L-Z

-- by Tony (The Marine) Santiago

-- Author Unknown

There is a Chinese story of an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and, when all the farmer's neighbours sympathised with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, 'Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?'

A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbours congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, 'Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?'

Source: "Long Walk To Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

During Nelson Mandela's 19 years imprisoned on Robben Island, one particular commanding officer was the most brutal of them all:

"A few days before Badenhorst's departure, I was called to the main office. General Steyn was visiting the island and wanted to know if we had any complaints. Badenhorst was there as I went through a list of demands. When I had finished, Badenhorst spoke to me directly.

-- Author unknown -- See highlight Video below

Jim Abbott has battled the odds his entire life. Despite being born with only one hand he was the 15th player to ever make a professional debut in the Major Leagues. Many considered the move a publicity stunt by manager Doug Rader, but after struggling early, Abbott proved his doubters wrong by winning 12 games with a 3.92 ERA in his rookie season.

By Darren Edwards

In old times, fable retells the story of the young athletic boy hungry for success, for whom winning was everything and success was measured by such a result.

One day, the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small native village, himself and two other young boys to compete. A large crowd had congregated to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear witness also.

Hobbled captain inspires club to '70 title.

By Bruce Lowitt

Hollywood could not have written a better ending: the old warrior coming to the aid of his comrades in arms for one final climactic battle.

Willis Reed played the role to perfection.

It was May 8, 1970, and the New York Knicks were staring defeat in the face -- Wilt Chamberlain's face -- in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Reed, the Knicks center, their captain, their rock, appeared too hurt to play.

Ben Hogan wins the British Open to complete his return to the top of his sport.

By Bruce Lowitt

He was far from the manicured courses at Augusta National in Georgia and the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. This was Carnoustie, where the wind and rain swept across the desolate fairways on the Scottish coast.

No matter. On July10, 1953, Ben Hogan tamed the course with a record final-round 4-under 68 to win the British Open and complete the first Triple Slam in golf's storied history.

Doug Flutie threw a last-second TD pass to Gerard Phelan that gave Boston College a 47-45 win over Miami in 1984, one of the most memorable moments in University history.

By Reid Oslin

Dan Davis: Here's your ballgame, folks, as Flutie takes the snap...He drops straight back...has some time...Now he scrambles away from one hit...looks...uncorks a deep one for the end zone...Phelan is down there...

Gino Cappelletti: Oh, he got it!

Davis: Did he get it?

Cappelletti: He got it!

By Bruce Lowitt

Realistically speaking, the 1973 Belmont Stakes wasn't a horse race -- unless you count the four thoroughbreds racing for second place. This third jewel of the Triple Crown was the coronation of Secretariat as the greatest race horse of all time.

He had won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, each time beating Sham by 21/2 lengths.

Now it was June9. Most of the bettors in the crowd of nearly 70,000 at Belmont Park expected the first Triple Crown winner since Citation in 1948. Secretariat was a 1-10 favorite.

Jesse Owens breaks records, debunks Aryan superiority.
-- By BRUCE LOWITT

The 1936 Berlin Olympics were to be Adolf Hitler's stage to validate Aryan superiority, the Nazis' belief in a master race. In three races and one long jump, American Jesse Owens, as much as anyone, laid waste that philosophy.