The Most Iconic Sports Photos of All-Time

• Date: February 25th, 1964

Muhammad Ali is undeniably one of the most iconic American sports figures. Whether it was decimating opponents in the ring, or spurring civil rights changes in the streets, Ali could quite literally do it all. Backed by his incredible skill was a loud mouth known for giving his opponents the business. After some heated build up to his fight against Sonny Liston, Ali reveled in his victory after knocking Liston out.

• Date: February 22nd, 1980

The "Miracle on Ice" is a historic and iconic moment in the world of sports that took place during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. It refers to the astonishing victory of the United States men's ice hockey team over the heavily favored Soviet Union team, considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

The context surrounding the "Miracle on Ice" is crucial to understanding its significance. At the time, the United States and the Soviet Union were in the midst of the Cold War, a period of intense political and ideological tension. The Soviet hockey team was dominant and had won the previous four Olympic gold medals. Their athletes were essentially full-time professionals, while the U.S. team was made up of amateur college players.

The moment became a rallying cry for Americans in a time of rising tension. This moment shows the power of sports and the impact they can have on a country as a whole.

• Date: June 14th, 1998

By 1998 there was no debate who the greatest basketball player of all time was, and that was Michael Jordan. MJ was coming off five championships in seven years and was nearing the last year of his contract with the Chicago Bulls. In a season dubbed 'The Last Dance' Jordan willed his Bulls to a third consecutive NBA championship and sixth in total. There are so many iconic photos of Michael Jordan, but 'the shot' reigns supreme above them all.

• Date: January 10th, 1982

"The Catch" refers to one of the most iconic and memorable moments in NFL history. It occurred during the 1981 NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys on January 10, 1982 with tight end Dwight Clark and quarterback Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers linking up for the game winning score.

With just 58 seconds left in the game and the 49ers trailing the Cowboys 27-21, San Francisco faced a critical third down and three yards to go on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. Joe Montana took the snap and, under heavy pressure from the Cowboys' defense, rolled out to his right. He spotted Dwight Clark leaping in the back of the end zone and threw a high pass towards him.

• Date: July 4th, 2009

The 2009 Wimbledon women's singles final was a thrilling and historic match that captivated tennis fans around the world. The final took place on July 4, 2009, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, and featured two of the sport's greatest players: Venus and Serena Williams, the iconic sisters.

The Williams sisters, known for their powerful playing styles and intense rivalry, faced each other in a Grand Slam final for the eighth time in their careers. The match had special significance as it marked the fourth time they had met in a Wimbledon final, with each sister having won twice.

The Williams sisters' success and their unique and compelling rivalry have left an indelible mark on the sport of tennis. Their matches, including the memorable 2009 Wimbledon final, continue to be remembered as iconic moments that exemplify the excellence, passion, and sportsmanship that define the world of professional tennis.