On This Day in Sports History — February 10: Upsets, Gold Medals, and Legendary Performances
Every day in sports brings moments that shape history, but February 10 has produced some of the most unforgettable achievements across boxing, hockey, basketball, and the Olympic stage. From one of the greatest upsets ever to championship performances that inspired generations, this date continues to hold a special place in the world of sports.
Here’s a look at the most iconic sports moments that happened on February 10.
Buster Douglas Shocks the World (1990)
The most famous moment tied to February 10 came in Tokyo, when James “Buster” Douglas stunned the sports world by knocking out undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Tyson entered the fight as a massive favorite and was widely viewed as unbeatable. Instead, Douglas delivered the performance of his life, controlling the fight with his jab and composure before finishing Tyson in the 10th round with a historic knockout.
The result remains one of the biggest upsets in sports history and forever changed the landscape of heavyweight boxing.
Canada Captures Olympic Gold in Women’s Hockey (2002)
February 10, 2002, marked a major milestone for Canadian sports when Canada defeated the United States to win gold in women’s hockey at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
The victory launched a dominant era for Canada’s women’s program and helped grow the global popularity of the sport. It remains one of the most celebrated Olympic achievements in Canadian sports history.
Eric Heiden Wins Olympic Gold in the 500m (1980)
On February 10, 1980, Eric Heiden captured his first gold medal of the Lake Placid Winter Olympics by winning the 500-meter speed skating event. Heiden clocked a combined time of 1:24.39 over two heats, setting the tone for what would become one of the greatest individual Olympic performances in history.
The victory marked the beginning of a legendary run in which Heiden would go on to win five gold medals in five different speed skating events, an unmatched feat in Olympic history. His performance on February 10 was the first step toward immortality in the sport.
Wilt Chamberlain Dominates with 65 Points (1963)
Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain delivered another dominant performance on February 10, 1963, scoring 65 pointsin an NBA game and continuing one of the most remarkable scoring stretches ever seen.
While not his famous 100-point performance, the game reinforced Chamberlain’s unmatched dominance during the era and added to his legendary statistical legacy.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Records 31 Points and 15 Rebounds (1971)
On February 10, 1971, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar powered the Milwaukee Bucks to victory with a dominant 31-point, 15-rebound performance, showcasing the unstoppable skyhook and interior presence that would define his Hall of Fame career.
At the time, Kareem was already establishing himself as the NBA’s most dominant big man, and performances like this helped propel the Bucks toward what would become the 1971 NBA Championship season, the first title in franchise history.
Why February 10 Stands Out in Sports History
February 10 represents what makes sports unforgettable, from unexpected upsets, to historic achievements, and performances that inspire generations. From Buster Douglas shocking the world to Olympic gold medal triumphs and basketball greatness, this date has produced moments that continue to resonate across decades.
Sports history is written in moments, and February 10 has delivered more than its share of legendary ones.
Image Credit: AI Generated
