Kerri Strug's Unforgettable Determination to Win Gymnastics Olympic Gold | Strangest Moments
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- Опубліковано 16 січ 2018
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Team USA's Kerri Strug became a national hero in 1996, not just for her gymnastics skills but her sheer determination in the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team Event.
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“Pain is temporary, but pride is forever” ?? Didn’t this injury literally cost her her career?? She’s a human being, not just a means to a gold medal jfc
Amen
Olympic careers are pretty short lived. She did enough there to have a top Olympic career all-time for any American.
Exactly.
As least she is not remembered as a quitter. Unlike Simon bails.
Imagine being this chick. Remembered as a legend for going beyond. Then you see this loser's comment. Don't knock her down to your own misery because you haven't accomplished anything.
Kind of interesting that Kerri was one of the first gymnasts to publicly support Simone Biles for pulling out of the competition and to express her appreciation on behalf of paying attention to her needs in light of the immense pressure to do otherwise.
Exactly. The team had already secured the gold on her first score. This wasn't even needed for the win.
@@dianemurray6550 In the moment, as the scores for Russia's final two gymnasts had not been tallied, Strug's second vault performance was deemed necessary to solidify USA's gold medal. In retrospect, team USA would have still won gold, even if Strug sat out her final vault.
@@ArturoGarzaID I just checked your profile and apparently you have a weird obsession with hating on Simone Biles. I hope you know, a lonely keyboard warrior hating on one of the planet’s most decorated athletes speaks volumes about the content of your character. I can’t tell if you’re a racist, a misogynist, or just outright jealous.
@@abbafan6204 Solidify their win? That sounds like the Karolys lying...I mean, talking. You don't extra-win the Olympics. Please. Bella got greedy, and physical abuse was his MO, along with psychological abuse.
@@ArturoGarzaID Not according to her interview in Elle magazine two or three years ago...
As someone with a chronic pain syndrome as the result of an injury, I can definitely assure you that pain is NOT always temporary. If I could undo one moment in my life...
I relate to this comment so hard. Rolled my ankles working in the heat. I knew it was too hot to work that day, and I should have asked to go home. It’s been a year now, and they still hurt every single day.
My thoughts exactly! Pain is temporary if you’re lucky, sometimes pain leads to life long disabilities.
Still couldn't compare to the Olympian here
Totally true. What moment would you undo?
@@ulalaFrugilega The moment I decided things were under control enough that I could stand on one end of an unsecured 2x10 plank that was laid across a balance walk and see how many students it would take to lift me.
I remember watching this when I was 7 and I was like “OMG she’s so brave”. I look back now at 31 and I am disgusted at how her coach made her continue on. This ended her career as a gymnast but her coach continued on with all the glory and fame..
Glory is not cheap
" I would do it all again" Kerri Strug in her autobiography "Landing on my feet"
what if george washington had decided to chill with his wife instead of leading the revolution, pain and sacrifice are necessary to do great things.
If given the choice, how many athletes would sacrifice their careers for an Olympic gold medal and to go down in history as one of the greatest ever?
wdym ended her career? At the end of the day, she can choose for herself whether or not to continue on or to stop when her body tells her to stop. Even if Kerri wasn’t injured, gymnasts typically retire only after two Olympics, she would have retired regardless. Y’all are so quick to label her as "emotionally abused” by her coaches without even realizing that SHE wanted to go on. The job of a coach is always to voice what they think will suit their trainees in the long run. The student ultimately has the final say on what they wanted to do. Even thirty years later, Kerri herself said she doesn’t regret at all doing that final vault while injured.
what a stupid message. "Pain is temporary, pride is forever". A severe injury might have been forever as well!!
Elena Murkhina 😔💔 RIP
stfu omg always those normal ppl who will never undamestand saying something average like their minds
the most stupid comment ever
flame9136 literally stfu
that's the difference between a winner and a loser, what are you willing to sacrifice?
I just watched the Netflix doc and when this part came up I just really cried. She had no choice. People are clapping as she literally crawls off the matt it's awful :(
The ladies commentary on the whole scenario was chilling "don't pretend she had a choice" "it disgusts us that we'd sacrifice our young to win".. the whole situation is inhumane
@Caroline Lee Athlete A :)
Oh, please, don't cry. You're stronger than your emotions. You can control them. 💪🏽
Why did you cry? Because its a girl? SEXIST!!
True. And sad.
This injury forced her to retire at 18. And all while she was being "treated" by horrendous pervert Larry Nassar. She probably wanted a different doctor, too, but no one would get rid of him.
Female gymnasts retire in their early 20s generally. Its a young sport. Her career was pretty much at the tail end anyways. Especially for the Olympics
@@h91rex100 Exactly. These armchair experts thinking gymnasts have more than 4 years of competing if they are lucky.
@@h91rex100 ur just copying and pasting this
@@Kiki-wm5or yes, if im making the same point elsewhere, i prefer to copy and paste my response vs typing the same thing out all over again. What's your point?
@@h91rex100 that is not a given. they talk in Athlete A about how getting younger and younger girls into gymnastics is a relatively recent phenomenon
I can't even imagine that someone could do this for a gold for their country. It's unbelievable that she did it with a ligament injury. People say pain is all in the mind , so just imagine her mental strength . I'd give her two medals ,one for the games , and other for her determination
Per the information we have now about the Karolyis- it’s not like she had a choice.
It's not mental strength. It's a child being forced to risk her safety for the sake of her coach's ego.
Probably too young to remember the Japanese gymnast who did his final ring performance with a broken knee, because the team needed it.
She did it for her coach because he had all of gymnasts brainwashed to believe they had to break themselves for the win.
Look at all the mad people cuz she makes Simone look weak
She was in so much pain when she landed, you can see it in her face
I remembered watching this back then and now watching biles quit because of mental health it just shows you how much stronger the American people had been back then.
@@DuoFurey or maybe how much more compassionate we are to peoples struggles now? Mental health isn’t any less significant than physical health.
@@DuoFurey Strug’s career ended in this moment. While the coach who did not protect her and did not get her the medical attention when she needed it went on to have many years of an illustrious career. At 19 she should have been protected, not used as a pawn for men’s glories.
@@DuoFurey or how back then they were to scared to say they were hurt and end their career with life altering injuries than say they physically couldn’t continue
@Wait What? it was inspirational. It was also stupid and unnecessary. Her career ended while his went on to flourish.
And I am probably the only person here who pity the girl. They all made her try again. They all yelled at her. But if they were decent people, they should have told her not to risk her health. All these gold medals are only silly coins and they are nothing compared to a life with an injured leg.
I feel sorry for her too. When they said Károliy told her that she needed to go again after that injury, my thoughts were that coaches are there to help the athletes, but this one only wanted the glory of the win, no matter the cost to her. That said, I still admire her strength and willpower, and hope that she still thinks it was worth it.
True
Pavel Malkov it was her choice to vault. They were motivating to seal the gold. The gold I'd not stupid competing in the Olympics is a career. Don't get mad because u know u can't do what they do.
I don't know if you've ever been in a sport but it really takes over your life when you're this good. Especially in the Olympics... this takes years to prepare for and you don't have time to do anything else. It takes over your life. No way was she going to give up.
I don’t think she regrets literally making history not only for her country, but I mean this is the most iconic moment in all of gymnastics. A girl sticks the landing with one foot?!?!? Not only did she cement USA’s first team gold, she also did it at home. I mean it’s been 22 years and we’re still talking about how amazing she was, we’ll probably still be talking about another 20 years from now.
I have watched her interview about her Golden moment in the Olympics. The game means a lot to her and she said if she hadnt win in the Olympics, she wouldn't be where she is now.. in my opinion, she went for her dreams. She is happy and that's whats more important. People May say negative about how she won Gold but it's evident that she surely is determined to win and did her best despite some challenges. I am so proud of her.
Can you share video for her interview
if I were an olympian, I want that monumental experience that kerri had in 1996 olympics. its was an epic.
Facts period🥇🇱🇷 she is a hero to her team.she did it landing on one foot and tip of other .true warrior.🥰 bless her heart .I love her strength that will be my most memorable moment of the olympics.🤸💐❤️
@@jeaniedavidson6202 well said.
But but but mean coaches made her do it
I understand the dark side of this story, but please don't take away Strug's amazing performance. Forced to go on and she still did something amazing. That was HER, all her. Simply an amazing feat of athleticism.
I just hope she's better now. Not everyone gets lucky with glory after a career ending injury. See Mary Pierce. Her career was over in 2006 but she didn't know that.
So this isn’t a story about individual spirit and determination, it’s a story about abusive coaches and petty Cold War rivalries.
Exactly 🙄
This is only about determination. I guess you are oversmart 🤡
I bet you cheered Simone Biles's decision to sit out of this same competition in 2021 when she said she had mental issues. This girl won gold on one leg.
@@RollTide1987 … what exactly is your point? Should I be mad when athletes choose not to compete due to their own health?
She made her own decision as an athlete - it isn't fair to take her power away from her and label her as a victim. She worked her whole life for that moment and was willing to suffer some temporary pain to be known forever as an Olympic champion. It would have been far more cruel to rob her of her own choice and leave her with a lifetime of "what-ifs."
I love the freaking death star type music they play when showing the Soviet competitors.
It's night at the bald mountain
I am literally using their words.
Hammerschlägen M "For decaces, the event had been dominated by the USSR"
Hammerschlägen M "and finally 'using their words.' Wdym by that?" Those are their words that he was using.
Giulia Pugliese ME TOO!
I used to love watching this moment because it felt so huge and iconic. But in light of everything we now know, it feels icky and wrong! These poor girls were so abused!
Still gives me goosebumps... doesn't feel wrong at all..
She did not quit over it, to call it abuse after the fact is like crying struggle snuggle after consent.
I'm 37 and remember this moment well, and how the media universally praised her for being tough and heroic. Interesting how perspectives have changed 25 years later.
@UCSn7a8EaMhrboL4LKUzVTyw This comment absolutely disgusts me. 🤢 "Struggle snuggle?" Kindly get fucked, you're horrendous.
@@Shyhalu Nasty human being indeed, to even type the words "struggle snuggle." Disgusting.
The pain in her face when she lands makes me wanna cry 😭
I can't imagine how much pain she was in. She cried almost immediately after landing. That impact on her foot when she landed... ouch
K
Yes, she was in pain but I think the tears were more a release of all of the emotion. She did what she was there to do, and those who watched her all remember that vault! Kerri was all an elite Olympic athlete should be.
i was really emotional until i saw the comment section lol -_-
Muhammad Ilham 😂😂Same I was crying but my tears dried up right away when I went down the comment section
Muhammad Ilham oh dude i feel yah
Hammerschlägen M god you’re stupid aren’t you?
Hammerschlägen M Alter ich hoffe das war nicht ernst gemeint. Nur weil er so heißt...
Muhammad Ilham puff
That last line sounded like Effie speaking about the Hunger Games
LITERALLY! And with the triumphant music in the background too. It makes me super uncomfortable
Literally. Our world is so dystopian.
Totally
Yep. "May the odds be ever in your favor! Ahaha!"
@@shawnadowd5079 k
her career was already over on that first attempt. regardless what people say about their coach, she has heart and even manage to do that final vault. now that is badass
The discomfort on the judges faces when she landed is kinda funny.
the judge on the left was like oh yes!! oh no ...
The emotion expressed by the judges was very real and the transitions very human...not so much funny.
Tigerkem when was last time they moved
The compassion medal
I feel like they knew she damaged her ankle
I will never forget that landing..
I remember watching this live. I was 6 years old and will never forget it.
Lol I was six months old. 😂🤣
Great year though! 😃
I still remember the face I had when it happened, I was so small and round. 13 years before I was born...what a day.
Me either ..i was like 9 and thought she is amazing...her and the 2 Dominique's
@@joelle2608 awwww ..
Kerri was ready to go home with a Silver Medal. She was pushed beyond her boundaries and that ultimately cost her her career.
Disgusting how they try to frame it as an underdog story when in reality it was a slaughter
BS. She wanted Gold. No one wants Silver.
@@jonhogue4123 She wanted out, she had two broken ligaments. She even says so in her interviews and fully supports Biles stepping away to take care of herself quoting this very same event
The only people that want silver are pussies and liberal losers.
@@perlamedrano3637 she's just saying that so the media doesn't say she's a racist or some BS. Behind the scenes she is embarrassed that Biles did what she did to the US team.
Her perspective today as a mature adult would be different than when she was 18 and in the moment.
That message at the end, “Pain is temporary, pride is forever” is horrible! Especially because that was the end of this young girl’s career! So sad she was pushed so hard.
But we still talk about her to this day. Her legacy will go down in history
Sometimes pushing through pain and getting the victory is best in life. She got the gold. One time is enough. You are sad because she wasn't able to compete again? She helped USA get the first gold medal. She is the G.O A.T.
Most gymnasts don't compete for more than 1 Olympic anyways.
This was going to be the end of her olympic career in any case. But she ended as a hero instead of a quitter. It was worth it.
Blah blah blah. She will forever be remembered. Meanwhile your loser generation will be looking for excuses.
I don't usually comment on things but this comment section is horrendous. As a gymnast for 17 years of my life, this moment has been one I've admired and looked up to the most as I was growing up. As every kid does, I wanted to go to the olympics. As I grew up I learned that the olympics wasn't for me and that was OKAY. But, every single day of practice is like this. As a gymnast you train and train and train and train some more. It isn't for some pride of your nation, it isn't for grandeur- it's for yourself. It's to get better. To learn what dedication really means. Any gymnast that is serious about the sport, and really aspires to excel in it (olympics level or not), pushes THEMSELVES to be better. To push past the pain. Maybe we don't keep going through torn ligaments every day, but the extreme soreness, the fatigue, and the emotional and physical and mental toll this sport takes is SO high. You have to practice and train and hurt to be good at gymnastics. A human body isn't meant to flip and swing and fly. Sometimes I would break down and ask myself if it was really worth it to always be in so much pain, and the answer was always YES. And most kids don't do gymnastics to win a medal for their country. We do it because we love it. We do it because we want to. She didn't do that second vault because Bella 'forced' her to, or because everyone expected her to. She did it for her. Because SHE wanted to. It takes extreme dedication to get that good. To have that chance. She wasn't going to back down. It is incredible, not sad. If you have never done gymnastics, or really any sport seriously, you can't say "oh it's abuse." If I had been in her position I would have volunteered to go again. Through the pain, you can see her focus, determination, and dedication. She has the heart of a lion, and I don't want anyone to see this historic moment as bad or negative.
You have training gymnastic for 17 years? 17? And you have never made to Olympics? What went wrong? No disrespect, I'm only curious about the whole situation. I mean, 17 years is a long time.
@@JuditaHoffman. No offense taken. Not everyone does a sport to get amazing at it. Personally, my natural talent wasn't super high, and my body is really tight in kind of important areas for gymnastics. I was never great at bars or beam because of it and just kind of got perpetually stuck around level 8 (out of 10). Olympic level gymnastics nowadays is beyond harder than your typical school level stuff. They recently rewrote all the rules for the levels and made everything harder then added a secondary excel route for those (like me) that are more in the sport for fun and aren't winning all the competitions. The sport teaches dedication, time management, etc, plus I had a side job out of it with coaching younger kids. Also, please understand that especially for girls gymnastics that physical prime tends to be late teens so you have to be really good, really early. Most elite level gymnasts leave their homes early to homeschool with a foster family that's close to a gym that trains at that level. I grew up pretty quickly and realized the olympics wasn't really a reasonable goal for me and that's okay. I don't really need to win or represent my country. I was content with my level and my local team.
@@violetpatina708
Oh I get it now. I know all about that sport (my cousin is level 10, but they didn't made it in Rio - Australian team). I'm professional ballet dancer, so I know what it means to work hard, and be prepared mentally and physically.
Everything is good, as long as you're happy with that. 🙂
Violet Patina awesome you made me cry
Finally a comment that makes sense. Why does everybody just assume she was forced, taking all the strength she showed away, treating her as if she were a victim...it is ridiculous.
They went through so much abuse.
And tragically a lot of that abuse had nothing to do with gymnastics.
There has been abuse in the sport in many forms. Mental, physical, and hugely sexual.
@@RandomPlayIist the karolyis only cared about the prestige and their medals. They never cared about the physical or emotional well being of the girls they they had in charge. This video is an excellent example of that
@@prg4647 It was Kerri Strugs decison to go again and win gold, idk if u play a sport but when ur in love with a sport and has been training forever for a big event like the Olympics u will eventually risk it all becuz u don't want to go home without gold having any regrets
Allison Maxwell life as an athlete and Olympian.
“pain is temporary, pride is forever” this probably permanently damaged her body beyond repair tf
Female gymnasts retire in their early 20s generally. Its a young sport. Her career was pretty much at the tail end anyways. Especially for the Olympics
@@h91rex100 so what? the pain still likely wasn’t “temporary”
@@maebird16 considering she was an avid marathon runner post the Olympics, you're being overly dramatic with phrases like permanently damaged beyond repair.
It's a generational difference I swear...
It did not damage her body. She’s still physically active and running around.
No. Pain is not temporary. The pain of some injuries become permanent.
it wasn't permanent tho...
@@abbafan6204 It ended her career. That's pretty permanent.
Most athletes would gladly stop competing with an Olympic gold medal on their fireplace mantel.
@@snuffypop Yea, because gymnast careers last into their 30's. Her career was already over. This was always going to be her last chance at the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of the sport.
@HamzaForChrist I'd like to ask where I said that?
This whole event hits so different after Athlete A
ikr
Every thing in us gymnastics hits differently
Honestly seeing the partners almost being disgusted from her performance was disgusting and the athlete A hit different
Agree!
I admit my naivety to the situation, and seeing old comments on this hopefully people also change their view. I indeed thought she was a hero, but the documentaries "don't pretend she had a choice" changed me... This was product of emotional abuse, there was no choice for her
"Pain is contemporary Victory is forever"
For some reasons I have problem with the use of this quote on this video
And that’s why ur not a champion in any thing
@@jett6865 no she could have won another time with her ability but one win was considered more important than her life if she would have been the one to try it again then it was fine because its her cause however she was yelled at to do it again.
I feel the same. They say it as if glory would justify ruining her body which it doesn't in my oppinion
@@jett6865 Not everything is about winning.
@@bandanasingh6034 She was 18. This was her last Olympics. No, she could not have won another time. No, she was not going to die, so her life was never at stake. You clearly have never fought for anything in your life. If you had, you would know better.
I remember watching and being so excited at the time. But, watching it today brings tears to my eyes.
They made us believe that she was being strong, just like this video. Really she was being abused and controlled. So sad.
There are times when it’s ok to push through pain, but anytime you hear a “snap” from your body, it’s likely the injury is severe. A win shouldn’t require you to sacrifice your future physical and mental well-being. I can see how she would go all out in the moment, especially with all the pressure she had put on her. But sometimes the best choice for a person is to know when to stop, even if it’s emotionally harder to make.
Abuse from the adults to the girls... Courage and determination from the girls... She is a hero; the coach is a monster.
Bela and Marta are just as guilty as Larry Nassar...dark and twisted individuals.....
@Moogie B Explain.... What do you mean?
Yes he is and always was!!! Check out the story of his first and most noted Olympian Nadia Comaneci! Her life story...early years..is tragic!
You don't get gold without training hard specially in olympics.
You think gold is really easy don’t you
She could have went onto win many more golds if she wasn't pushed to do that last run
They ruined her forever for one win.
Charlotte D what happened???
You a fortune teller?? You know nothing!!!
She was 18 (which at 18 is considered the end of the road in gymnastics)and this would have most likely been her last Olympics anyway, but for what she did will go down in Olympic history and Kerri will never be forgotten.
No, she couldn't you will not find any gymnast go to three Olympics unless they start at an illegal age. Two is the tops and this was her second one. If she wanted the gold (which is the goal of ALL of these Olympians) then this was her last chance. She ended up with a legacy greater than just the gold medal.
I remember watching this happen. I was 15 and watching with my dad. We both cheered like crazy. Watching it again brought a tear to my eye.
Watching the expressions on the faces in the background is very telling. You can see who was ashamed to be part of this.
Sorry, muffin. Not seeing what you think you’re seeing.
@@nottoday.9503 since sociopaths can't register normal emotion and have no concept of guilt, your disordered thoughts are of zero relevance.
@@nottoday.9503 Sorry, Cream Puff. You are to void of emotion to see it.
@@nottoday.9503 there were athletes crying because she shouldn't have been doing it. You dear....are a troll
@@Toria1982 I see a pre-millennial doing what she has to do to get the job done. Something the millennials and younger generations wouldn't know about.
As a former gymnast, when you get injuries in competition (I fractured my back) you kind of just block it out. The adrenaline and pure rush just blocks the pain just long enough to finish the routine. But then it hits like a train afterwards. I can’t imagine having to vault after an injury like that. Kerri will always be my gymnastics icon ❤️
She was pushed by Karolyi and ended up disabled.
@HamzaForChrist STFU WITH YOUR REPEAT POST
@@Tracymmo It was not a permanent physical disability like Elena Mukhina sustained. Kerri gave up gymnastics after that injury, but she got surgery, physical therapy, whatever she needed; her ankle eventually healed.
From what I remember, when they looked at the scores after all the teams had finished, the first vault would have actually been a high enough score to secure the gold.
But then, that was partly because the last Russian gymnast on the floor wasn’t able to hear her music over the noise the crowd made as Strug was carried out.
I remember watching this live. Still one of the greatest moments in sports history 🇺🇸🇺🇸
You could see that she was more scared of Bela than of the excruciating pain. She’s lucky that she didn’t have an accident during her second vault that could’ve resulted in her becoming permanently paralyzed or even dead. At the end, that monster Bela didn’t care about her well being, only medals and the limelight. Thank goodness that monster is no longer abusing young females in the gym.
@@martuuk8964 Ever Heard Nassar? Educate Yourself!!!
Anyone who thinks you are exaggerating about the "she could have ended up permanently paralyzed or dead" needs to look up Elena Mukhina.
@@ksol1460tv you are absolutely correct 💯
Why are Russians being portrayed as villains in this ...? Lol😂🤭
It`s typical for muricans propoganda
@@GlookRUS this was narrated by someone from the UK. It has nothing to do with American propaganda. Also, I heard nothing that lead me to believe that the Russians were considered villainous.
You know why ...
They are. Or were. Not sure what they are now.
Nothing here was painting Russia as the enemy. Across many Olympic sports, Russia was nearly unstoppable. From Gymnastics to Hockey (Men's 1980 team), they were a force to be reckoned with. There's a reason some of the US vs Russia stories are talked about like something straight out of David and Goliath. The difference was that massive.
Pain is NOT temporary!
I don't feel any pain from breaking my wrist almost 30 years ago. I don't feel pain from tearing ligaments in my knee 10 years ago. Pain IS temporary!
+crazedstargazer She has said herself that she still suffers from her injury and that it's only getting worse as she gets older. Facts...introduce yourself to them.
You are rigth cause such injuries can cause long lasting pain and other complications. It may be temporary in this moment but the pain can come back years later
you are right. I just watched Ronnie Coleman's documentary on Netflix. Greatness does come with a price.
Jae Lynn - Yes, it's very temporary.
I remember watching this when it happened. Everyone said she was an American hero. I remember the media frenzy, her face was everywhere. In a lot of ways, the US was a very different country than what we present ourselves as today, 25 years later. No one thought about giving an Olympian "a break," and definitely not for mental health. Because of their talents, they were put on such unbelievable pedestals, it was basically a given that they were unbreakable. And as representatives of the US, Olympians were seen as patriotic gods of athletics.
Well said. I've been looking over the community and have to say it's disappointing the majority focus on abusive coaches & doctors instead of Kerri's inner strength and determination. I'm not condoning the abuse, but to focus solely on that like many have only takes away from the perseverance through injury to achieve the seemingly unachievable. Had she not performed again would likely have haunted her with the question 'what if' for the rest of her life. Her feat was beyond extraordinary.
The "incredible demands Bella put on his girls" Yeah, nice way to tone it down lol
No one is jealous of coddled losers. No one will remember you.
You can SEE the pain in her face when she lands omg 👏🏼😩
I felt so bad for her... Poor girl...
@@Arsidala She wanted to win, so she did.
@@tamilashultz9676 and? that means they can’t feel bad.
I remember seeing this live and when i saw that tear drop at 2:46 i was like omg she is in sooo much pain. :-(
I could cry watching this… and in complete utter sadness and sympathy for her… look at her face at the end!! So sad..
Strug wasn't sad! She was happy to accomplish her dream. Just because you're weak doesn't mean she is.
@@slothmaster101 I don’t understand how my comment required a rude reply. But you can buzz off with your attitude, thanks 🙏🏼
@@mik-moon There was a time in America when weakness was frowned upon. America is truly not as strong as she once was for her populace has grown spoiled and weak. There is no doubt that strength is on the up swing in China and Russia
do you sit when you pee ?
or did you have your junk removed ?
@@mik-moon Because your comment is fake. No one forced her. 18 is not a child, it's a young adult. Her last just "WAS" needed. The last jump didn't "end her, her last jump sent her writing career into orbit. This isn't sad. It's glorious. Kerri is an American hero
Pride did not make her complete her second and ultimately career ending vault, fear did. This video glorifies the abuse these gymnasts were subjected to and is an absolute disgrace.
She would've done it either way. She had worked her whole life for that moment. No one would walk away if they thought they had even the smallest chance of pulling it off. They train with the coaches they do by choice. It's not forced in the US. She was willing to give all to get to the top and all is what was demanded of her. People who give less don't make it to the top.
@@ashleygalyean9418 She was a victim of abuse by her doctor.
Absolutely this. Disgusting what they made her do.
@@eduardojaviergarciabernabe308 and no doubt verbal abuse from Béla Károlyi as well. He's a product of the Russian/Romanian system though. Medals no matter the cost.
@@ashleygalyean9418 Ummm...plenty of people would walk away instead of doing an acrobatic landing on two torn ligaments if they weren't pressured by their sadistic coach.
I'm not sure how I feel about this.
Placing so much pressure on teenagers for the global political image of a country.
At least the athletes should be old enough to understand what they are doing.
This is the same thing that the US in during and after the Beijing Olympics accused the Chinese of doing to their kids all for the sake of emerging the world's number one.
The rules have also been changed so that the athletes must turn 16 during the weeks of the Games. So no more 14yo competitors.
This is why U.S. will never be #1 anymore too ❄
Franklin Egbuche SHE WANTED to be the number one tho. It’s not for her country is for everything she’s fighting for
olg06 are you kidding the best gymnast in the world is on our team
They train day after day after day, trust me teenager or not, she knew what it was all about as do they all.
It’s not OK to force someone to injury themselves...that looked so painful 😣
Nobody forced her to. Obviously you’ve never done a sport before. Even when the adults are cheering you on, at the end of the day, it’s your decision to continue, even through the pain.
@@ajgerbi She was literally yelled at to do it again
@@ajgerbi stfu
@@ajgerbi it's a common sense no one needs to do a sport to understand this.
Nobody forced her to, it was her entire decision on her own
That made me cry. She was so, so skilled. Her gymnastics were absolutely stunning and she one hundred percent deserved that medal and 8 really hope that she thinks its worth it. But it in my opinion it was not and it will never be worth the cost of her pain.
Ask her that question.
@@kerouac50 I love how everyone's disregarding what she thinks abt it and embracing media's narrative. It is to paint Kerri Strug as a victim and to take away her credit. She is not an abuse victim, she IS an olimpic legend!! But it's so hard for people to accept that specially now that Simone biles quitted. Not to mention both are completely different cases: Simone had kinetic/aerial disability/disorientation, which could've injured her on that vault she did and made her unable to do twists in the air. Meanwhile Kerri Strug hurt her ankle on the first vault, but still went for the second one. I feel like there's no need to shame Biles, but we shouldn't paint everyone as victims and take away their credit just because they didn't have the same attitude. On Kerri's biography, she says herself she is proud of the vault she made and that it's going to stick with her the rest of her life.
@@Fvhlipe Because it doesn't matter what she thinks, it doesn't change the fact what she did was utterly stupid.
@@GodbornNoven says the guy sitting on his couch that will never achieve anything as close
I remember seeing this as a young girl. I was so impressed by her determination. Seeing it... Im crying
I think it was fear of her coach more than determination to win the gold. The team would have won the gold anyway, she didn’t even need to do that.
pain is temporary, but pride is forever. what a horrible message. that's why I'd never could be an Olympian. Wouldn't be willing to do a vault with TORN ligaments. Sick.
Look, I'm not even an athlete and I can understand that. You fight through pain once and you get a legacy and become an inspiration.
Music Land see, you aren’t an athlete. Speak for yourself. I’ve been an athlete practically my whole life, and you must learn that health comes before something like pride. Pain won’t be temporary if you act like a dumbass and think ‘oh I need to do this because pride’ and do it. You’re body knows it’s limits. Bet she still has pains and/or arthritis from that.
That's why nobody will remember your name
Unless they have a "How many Doritos can you shove in your fat face" Olympic event.....I think your safe.
as an athlete, in normal circumstances i would not perform with a torn ankle. however this was the OLYMPICS. almost every athletes dream. i, along w many people, understand that an olympic gold medal is something to perform with an injury for. this was abt making history and that they did. fighting through the pain for one vault in order to get an olympic gold medal is worth the fight. pain is temporary and pride is forever. she doesn’t feel the pain anymore but she will always have that gold medal.
"Pain is temporary, but pride is forever."
1. Tell that to people with chronic pain.
2. I believe there's an old saying about pride being the possible precursor to someone's downfall...
Although I agree with this comment I think you missed the point. Arrogance and pride are not the same thing. It means that when you push through something, even if it's hard, even if it's painful and you succeed, the pride you feel within yourself because you didn't give up is something very valuable.
I agree,I thaught that while I was supposed to catch an american football (Ik it‘s easy but it was really important and I was scared of the ball). I tried to catch it,but instead,I broke my finger veeeery complicated and had to go through 3 surgeries in 13weeks...so that‘s not true😂😂❤️
Get back inside your safe space! The difference between Kerri and you is that she is strong to even endure that physically and mentally! That is called Winning!
I like that saying. And believe it's true, although you'll always have that pain but pride will diminish it.
But as sson as it involves teens who can't take their own decisions its a complete No No. And health concern should come first with a teen. And pride means nothing fro them what they'll have it probably a fractured bone for life.
@@evpeiris5727 she's can't even make her stupid life decisions. She's too inexperienced for it. Doesn't matter how much you debt the fact but it's true.
"Famous for the incredible physical demands that he placed on his athletes"- aka famous for destroying young bodies and minds for the brief window in which they could win him prizes.
Or you know win themselves prizes commercials some wealth .. 2way street
Stunning and brave.
@@lovely7983 it is possible to coach young athletes without abusing them, and frankly if athletes cannot be trained without abuse, we probably should get out of competing. How many girls should be put through the shredder for your entertainment, btw?
@@lovely7983 wow. Delusional much? I'm treating them as full humans while you snap your fingers and expect them to tap dance thru fire for your entertainment. You don't have the skills to gaslight me, so quit trying.
@@mikeyz1080 Read What Nassar Did Will You!!!
I remember watching this as a kid and I remember how incredible she was and seeing it now makes me teary eyed. I can’t imagine the pressure she went through. What a brave person she is at such a young age. Heroic
Everytime that I see a Kerri I Cry, your determination it upsets me, she touch my heart.
I remembered watching this in actual time and tearing up…I’m now 44y/o and still tear up…
me too on both accounts.
Same here.
Isn't it awful? Pushed to do something so dangerous that she ended up with permanent damage
@@Tracymmo She made the decision to continue on her own and has said several times (including in her own book) that she would make the same decision over again. Also, Kerri made a full and complete recovery and runs marathons to this day. Everything I just said is very easily verifiable, unlike the fallacies you stated. Also, Kerri will be remembered forever as a national treasure who gave us one of the most legendary moments in Olympic history, which incidentally is a terrific legacy and should be honored instead of trampled on. Every smug know-it-all here taking a dump on her amazing moment of courage to virtue signal on you tube needs to check themselves.
She was so incredibly strong to deal with all she did and still put down such a perfect effort. Shame on everyone who treats these young athletes and their bodies like they are something to be used up.
Carrying on is reason enough to admire her. Making it happen for her team through the pain is what forms a character. She is not a victim, she was a tireless warrior at a crucial moment in olympic history!
The judges knew ... those unhappy faces are so obvious after the last landing. They were probably thinking, "Why?!"
Because people are empathetic towards people in obvious pain. They can understand her reasons for jumping and agree with them but still not like seeing her hurt
I'm torn about this moment because it's amazing but the injury she got and the additional damage after the last vault was insane. I have respect and anguish for that will.
“Pain is temporary” bruh, this injury ended her whole career at 18. I’m sorry, it wasn’t worth it.
As you comment on this video 20 years later. Her legacy has lasted far longer because of it
Honestly, gymnastics careers don't typically last that long anyways. If she wasn't planning on retiring already, she probably would've competed for a few more years and have gone to one more Olympics and would retire. Many actually retire before that. Not saying there are no exceptions, but that's how the majority of gymnastics careers are because of how physically demanding and time-consuming it is. Kerri will forever be a hero for what she did.
lol I suppose you support quitters? Simone Bile Juice could never touch her glory. Bile is a narcissist quitter who could not own her mistake, cried like a baby and bailed on her team.
Animalfire0 ONE MORE TIME: Kerri herself knew this was gonna be her LAST TIME, as it was her SECOND. No gymnast has ever returned as an Olympic competitor three or more times; it's a sport that requires YOUTH. Look at what happened to Biles when she attempted to compete at 24 years of age: she wasn't up to the challenge either mentally or physically. As for whether it was "worth it" Kerri herself would disagree with your opinion.
@@awrjkf FACT!!!
This defined the 1996 Olympics. However, in 2021 it's remarkable that athletes are putting themselves first and knowing when they've been pushed too far.
Yes! So refreshing & hopeful to realize that we are improving as a society in this way - our values have shifted enough that young athletes are more aware of their health AND not afraid to protect it despite the immense pressure. That's inspiring
"Pain is temporary..." lmao please, she is affected by that freaking injury for the rest of her life.
She participated in the ice capades afterwards and runs marathons regularly.
@@FireMarshallStev weak people like Ichsan don't understand the kind of heart and guts it takes to win. Every sacrifice, to someone like them, makes them a 'victim', not a -ing conqueror.
@@alementary4065 Does your mommy think you're hardcore?
@@alementary4065 weirdo
@@buurzai no, but yours does.
Watching "Athlete A" puts this far more in perspective.
These are the moments that see a hero rise, and the weak surrender. These are the make or break moments that define our lives.
I was alive and watching this as it happened. Never in my entire life have I ever been moved to copious tears, actual weeping, watching a sporting event, before or since. I watched as she gave every single thing possible for her to give, leaving it all on the mat. Instantly becoming a legend, a national hero and an unbeatable athlete in a single vault in the process. No one can ever take this moment away from her.
And to think, it was all just one more vault away. And some people think she shouldn’t have made that vault, like she had no choice and was forced to do it by outside forces. When actually, there was no way she giving up when it was just A VAULT AWAY. No one could have stopped her in that moment. I don’t care what anyone says, THIS is what the determination and heart of a true champion looks like. Those who reduce it to some kind of abusive display have obviously never competed at the highest level of anything in their entire fckng lives. Kerri refused to give up. Because she’s a champion and a fierce competitor. Not because she was forced to. Her ankle healed, but her staggering accomplishment in that single vault will live and last forever. That’s what this is about.
She's amazing. Her determination is astounding, and she will forever be remembered for her legendary performance.
A true champion ♡
@DrJibson What? Kerri Strug did this in 1996, before Simone Biles was in the Olympics. She did this because her team and her country were depending on her, so she fought through the pain and did the best she could do. Are you even talking about Simone Biles? Either way, it's not white privilege.
Strug is such an inspiration. This moment was so memorable. Podkopayeva's all-around crown and Millers balance beam gold too were the highlight of these games IMO.
Flutist / Gymnast and Svetlana's bars!
mackyronni Definitely.
Once someone watches Kerri perform this feat, the memory is forever etched in the mind. Another reason I've never been able to forget this is because Kerri Strug was born and raised in Tucson, AZ , my hometown since 1989.
I just watched this again and when Kerri was injured, you can see young Nassar there and knowing this predatory monster was beginning his yucky practice.
Explain please
I didn't see him, where was he?
This isn’t ok. She was a child who was forced by an adult to injure herself JUST for a medal. They literally told their athlete that a medal is worth more than their well-being. Disgusting.
HAHAHAAAAAA 1 HOUR AGO. PATHETIC
@@cgaldi35 u make no sense at all
Whatever she went down as a hero of all times.
Is now one of the most respected gymnasts in world history.
wor ld he means Simone Biles = quitter
@@jeffreykho1830 I'm just confused what he's laughing at. He just said 1 hrs ago and thats it.
Her determination to win in her own country was evident. He pushed them too hard, but it was a very strong and moving moment for all who saw her power through
3:52 No disrespect, but a slight correction - pain is temporary, but *disability* is forever.
She's made in one day something that that you'll never do, be great and be remember as the rest of her life as someone who will inspire future champions. The physical pain is not what matters, it's the inside pain and the pride takes that away. Many would sacrifice everything they have just to be like her, not to be like you. "Pain is temporary, glory is eternal".
Absolutely. She’s only lucky it wasn’t worse. It could’ve been soooooo much worse. The coaches were disgusting to make her do this.
When she landed...on one foot...MAMA AND I SCREAMED AND HUGGED!!! Spectacular moment!!! 😁😁😁
The best moment ever!!
OP l m.j I'll my I'm m.j I'm mo onion mom 0
So her landing on one foot is what gave them the gold???
@Laney Yuh I know she injured it but her landing on one foot is what our them ahead of Russia?
@Laney Yuh obviously it did cuz if she hadn't of went the second time, they would have placed 2nd
This tears me up every time. One of the best examples of "Heart" from an athlete I can think of
She was forced by Bela to jump again. He didn’t care for her safety or her injured ankle.
She is a woman. No one should care about what she has to say. SMH
@@SundayMorningRunner sO eDgY
@@Crissy9112 It actually means "shake my head"
@@SundayMorningRunner hes calling you edgy, not saying what the acronym means ...
@@saramary9520 No one asked you, babe
I know what it feels like to have torn a ligament in your ankle, and it’s one of the worst pain I’ve very felt, it hurts so bad to put any type of pressure on. And she for two ligaments, and still stacked the landing? She’s very strong I would have just collapsed
It's actually disgusting to force a young girl to risk her health just to get that medal.
She wasn't forced. She was willing to do it. And believe it, if she hadn't, the guilt would've been too much. To know that you could've made a difference and DIDN'T do it. Most physical pain is treatable (most), but mental pain is trickier and harder to deal with.
@@violatambunan5767 She was a young woman who was coerced by a professional team of people who should've known better. They placed their own ambition ahead of her health.
@@gregmonk1556 True. But she herself also placed her own ambition ahead of herself. And of course, now probably faces the price.
I don't understand why everyone makes it look like it is her coaches' medal. It is not. It's her medal, and only hers.
How do you know whether and who forced to do it?
The poor girl was driven by immense pressure. The whole country was depending on her to win the gold. Bela pushed her to go again and of course she did, she was a teenager with the weight of the world on her shoulders. The US won gold at the expense of the young girl's wellbeing and promising career.
It's what separates the truly great from the gimme whiners. Suprised?
Muhammad Ali did not become one of the greats by giving up after a beating.
Some are born for glory while others work the midnight shift at McDonald's ❄️
HA! You think it was the "immense pressure" that caused her to perform flawlessly on her second vault?! NO amount of pressure from one person or from 1 billion people could make ANYONE, including Kerri Strug perform so beautifully on her second vault! It was only HER and her alone and her physical training and her mental toughness and belief in herself that allowed her to give that iconic performance.
And she's one of the greatest heros in sport history for it. Stop tainting her greatness.
Great. No negative comments here can reverse the great history in sports for Kerri Strug. She did it for her country and she rose to fame in that olympic game along with her country. What a formidable accomplishment by a formidable spirit.
If by ‘negative comments’, you mean acknowledging the abuse that these girls suffered, you need to re-evaluate.
Poor girl, I am so heart broken to see what they did to her. She is more valuable then any gold or any games.
Her coach held her like a prized trophy, not a human being who was brought to her breaking point.
She would be always remember as brave and courageous not a quitter and Coward like biles.
@@IronMan-vn3pm d d d d d d douchebag! Simone was molested.
Comment before Biles quit: she is so strong and a great example for never giving up.
Comments after Biles quits: she is terrible for doing that to herself and her coach is worse for allowing her to do it.
It wasn’t her decision. She was 14 and her coach pressured her to do this for the gold medal. If he had been a responsible adult he’d see that she was an injured girl who should’ve stopped.
Really? I feel like most of the top comments are from years ago and are saying things like no one should risk their physical health for one moment of fame.
Exactly.
SO TRUE
Nobody is saying she is terrible. Stop lying.
I cried. How emotional! I LOVE Her bravery and I admire Her! All my respect to this Woman 💯‼️
I remember watching this in my living room with my whole family. We were all on pins and needles. So much courage.
3:02 the pain in her eyes after her landing is so painful. I’m so glad she was able to recover and get herself out of the situation that hurt her in the first place.
I watched this as a little kid live. It's still probably the most impressive single thing I've seen an athlete accomplish.
"Pain is temporary"
Retired shortly after this
I will never ever forget this moment. Watching it real time and as a former gymnast was so awe inspiring. I still cry when I watch what that girl did. Stuck it with one leg!
not that I’m an expert gymnast but my kid did for a long time. I’ve seen kids have advanced tumbling and suddenly have an issue where the couldn’t even do a handspring. Not our place to judge. If she felt it was best for the team, then she felt it was beat for the team.
@No Comments I love Simone. She's one of the best gymnasts there ever was. I just think she's hit her peak in gymnastics, and that's a huge part of what we saw this year.
When she lands her vault, it always, ALWAYS, sends shivers down my whole body. She is such a determined gymnast. She inspires me.
When I was a kid I idolized Bela Karolyi. Now as an adult, he just looks like a monster.
*that is absolutely why Karolyi was the NATIONAL OLYMPIC COACH who won GOLD for his country & you are.....well who are you again !* 🤗🤭
@@Navyguy LOL okay guy
She on a level that no one could bare
I will never forget watching that. I was overjoyed for her and extremely pissed off at the coach all at the same time.
The crowd was on their feet: 😃
But Kerri wasn’t: 😧
I was 14 when this happened, I even saw the Torch go by my State (CT) before the games. Watching this Live... You can't compare. I cried. It was those once in a lifetime moments/events that you NEVER forget.
Kerri is a role model. Brave and strong pushing thru the walls to win the Gold for her team. Not a quitter.
No, Kerri was manipulated and abused and PUSHED thru those walls by adults that are supposed to care more about safety than pride.
You should feel ashamed if you think this was one of the proud moments of US gymnastics or Olympic history. This exactly shows how savage and inhumane people can be and how people glorify their heartless action.
She said in interviews she didn't even realize it was that bad until the second vault. But you also want to remember this is there whole life, they sacrifice everything to be there, in my opinion she wasn't pressured but determined.
@@rodrrach She was determined to do well after being pressured into doing it.
She is a Legend ONLY because of this jump... otherwise you would never have heard of her. This moment made her a hero & an icon forever. She said she doesnt regret it so let her live her life as a Champion while you sit there on the couch
@@cyberhype5495 True.But had that last jump gone the other way,she could have spent the rest of her life in a wheel chair-or even died.
We sure needed you in Tokyo in 2021.
We sure could have used a Strugg instead of a goat eh.
Too much pressure for these young people. The coach was more concerned with getting gold than the health of his team. That poor girl.
7+ Billion people in the world and she has proof sitting on her mantle that the world came together and she proved she is better than all of them in an activity she loves doing.
I can only imagine how glorious that must feel.