through the first set 6-1 in under 20 minutes and the second, by the same scoreline, almost as quickly. He also led 3-1 in the third set, before Connors regained his rhythm and recovered to win 5-7. In the fourth set Ashe broke Connors’ serve to lead 5-4 and comfortably served out the match to win the third, and final, Grand Slam singles title of his career.

Following heart surgery, Ashe officially retired from competitive tennis in April, 1980. Three years later, he underwent heart surgery for a second time, during which he is believed to acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a blood transfusion. He died from pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) on February 6, 1993, aged just 49.

Who founded the London Marathon?

The London Marathon was co-founded by the late Christopher Brasher, who died in February, 2003 and the late John Disley, who died in February, 2016. The inaugural London Marathon was staged on March 29, 1981 and featured 7,055 runners, including Brasher himself, who finished in a highly respectable 2:56:56, despite being delayed by a queue of finishers in front of the finishing line.

Brasher, of course, first found fame on May 6, 1954, when he acted as pacemaker for Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a mile in less than four minutes, at Iffey Road Stadium in Oxford. Two years later, he caused a major upset when winning the gold medal in the 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, having been disqualified for alleged interference, but reinstated on appeal. Disley, too, was a gifted postwar Olympian, having won the bronze medal in 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki – behind American Horace Ashenfelter, who set a new world record of 8:51.0 in final – and finishing sixth behind Brasher four years later.

Brasher and Disley remained lifelong friends and, in 1979, ran in the New York City Marathon, established in 1970, for the first time. Both were impressed; in an article for The Observer, published on October 28, 1979, Brasher described the New York City Marathon as ‘the greatest folk festival the world has seen’, while reflecting on his experience many years later, Disley said, ‘I was so engulfed in this noise, this excitement. We came back and said ‘Well, if the Americans can do it, so can we.”

They could and they did. Disley designed the course, largely flat, with the River Thames at its heart, weaving east to west through the streets of the capital – and, much to the delight of the London Tourist Board, passing many famous landmarks – to the original finish line on Constitution Hill, near Buckingham Palace. Brasher, for his part, took care of publicity for the event. Together, they convinced all the relevant authorities to back the event, arranged a sponsorship deal and the rest, as they say, is history.

In which year did England host and win the FIFA World Cup?

1966 marked a historic milestone in football history as England assumed the role of host for the 8th FIFA World Cup. From July 11th to July 30th, the nation basked in the glory of this grand sporting extravaganza, igniting an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation.

In an exhilarating showdown against West Germany, England showcased their mettle, emerging triumphant and leaving their mark on the game of football. The clash, a mesmerising display of skill and unwavering determination, unfolded with a resounding intensity. As the final whistle echoed, the score stood deadlocked at 2-2, propelling the match into an enthralling period of extra time that would forever be etched into the collective memory of football enthusiasts.

Amidst this electrifying extension of play, Geoff Hurst, a true embodiment of the English spirit, took his chance and made sure that he became a part of football folklore. With unrivalled prowess, he accomplished a remarkable feat, putting a hat-trick into history’s pages. His astonishing brace of goals in extra time propelled England to a resounding 4-2 victory, securing their inaugural and sole World Cup triumph to this day.

For England, the 1966 FIFA World Cup represented a watershed moment of unparalleled significance. They joined the prestigious ranks of footballing giants, becoming the fifth nation to hoist the revered trophy high. In following the footsteps of Uruguay in 1930 and Italy in 1934 as triumphant host nations, England cemented their place in the pantheon of World Cup glory. England have failed to win the trophy since but they believe that they are moving closer to World Cup success.