Fan questions

Sports Records FAQ: Quick Answers

The questions we hear most from Shining Champion readers, answered in a sentence or two. Numbers are current as of 12 October 2026.

The Beijing National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube

The Water Cube: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0

FAQ

Who is the fastest person ever?

Usain Bolt, who ran 100 metres in 9.58 seconds in Berlin in 2009, reaching a top speed of about 44 kilometres per hour.

Who has won the most Olympic medals?

Michael Phelps, with 28 medals, 23 of them gold, from 2004 to 2016.

Who is the most decorated female swimmer?

Katie Ledecky, with 14 Olympic medals, nine of them gold.

Who has scored the most goals in NHL history?

Alex Ovechkin, who passed Wayne Gretzky's 894 in April 2025 and became the first player to score 900.

What is the pole vault world record?

6.31 metres, set by Armand Duplantis in 2026. It was his 15th world record.

Has anyone run a marathon in under two hours?

Eliud Kipchoge ran 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019, but it was a specially organised event with rotating pacers, so it is not an official record.

What is the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history?

New England's rally from 28-3 down against Atlanta in Super Bowl LI in 2017, a 25-point comeback.

Which NBA team came back from 3-1 down in the Finals?

The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. It is the only time it has happened in the Finals.

What was the longest tennis match ever?

John Isner beat Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 in 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days, with a fifth set of 70-68.

Who scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics?

Nadia Comaneci of Romania, aged 14, on the uneven bars in Montreal in 1976.

Is Shining Champion connected to any league or team?

No. Shining Champion is an independent fan brand from Fire Empire LLC, not affiliated with any league, team, athlete or the Olympic movement.

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Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 12, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.

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