Pole Vault: Final Frames Of the Olympic Games

Frames Of the Games From the expanses of the running track to the confines of the hardwood court and the diving platform, the world's top athletes produce a bumper crop of new records -- and some stun

At first glance it looked like another stop on the pro tour. Many of the world's greatest players were out on the courts, dazzling sellout crowds with their lightning serves and smashes. But there was one difference, as tennis returned as an Olympic sport after a 64-year absence: instead of thousands of dollars in prize money, the bottom line was a medal for one's country. Still, the pros had little problem getting pumped up for the new tournament. "This is, I think, the biggest one," said Czechoslovakia's soft-spoken Miloslav Mecir, who glided past Tim Mayotte of the U.S. to win the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!