15 International Stadiums Known for the Greatest Underdog Victories

15. Beijing National Stadium – Usain Bolt’s First Olympic Gold

The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, became the site of a transformative moment in athletics during the 2008 Olympics. Usain Bolt, a relatively new name on the global stage, faced doubters who questioned whether his unorthodox training methods could translate into gold medal success. Bolt answered those doubts emphatically, shattering the 100m world record with a time of 9.69 seconds. His effortless performance and celebratory finish before the finish line captivated audiences worldwide. Bolt’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it marked the dawn of a new era in sprinting and solidified the Bird’s Nest as a landmark of athletic history.