15 greatest upsets in Summer Olympic history

11. 1924: Charlton takes down Borg

One of the best part of the Olympics is the fact that really young athletes can do battle against some of the more seasoned competitors in their sport. In 1924, a 16-year old Australian took down a Swedish legend, capturing the gold medal in one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.

Arne Borg was an incredible swimmer, and he came in to the 1924 games as the odd-on favorite to win the gold medal in the 1500m freestyle. At the time, he was the best in the world in the event, owning four world records in the 1920s. However, he would have to wait until 1928 to get his gold.

Australian Andrew Charlton, nicknamed “Boy,” was only 16-years old when he headed to Paris for the 1924 Games. The 1500m freestyle final was a seesaw battle between Charlton and Borg, but Charlton sprinted to the finish, beating Borg by 40m and setting a new world record. The win made Charlton a nation icon, and he was eventually enshrined in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

The following Olympics, Charlton and Borg faced off yet again, but this time Borg won the gold and Charlton took the silver. Borg set the Olympic record with a time of 19 min 51.8 sec. For Charlton and Borg, their golds in the 1924 and 1928 were the only gold medals they would win in their Olympic careers.

Next: 10. An unknown takes the gold in Seoul