This Archer Overcame Polio To Kick Off 1992 Olympics With An Impossible Shot

The Olympics are here, and for the next 16 days, many of the world’s most talented athletes will compete in the summer games in Paris. The Olympic torch was lit in April and had been making its way from Olympia, Greece, to France for three months. We’ve watched the fire transfer hands to its final destination and will soon ignite the Olympic cauldron, signifying the official start of the Games of the XXIII Olympiad.

There have been many incredible Olympic torch moments over the years, including this summer’s walk by Kevin Piette, the first para-athlete to walk with an exoskeleton. Muhammad Ali made the world cry in 1996 when he lit the caldron in Atlanta. And four years before, another athlete’s cauldron lighting was simply astonishing.

Officials chose archer Antonio Rebollo from a group of 200 potential candidates to light the cauldron for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Antonio suffered from Polio as a child, overcoming the illness and competing in the Paralympics, representing Spain in Archery.

Antonio spent two years perfecting his shot, and in 700 attempts, he only missed twice. On Saturday, July 25, 1996, Antonio took one of the most agonizing shots of his life. In front of thousands of spectators, his arrow flew through the air, and the flames and crowds ignited. Antonio appeared stoic, but his bow and arrow would go down in history.

It’s hard not to become emotional watching the start of the games. Knowing the blood, sweat, and tears that every athlete has put into their training for this moment is palpable. For the next couple of weeks, we’ll hunker down to watch men, women, and children live out their dreams. Some of them will go home with medals, and others just memories.

Let the games begin, and good luck to everyone. We can’t wait to see some of you make history.

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