20 Holy Smokes 1970’s Photos And Moments From ABC’s ‘Wide World of Sports’

ABC created its revolutionary Wide World of Sports program in 1961, forever changing the sports broadcasting game.

Published 4 days ago in Ftw

ABC created its revolutionary Wide World of Sports program in 1961, forever changing the sports broadcasting game.

Paving the way for modern sports coverage, Wide World of Sports featured everything from highlights, to full games, to special one-off events more akin to modern Red Bull challenges than established competitions.

The Wide World of Sports broadcasted Evel Kneivel's Snake Canyon jump, the Indy 500, and as you'll soon see, the World Record High Dive Challenge.

Here are 21 photos from ABC's Wide World of Sports.

1
Opening title sequence.

2
At Snake River Canyon, on ABC's "Wide World of Sports." 1974.

3
In an interview.
4
A reporter and play by play man.

5
Part of the show's title sequence featured the Slovenian ski jumper Vinko Bogataj, and his nasty wipeout at the 1970 World Ski Championships. The clip became well known to viewers across the United States, but Bogataj was unaware until an anniversary special brought "Wide World of Sports" stars back together in 1981.
6
A beloved host and broadcaster.
7
Friends and broadcasters.