The “Agony of Defeat” Ski Jump Crash (1968-1970)
In the opening sequence of ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” a ski jumper’s catastrophic crash became an enduring symbol of the agony of defeat. The footage, taken during the ski jumping competition in the late 1960s and early 1970s, captured the moment when a jumper lost control mid-air and tumbled down the slope. The crash served as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by athletes in pursuit of excellence, resonating with viewers worldwide.