What Peak Athleticism Looked Like in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s
Sports haven't changed that much over the decades since the rules are pretty much the same, but the way the players look like totally has. They weren't always treated like celebrities, and their bodies weren't the center of attention. People wanted to watch sports to see a display of pure skill and the results of training that only the best of the best could access.
That context created the conditions for some of the best athletes in the world to shine and set records that are still holding to this day. From swimmers to gymnasts, including basketball, baseball, tennis, and football players, there was no standard of physique for the role, so watching any game was a display of many different body types, heights, and attitudes in the field.
To remember those days from the sixties, seventies, and eighties, here is what peak athleticism looked like around that time, thanks to people who changed sports forever.
'60s Race
This is what your average athlete looked like in the sixties, before they started designing specific clothing for each sport.
Mark Spitz
The swimmer won too many gold medals at the Olympic Games, and said his secret was the moustache.
Larisa Latynina
Her Olympic medal record was only beaten in 2012.
Moscow Motocross Champion in 1965
Women were part of every discipline and had a lot of presence in motorsports.
John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg
'70s peak athleticism.
Mary Lou Retton in 1984
Another athlete who got tired of winning gold medals.
Bo Jackson
The best to ever do it… in both Baseball and American Football.
Muhammad Ali in 1965
One of the most iconic pictures in the history of sports.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson
Nothing to add.
1983 NBA Western Conference All-Stars
Just a bunch of great guys.
Wayne Gretzky
He still holds a couple of records that are yet to be beaten.
Walt Frazier in 1976
Said to be one of the best-looking athletes ever.
Walt Frazier
And he had style.
Steffi Graff
The first player to win the Golden Slam.
Pelé
The man who changed football forever.
Johnny Unitas in 1964
Always had time for a fan.
Chi Chi Rodriguez
Here's with his caddie, Carl Howard, at the 1975 Masters.
Mike Tyson
He was the moment.
American Gladiators
But TV wanted you to think this was peak athleticism.
