LOS ANGELES – 1987: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the ball in the post during an NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1987. (Photo by: Mike Powell/Getty Images)
Some dates in sports seem to capture our imagination, and February 5 is one of those days. The first Winter Olympics come to a close and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hits a remarkable milestone in his NBA career.
Unforgettable Games & Remarkable Records
Here are some unforgettable moments that remain an important part of sports history from February 5:
- 1924: The first Winter Olympics finish in Chamonix, France, turning the spotlight on skiing, skating, and other winter sports. This spectacular gathering captured the globe's attention and introduced many rituals—like athlete parades and medal ceremonies—that remain cornerstones of the Games today.
- 1931: On Daytona Beach, Malcolm Campbell steers his Blue Bird to a speed of 246.08 mph. His name lives on as a symbol of pushing technology (and personal bravery) to new places.
- 1948: Dick Button becomes the first American man to win Olympic gold in figure skating at St. Moritz as he has the first double axel ever seen in competition. This single jump nudges figure skating into a new era of complex, high-flying artistry.
- 1969: Vince Lombardi, fresh off multiple championships with the Green Bay Packers, takes over the Washington Redskins. By bringing his relentless work ethic to a new team, Lombardi shows how a coach's philosophy can travel and shape a franchise long after he's gone.
- 1972: Bob Douglas earns the distinction of being the first African American inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His advocacy at the grassroots level brought more opportunities to countless players and coaches, illustrating how the sport branched out and welcomed more voices.
- 1977: Sugar Ray Leonard steps into the professional boxing world after a brilliant amateur run. It's the beginning of a career that redefines how the public views the skill and artistry involved in boxing.
- 1989: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpasses 38,000 career NBA points. We still view his scoring record as a milestone that continues to inspire present-day NBA players.
- 2012: In Super Bowl XLVI, Eli Manning and the New York Giants upend Tom Brady's New England Patriots, winning 21-17. We recall last-minute tension, pivotal plays, and the fierce competition that turned this matchup into one of the modern classics of pro football.
- 2022: Kelly Slater was just a few weeks shy of 50 when he captured his eighth Pipeline title. His victory highlights grit, know-how, and plain talent.
When we step back and look at February 5, we see a day that weaves together personal tenacity and broader cultural shifts. Sports often serve as a reflection of our society, and every highlight on this date nudges us to rethink leadership, innovation, and how we define competition. By honoring these milestones, we celebrate not only the records themselves but also the daring moves and fresh viewpoints that continue to shape this day in sports history.
