Superstars is an all-around sportsman and sportswoman competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of sporting events resembing a decathlon. Television broadcasts of the competitions were popular both in Europe and North America in the 1970s and 80s.
Competitors participate in 10 different sporting events, including a 100 yard dash, half mile run, obstacle course race, weight lifting, football (soccer), rowing, tennis, bicycle race, gym test, and swimming. (The sports used have varied somewhat between the European and American competitions and over the years.) Points are awarded for the position the competitor places in the competition standings. The competitor with the most points at the end of a competition would be declared the champion. In addition, prize money was awarded to the top finishers.
One of the most successful European competitors was Ivo van Damme, a middle-distance runner who was trajectly killed in a road accident in 1977. British competitors included Brian Jacks (judo), James Hunt (racing driver), John Sherwood (track), and Jonah Barrington (squash).
One of the most famous moments (from a British point of view) was when star footballer Kevin Keegan won one of the events despite injuring himself falling off his bike during the cycling event.
The programme had a spin-off called The Superteams in which one memorable moment when British athlete Gary Cook played goalkeeper in the six-a-side hockey contest when he did not wear a helmet and ran out of the D circle and tackled an opposition player.
Canadian soccer player Brain Budd won 'World Superstars' competition, pitting Superstars champions from Europe and North America, in a row (1978, 1979, and 1980).
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Last updated: 10-13-2005 00:37:51
