[cardcrimson]

Best that I saw televised:

• Stanford's win over #2 (literally and figuratively) U$C.  You know which one I'm talking about.  24-23 in 2007.  The last half-century belonged to U$C, who had a 40-9-1 record against Stanford.  This one ushered in a 10-6 record in Stanford's favor during the next 16 years.
  
• Stanford v. Oklahoma, Elway's performance.
  
• I'll echo Lex, Bumgarner's World Series performances, not just in 2014.  Bum's overall postseason record is 8-3 with a 2.11 ERA, but his WS is otherworldly -- 4-0, 0.25 ERA, 0.528 WHIP, 36 innings pitched, 31 strikeouts, five walks and one miraculous save.
  
• The Throw.  I was a sophomore in college, about 40 of us watching the NFC championship.  Two miserable, obnoxious Dallas fans in the middle congratulating themselves all game (Dallas was ahead for most of it)...then, Montana to Clark.
  
• 2015 Warriors NBA championship, their first since 1975.  Kerr, first year HC; Warriors finished reg season at 67-15; Steph, Klay, Bogut, Iggy as MVP.
  
• Matt Cain's perfect game, Sandoval's 3 HRs in WS against Detroit, Ishikawa's walk-off in the NLCS vs. Cardinals.
  
• #15 seed SCU beats #2 seed Arizona (24-3) in 1st round of 1993 NCAAs.  All five of Arizona's starters (Chris Mills, Khalid Reeves, Ed Stokes, Ray Owes and Damon Stoudamire) and two of their backups (Reggie Geary, Eldrick Bohannon) would play in the NBA.  Santa Clara had Nash and...?
  

Best that I saw in person:

• 93rd Big Game, Revenge of the Play. 17 seconds left, Palumbis to McCaffrey, some Cal AH throws junk on the field, refs stop play, oh no, Palumbis throws INT, two pointer doesn't work, onside kick DOES work, Dan Byers LB recovers on 37 yard line, 9 seconds left, oh no incomplete pass, but wait, Cal roughs the passer (of course), 15 yards to the 22, 5 seconds left, John Hopkins had already made 4 FGs, but had one blocked...and he makes his fifth, a 39 yarder for the 27-25 win as time runs out. Steve Smith hold, Chuck Gillingham long snapper.  Suck it, Cal.
  
• 1992 U. S. Open at Pebble Beach, my first live golf major.  I set up in back of the 17th tee (for the US Open it played at 220 yards with the pin in the back left), and the first golfer I saw was Bernhard Langer.  His tee shot was amazing, about 12 feet from the cup on the frog hair.  For me, it would have been the shot of my career, just an amazing shot.  Langer just looked down in disgust. 
  
• 2009, Tim Lincecum, 15 strikeouts in a win versus the Pirates.  Masterful.
  
• And with apologies for the self-indulgence, in 2009 my son's high school volleyball team won the largest volleyball tournament in Southern California (35 teams at the UCSB Thunderdome), first time a NorCal team won it, and my son was named tourney MVP. 
  

Nice list Mick, but it's "The Catch". "The Throw" was Elway to Margerum against USC.

[cardcrimson]

Best that I saw televised:

• Stanford's win over #2 (literally and figuratively) U$C.  You know which one I'm talking about.  24-23 in 2007.  The last half-century belonged to U$C, who had a 40-9-1 record against Stanford.  This one ushered in a 10-6 record in Stanford's favor during the next 16 years.
  
• Stanford v. Oklahoma, Elway's performance.
  
• I'll echo Lex, Bumgarner's World Series performances, not just in 2014.  Bum's overall postseason record is 8-3 with a 2.11 ERA, but his WS is otherworldly -- 4-0, 0.25 ERA, 0.528 WHIP, 36 innings pitched, 31 strikeouts, five walks and one miraculous save.
  
• The Throw.  I was a sophomore in college, about 40 of us watching the NFC championship.  Two miserable, obnoxious Dallas fans in the middle congratulating themselves all game (Dallas was ahead for most of it)...then, Montana to Clark.
  
• 2015 Warriors NBA championship, their first since 1975.  Kerr, first year HC; Warriors finished reg season at 67-15; Steph, Klay, Bogut, Iggy as MVP.
  
• Matt Cain's perfect game, Sandoval's 3 HRs in WS against Detroit, Ishikawa's walk-off in the NLCS vs. Cardinals.
  
• #15 seed SCU beats #2 seed Arizona (24-3) in 1st round of 1993 NCAAs.  All five of Arizona's starters (Chris Mills, Khalid Reeves, Ed Stokes, Ray Owes and Damon Stoudamire) and two of their backups (Reggie Geary, Eldrick Bohannon) would play in the NBA.  Santa Clara had Nash and...?
  

Best that I saw in person:

• 93rd Big Game, Revenge of the Play. 17 seconds left, Palumbis to McCaffrey, some Cal AH throws junk on the field, refs stop play, oh no, Palumbis throws INT, two pointer doesn't work, onside kick DOES work, Dan Byers LB recovers on 37 yard line, 9 seconds left, oh no incomplete pass, but wait, Cal roughs the passer (of course), 15 yards to the 22, 5 seconds left, John Hopkins had already made 4 FGs, but had one blocked...and he makes his fifth, a 39 yarder for the 27-25 win as time runs out. Steve Smith hold, Chuck Gillingham long snapper.  Suck it, Cal.
  
• 1992 U. S. Open at Pebble Beach, my first live golf major.  I set up in back of the 17th tee (for the US Open it played at 220 yards with the pin in the back left), and the first golfer I saw was Bernhard Langer.  His tee shot was amazing, about 12 feet from the cup on the frog hair.  For me, it would have been the shot of my career, just an amazing shot.  Langer just looked down in disgust. 
  
• 2009, Tim Lincecum, 15 strikeouts in a win versus the Pirates.  Masterful.
  
• And with apologies for the self-indulgence, in 2009 my son's high school volleyball team won the largest volleyball tournament in Southern California (35 teams at the UCSB Thunderdome), first time a NorCal team won it, and my son was named tourney MVP. 
  

Nice list Mick, but it's "The Catch". "The Throw" was Elway to Margerum against USC.

[Toroso]

In person:
- CMAC vs Iowa.
- Gaffney's Thursday night game vs. Oregon.
- UCLA's Jonathon Ogden for the hardest hit I have ever seen (against us).  After clearing out his man, he spun his head around and cracked a chasing 260lb DE, launching him about 12 yards away. 
- Peak Pedro Martinez just dominating the A's. I was in the bleachers and you could hear his fastball pop the catcher's mitt clearly that night. 
- Albert Pujols just casually stroked a ball that almost cleared the left field pavilion at Dodger's stadium. 
- Amanda Nunes knocking out Cyborg
- Gio dos Santos goal vs. USA in Gold Cup. Borgetti vs. Italy a close second.

On TV:
- Andrew Luck hitting Baldwin for +45 yards vs. ASU while falling down onto his knees.
- Toby Gerhart vs. ND and Oregon
- Michael Johnson for the 200m and 400m golds.  I thought he was going to lift off and fly.
- Usain Bolt 
- Bo Jackson
- Kirk Gibson 1988
- Men's swimming relay team featuring Phelps come from behind vs. France for the gold.

[Toroso]

In person:
- CMAC vs Iowa.
- Gaffney's Thursday night game vs. Oregon.
- UCLA's Jonathon Ogden for the hardest hit I have ever seen (against us).  After clearing out his man, he spun his head around and cracked a chasing 260lb DE, launching him about 12 yards away. 
- Peak Pedro Martinez just dominating the A's. I was in the bleachers and you could hear his fastball pop the catcher's mitt clearly that night. 
- Albert Pujols just casually stroked a ball that almost cleared the left field pavilion at Dodger's stadium. 
- Amanda Nunes knocking out Cyborg
- Gio dos Santos goal vs. USA in Gold Cup. Borgetti vs. Italy a close second.

On TV:
- Andrew Luck hitting Baldwin for +45 yards vs. ASU while falling down onto his knees.
- Toby Gerhart vs. ND and Oregon
- Michael Johnson for the 200m and 400m golds.  I thought he was going to lift off and fly.
- Usain Bolt 
- Bo Jackson
- Kirk Gibson 1988
- Men's swimming relay team featuring Phelps come from behind vs. France for the gold.

[bbm233]

the WSU RB who went wild at Stanford stadium in 2H to lead ridiculous comeback win.

I was working on the field that day - that RB was Reuben Mayes. Went for 216 yards in the '84 game, leading the Cougs from a 42-21 4th quarter deficit to a 49-42 victory. That was overshadowed, however when Mayes went for 357 the following week against the Ducks.

That was the second best game I have personally witnessed by a RB - behind McCaffrey in the Rose Bowl vs. Iowa.

The best individual performance by a college player I have personally seen was Marques Tuiasosopo run for 200 and pass for 300 against us in Husky Stadium in 1999. The only player to ever do that in a game, I believe.

[bbm233]

the WSU RB who went wild at Stanford stadium in 2H to lead ridiculous comeback win.

I was working on the field that day - that RB was Reuben Mayes. Went for 216 yards in the '84 game, leading the Cougs from a 42-21 4th quarter deficit to a 49-42 victory. That was overshadowed, however when Mayes went for 357 the following week against the Ducks.

That was the second best game I have personally witnessed by a RB - behind McCaffrey in the Rose Bowl vs. Iowa.

The best individual performance by a college player I have personally seen was Marques Tuiasosopo run for 200 and pass for 300 against us in Husky Stadium in 1999. The only player to ever do that in a game, I believe.

[jonnyss]

The Throw is at the end of this clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJCZGc1ZaSw

thank you for posting this. now we have the pass; all we need is film of the preceding crazy 10 seconds of elway eluding the usc rush.

[jonnyss]

The Throw is at the end of this clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJCZGc1ZaSw

thank you for posting this. now we have the pass; all we need is film of the preceding crazy 10 seconds of elway eluding the usc rush.

[slide]

...Klay scoring 60 while taking a total of 11 dribbles...

just to build off of this one.  a work colleague calls me from Chicago while she is at the conference hotel.  she said a bunch of really tall guys just came through the lobby.  I asked what colors -- they were yellow and blue.  I told may be the Warriors.  later that night I'm watching the Warriors vs the Bulls.  Klay drains 14 3-pointers that night.  I texted her about Klay's record.  next day I get a call.  she left hotel bar late that night was another colleague.  they get to the elevators and 2 Warriors show up.  she asked "are you Klay?"  he said yes and she offered that "I understand you had a really good game tonight."  "yes, ma'am" and almost embarrassed about it.  the 4 ended up in a long conversation, followed by the obligatory selfies.  it was funny to see the pictures later.  my friend is 5'10" and her friend about 5' with Klay.  Klay looks a good foot taller.

on best sports call, I have to go with a poster on this board.  a Saturday baseball game -- O's vs Twins at the old Memorial Stadium in Bal'mor.  after lots of Natty Bo during the game (and we may, may have been overserved), game gets to the bottom of the 9th.  O's down 2.  they get a couple runners on with I think 1 out and Fred Lynn due up.  the poster announces we are out of here in 3 pitches.  he starts packing up his backpack and readies to roll back to our car (which hopefully is still there -- sketchy neighborhood around the park back then). 1 and 1 count and he starts moving "let's go."  pitch delivered and Fred Lynn homers to left center.  game over.  that made back to back walk-off homers for Lynn.

another O's story from a few years later and now at Camden Yards.  a young Jose Canseco at the plate.  he hits a liner that Cal Ripken leaps for and the ball ends up hitting the wall on the fly -- may be 370' away.  LF plays it off a bounce may be 40' from the wall, tosses it to 2nd.  Canseco, hustling even then as a youngster, legs out a solid single.  hardest hit ball I've ever seen.  sounded like a 12 gauge.

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there.  

lastly to post one I'd not seen, but appreciate.  Bo Jackson's 3 homer day against UGA in '85.  Dawg fans were riding him hard and he treats them to a 3 homer day.  one shot went over CF lights and landed may be 550' away.  a second one ended up just short of the Carlton Street parking deck --may be 500' away.  Bo evidently got his money's worth on both shots.
 
then a few obligatory Stanford ones.  any of a number of Keith Jones crossover dribble moves to a pull up jumper.  Keith Jones dunk over 7' Alton Lister (an early Lister Blister?).  a +1 on McCaffrey at the Rose Bowl particularly the couple subtle moves on the opening swing pass that left a few Iowa players on the ground.  lastly Julius Barnes' block of Nate James' dunk attempt (and why did Tony G ever see floor time with that team?).

[slide]

...Klay scoring 60 while taking a total of 11 dribbles...

just to build off of this one.  a work colleague calls me from Chicago while she is at the conference hotel.  she said a bunch of really tall guys just came through the lobby.  I asked what colors -- they were yellow and blue.  I told may be the Warriors.  later that night I'm watching the Warriors vs the Bulls.  Klay drains 14 3-pointers that night.  I texted her about Klay's record.  next day I get a call.  she left hotel bar late that night was another colleague.  they get to the elevators and 2 Warriors show up.  she asked "are you Klay?"  he said yes and she offered that "I understand you had a really good game tonight."  "yes, ma'am" and almost embarrassed about it.  the 4 ended up in a long conversation, followed by the obligatory selfies.  it was funny to see the pictures later.  my friend is 5'10" and her friend about 5' with Klay.  Klay looks a good foot taller.

on best sports call, I have to go with a poster on this board.  a Saturday baseball game -- O's vs Twins at the old Memorial Stadium in Bal'mor.  after lots of Natty Bo during the game (and we may, may have been overserved), game gets to the bottom of the 9th.  O's down 2.  they get a couple runners on with I think 1 out and Fred Lynn due up.  the poster announces we are out of here in 3 pitches.  he starts packing up his backpack and readies to roll back to our car (which hopefully is still there -- sketchy neighborhood around the park back then). 1 and 1 count and he starts moving "let's go."  pitch delivered and Fred Lynn homers to left center.  game over.  that made back to back walk-off homers for Lynn.

another O's story from a few years later and now at Camden Yards.  a young Jose Canseco at the plate.  he hits a liner that Cal Ripken leaps for and the ball ends up hitting the wall on the fly -- may be 370' away.  LF plays it off a bounce may be 40' from the wall, tosses it to 2nd.  Canseco, hustling even then as a youngster, legs out a solid single.  hardest hit ball I've ever seen.  sounded like a 12 gauge.

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there.  

lastly to post one I'd not seen, but appreciate.  Bo Jackson's 3 homer day against UGA in '85.  Dawg fans were riding him hard and he treats them to a 3 homer day.  one shot went over CF lights and landed may be 550' away.  a second one ended up just short of the Carlton Street parking deck --may be 500' away.  Bo evidently got his money's worth on both shots.
 
then a few obligatory Stanford ones.  any of a number of Keith Jones crossover dribble moves to a pull up jumper.  Keith Jones dunk over 7' Alton Lister (an early Lister Blister?).  a +1 on McCaffrey at the Rose Bowl particularly the couple subtle moves on the opening swing pass that left a few Iowa players on the ground.  lastly Julius Barnes' block of Nate James' dunk attempt (and why did Tony G ever see floor time with that team?).

[BigJohn043]

The best sporting event I have ever seen in person was 1990 Big Game.  Not even close.....

[BigJohn043]

The best sporting event I have ever seen in person was 1990 Big Game.  Not even close.....

[winflop]

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there. 

Reminds me of one I didn't have on my list. Playing at Stanford GC the fall of Tiger's freshman year. I had just bought a brand new s*** hot TaylorMade driver. Tiger is in the group behind us. As we are walking off the 11th tee (a short downhill par 4 about 350 yards from the tips), Tiger says "Hey is that the new TaylorMade driver?" I say yes. He says, "Mind if I try it?" Duh, of course. Tees a ball up and takes a good full swing at it. The ball lands about 10 yards short of the green. He asks "Mind if I hit another one?", takes a massive cut, and gets ALL of it. He flies the green and I ask him what the difference was in the two swings. He says "I wanted to test the club with the first one just to make sure I didn't break your shaft if I took a full rip at it"

[winflop]

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there. 

Reminds me of one I didn't have on my list. Playing at Stanford GC the fall of Tiger's freshman year. I had just bought a brand new s*** hot TaylorMade driver. Tiger is in the group behind us. As we are walking off the 11th tee (a short downhill par 4 about 350 yards from the tips), Tiger says "Hey is that the new TaylorMade driver?" I say yes. He says, "Mind if I try it?" Duh, of course. Tees a ball up and takes a good full swing at it. The ball lands about 10 yards short of the green. He asks "Mind if I hit another one?", takes a massive cut, and gets ALL of it. He flies the green and I ask him what the difference was in the two swings. He says "I wanted to test the club with the first one just to make sure I didn't break your shaft if I took a full rip at it"

[cardcrimson]

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there. 

Reminds me of one I didn't have on my list. Playing at Stanford GC the fall of Tiger's freshman year. I had just bought a brand new s*** hot TaylorMade driver. Tiger is in the group behind us. As we are walking off the 11th tee (a short downhill par 4 about 350 yards from the tips), Tiger says "Hey is that the new TaylorMade driver?" I say yes. He says, "Mind if I try it?" Duh, of course. Tees a ball up and takes a good full swing at it. The ball lands about 10 yards short of the green. He asks "Mind if I hit another one?", takes a massive cut, and gets ALL of it. He flies the green and I ask him what the difference was in the two swings. He says "I wanted to test the club with the first one just to make sure I didn't break your shaft if I took a full rip at it"

Fabulous story. Thanks for sharing!

[cardcrimson]

a more Stanford related story.  Stanford golf team goes up to play SFGC, which is always a treat.  a typical day in that part of the City.  upper 50s, a little breezy and the ball is not carrying anywhere.  I'm in 2nd of 3 foursomes.  we get to #6 -- may be 440 yards that day.  I think I hit driver then 6-iron onto the green.  we are walking up to the green and we hear an incoming ball.  ball flies about 10 or 15 yards short of the green.  we thought from another hole, but we didn't seen any likely culprits.  we get to the ball and see it is marked from one of our teammates -- Carl Wagner.  with balata ball and persimmon driver, he'd flown the ball there. 

Reminds me of one I didn't have on my list. Playing at Stanford GC the fall of Tiger's freshman year. I had just bought a brand new s*** hot TaylorMade driver. Tiger is in the group behind us. As we are walking off the 11th tee (a short downhill par 4 about 350 yards from the tips), Tiger says "Hey is that the new TaylorMade driver?" I say yes. He says, "Mind if I try it?" Duh, of course. Tees a ball up and takes a good full swing at it. The ball lands about 10 yards short of the green. He asks "Mind if I hit another one?", takes a massive cut, and gets ALL of it. He flies the green and I ask him what the difference was in the two swings. He says "I wanted to test the club with the first one just to make sure I didn't break your shaft if I took a full rip at it"

Fabulous story. Thanks for sharing!

[jfredmuggs]

It can be a single event, a game or a long term (season etc) event. Only rule is you had to experience it. 

Mine, as will surprise no one, is MadBum’s 2014 Post Season. 52 2/3. 28 hits 7 runs 6 walk 45 Ks.

Speaking of Mad Bum, I have to face the possibility that he’s done,  Like Lincecum and Cain, way too early.

He will  go down as the greatest post season pitcher of his era; and one of the greatest of all-time. 
His  WS numbers:  4-0 36 IP. 14 hits. 1 run ( Salvatore Perez HR.  Bum had last laugh) 5 walks 31 Ks.

He pitched in 3 elimination games. CG shutout in ‘14 WC. CG shutout (1-0) in 2016.  And the 5 inning save in game 7. 23 innings 0 runs.


Love to hear yours.

[jfredmuggs]

It can be a single event, a game or a long term (season etc) event. Only rule is you had to experience it. 

Mine, as will surprise no one, is MadBum’s 2014 Post Season. 52 2/3. 28 hits 7 runs 6 walk 45 Ks.

Speaking of Mad Bum, I have to face the possibility that he’s done,  Like Lincecum and Cain, way too early.

He will  go down as the greatest post season pitcher of his era; and one of the greatest of all-time. 
His  WS numbers:  4-0 36 IP. 14 hits. 1 run ( Salvatore Perez HR.  Bum had last laugh) 5 walks 31 Ks.

He pitched in 3 elimination games. CG shutout in ‘14 WC. CG shutout (1-0) in 2016.  And the 5 inning save in game 7. 23 innings 0 runs.


Love to hear yours.

[martyup]

This thread is what a sports board should look like.

[martyup]

This thread is what a sports board should look like.

[Genuine Realist]

This thread is what a sports board should look like.

Best performance by a Stanford footballer over the course of a full game?

Glynn Milburn, in the 1990 Big Game. No close second.

[Genuine Realist]

This thread is what a sports board should look like.

Best performance by a Stanford footballer over the course of a full game?

Glynn Milburn, in the 1990 Big Game. No close second.

[BostonCard]

Officially, the OP asked for the greatest athletic feat you have witnessed... a few people have answered with their favorite sporting memory, which is an entertaining tangent.  This is a message board, so these tangents are to be expected, but like Lex, I am interested in freakish athletic feats.

Some recent ones (all Stanford related):
Katherine Plummer putting everything away despite being out of system half the time in the NCAA finals.  Here's a nice highlight reel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQF3sw-v...e=emb_logo

You can also throw in some unbelievable Morgan Hentz highlights as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJQfLLUBOf0
Best libero I've ever seen.

Catarina Macario:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AokgEkCSlWA
I was trying to get highlights of some of her set pieces, they are pretty unbelievable.  Perhaps the best collegiate women's soccer player ever.

Jordan Morris in the 2015 College Cup (sorry, couldn't find good highlights), including scoring the first goal in the final against Clemson 87 seconds into the match.

I already posted the unbelievable feats that Ledecky accomplished.  In terms of how much better she is than anyone else in the pool, I don't think I have ever observed a bigger gap between the best and second best athlete in an event.

Tony Azevedo who was dominant for four years at Stanford.  Here are his four goals against Cal in the 2002 National Championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQd_nvSGono.  He won the Cutino award (the water polo award that can be named) every year he was at Stanford.

In basketball, Casey Jacobsen dropping 40 points in a game... twice in 2002 ( 49 against ASU and 41 against Oregon).  When he was on, it was an amazing thing to watch.  He would take a deep three pointer, and make it.  And then he would take a deeper three pointer, and make it.  And then he would take a three pointer that was almost at the midcourt line, and you'd be like "what is he doing?" and it would go in.  I loved this clip from this ESPN special about him at Stanford: https://youtu.be/k5fXV2x_dso?t=22

On the women's side, Kate Starbird dropping 44 against USC. 
Chiney with 24 rebounds against Oregon three years after Nekka got 23 rebounds against the Ducks.

In football:
Folks have already described McCaffrey's performance against Iowa in the Rose Bowl (and I mentioned the ones against USC and UCLA earlier).  Some other football performances:
Solomon Thomas in the Sun Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kfbI-2oHk
Bryce Love with 263 yards against UCLA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXojn3iHLE) and 301 yards against ASU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9l0C7nq6KY) on back to back game.  I remember watching him that any time he touched the football, he could be in the end zone.
Toby Gerhart against Notre Dame in 2009 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzCzj3fdET0) 205 yards and three touchdowns (plus a touchdown pass), most of them pushing through a Notre Dame defenseman.
While we are there, the 2009 tunnel workers against USC (the "What's your Deal" game).  Toby had 178 yards and three touchdowns, but mostly it was David DeCastro pulling and Owen Mericec kicking out and making the SC linebackers hate life.  That was the time when an SC linebacker said "If you run Power again, I'm taking myself out".

BC

[BostonCard]

Officially, the OP asked for the greatest athletic feat you have witnessed... a few people have answered with their favorite sporting memory, which is an entertaining tangent.  This is a message board, so these tangents are to be expected, but like Lex, I am interested in freakish athletic feats.

Some recent ones (all Stanford related):
Katherine Plummer putting everything away despite being out of system half the time in the NCAA finals.  Here's a nice highlight reel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQF3sw-v...e=emb_logo

You can also throw in some unbelievable Morgan Hentz highlights as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJQfLLUBOf0
Best libero I've ever seen.

Catarina Macario:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AokgEkCSlWA
I was trying to get highlights of some of her set pieces, they are pretty unbelievable.  Perhaps the best collegiate women's soccer player ever.

Jordan Morris in the 2015 College Cup (sorry, couldn't find good highlights), including scoring the first goal in the final against Clemson 87 seconds into the match.

I already posted the unbelievable feats that Ledecky accomplished.  In terms of how much better she is than anyone else in the pool, I don't think I have ever observed a bigger gap between the best and second best athlete in an event.

Tony Azevedo who was dominant for four years at Stanford.  Here are his four goals against Cal in the 2002 National Championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQd_nvSGono.  He won the Cutino award (the water polo award that can be named) every year he was at Stanford.

In basketball, Casey Jacobsen dropping 40 points in a game... twice in 2002 ( 49 against ASU and 41 against Oregon).  When he was on, it was an amazing thing to watch.  He would take a deep three pointer, and make it.  And then he would take a deeper three pointer, and make it.  And then he would take a three pointer that was almost at the midcourt line, and you'd be like "what is he doing?" and it would go in.  I loved this clip from this ESPN special about him at Stanford: https://youtu.be/k5fXV2x_dso?t=22

On the women's side, Kate Starbird dropping 44 against USC. 
Chiney with 24 rebounds against Oregon three years after Nekka got 23 rebounds against the Ducks.

In football:
Folks have already described McCaffrey's performance against Iowa in the Rose Bowl (and I mentioned the ones against USC and UCLA earlier).  Some other football performances:
Solomon Thomas in the Sun Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kfbI-2oHk
Bryce Love with 263 yards against UCLA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXojn3iHLE) and 301 yards against ASU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9l0C7nq6KY) on back to back game.  I remember watching him that any time he touched the football, he could be in the end zone.
Toby Gerhart against Notre Dame in 2009 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzCzj3fdET0) 205 yards and three touchdowns (plus a touchdown pass), most of them pushing through a Notre Dame defenseman.
While we are there, the 2009 tunnel workers against USC (the "What's your Deal" game).  Toby had 178 yards and three touchdowns, but mostly it was David DeCastro pulling and Owen Mericec kicking out and making the SC linebackers hate life.  That was the time when an SC linebacker said "If you run Power again, I'm taking myself out".

BC

[BobK]

GR not strongly disagreeing with you but Bobby Garrett vs UCLA 1953. I don’t remember how many TDs he scored or passed
For, it was the first game I was into, but Stanford won 21-20. Garrett kicked all three extra points and had 2 interceptions

[BobK]

GR not strongly disagreeing with you but Bobby Garrett vs UCLA 1953. I don’t remember how many TDs he scored or passed
For, it was the first game I was into, but Stanford won 21-20. Garrett kicked all three extra points and had 2 interceptions

[Spiny_Norman]

I admit that I did not watch all of them. But Tiger Woods winning a USGA championship 6 consecutive years should be pretty high up on a list of great achievements. In 1994 when he won his first US Amateur, he was 5 down with 12 holes to play in the finals and came back to win.

Stanford athletes amaze me all the time. Recently I would highlight Mariah Stackhouse who was 2 down with 2 to play in the final match in the 2015 NCAA championship vs. Baylor. Her opponent only needed to halve a hole to win the national championship for Baylor. Under the greatest pressure, Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to even the match and then won on the 1st extra hole.

The run of the Stanford men golfers to win the 2019 national championship was pretty special too. It was the epitome of a team victory. They were led by seniors Isaiah Salinda and Brandon Wu who went 3-0 in their NCAA matches. But there was a different hero in the quarters (David Snyder won the clinching match 1 up with a 15 foot putt), semis (Daulet Tulaubayev won the clinching match with 1 up with a 20 foot putt) and finals (Henry Shimp clinched the NC with a 2 and 1 win). I watched it all on tv with my stomach in knots, then in total glee and amazement.

And of course we get to enjoy the toughness and grit of the women's tennis team almost every year.

And every four years something incredible happens in the Olympics. Rulon Gardner defeating Alexander Karelin who had not lost a match in 13 years and had not even been scored on in 6 years. Dave Wottle winning the 800m run in the 1972 Olympics. Franz Klammer's downhill run. Kerri Strug's winning vault. Let's face it, we watch sports for moments like these, great performances on a great stage.

[Spiny_Norman]

I admit that I did not watch all of them. But Tiger Woods winning a USGA championship 6 consecutive years should be pretty high up on a list of great achievements. In 1994 when he won his first US Amateur, he was 5 down with 12 holes to play in the finals and came back to win.

Stanford athletes amaze me all the time. Recently I would highlight Mariah Stackhouse who was 2 down with 2 to play in the final match in the 2015 NCAA championship vs. Baylor. Her opponent only needed to halve a hole to win the national championship for Baylor. Under the greatest pressure, Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to even the match and then won on the 1st extra hole.

The run of the Stanford men golfers to win the 2019 national championship was pretty special too. It was the epitome of a team victory. They were led by seniors Isaiah Salinda and Brandon Wu who went 3-0 in their NCAA matches. But there was a different hero in the quarters (David Snyder won the clinching match 1 up with a 15 foot putt), semis (Daulet Tulaubayev won the clinching match with 1 up with a 20 foot putt) and finals (Henry Shimp clinched the NC with a 2 and 1 win). I watched it all on tv with my stomach in knots, then in total glee and amazement.

And of course we get to enjoy the toughness and grit of the women's tennis team almost every year.

And every four years something incredible happens in the Olympics. Rulon Gardner defeating Alexander Karelin who had not lost a match in 13 years and had not even been scored on in 6 years. Dave Wottle winning the 800m run in the 1972 Olympics. Franz Klammer's downhill run. Kerri Strug's winning vault. Let's face it, we watch sports for moments like these, great performances on a great stage.

[cardcrimson]

I admit that I did not watch all of them. But Tiger Woods winning a USGA championship 6 consecutive years should be pretty high up on a list of great achievements. In 1994 when he won his first US Amateur, he was 5 down with 12 holes to play in the finals and came back to win.

Stanford athletes amaze me all the time. Recently I would highlight Mariah Stackhouse who was 2 down with 2 to play in the final match in the 2015 NCAA championship vs. Baylor. Her opponent only needed to halve a hole to win the national championship for Baylor. Under the greatest pressure, Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to even the match and then won on the 1st extra hole.

The run of the Stanford men golfers to win the 2019 national championship was pretty special too. It was the epitome of a team victory. They were led by seniors Isaiah Salinda and Brandon Wu who went 3-0 in their NCAA matches. But there was a different hero in the quarters (David Snyder won the clinching match 1 up with a 15 foot putt), semis (Daulet Tulaubayev won the clinching match with 1 up with a 20 foot putt) and finals (Henry Shimp clinched the NC with a 2 and 1 win). I watched it all on tv with my stomach in knots, then in total glee and amazement.

And of course we get to enjoy the toughness and grit of the women's tennis team almost every year.

And every four years something incredible happens in the Olympics. Rulon Gardner defeating Alexander Karelin who had not lost a match in 13 years and had not even been scored on in 6 years. Dave Wottle winning the 800m run in the 1972 Olympics. Frank Klammer's downhill run. Kerri Strug's winning vault. Let's face it, we watch sports for moments like these, great performances on a great stage.

Forgot to add Wottle's win to my list. Watched a motivational speaker use the video in his talk. While everyone talked about his kick and comeback, his 200 splits were all within a second of each other. Consistency, I guess, was the message. . . .Great performance and great sticking to his plan.

[cardcrimson]

I admit that I did not watch all of them. But Tiger Woods winning a USGA championship 6 consecutive years should be pretty high up on a list of great achievements. In 1994 when he won his first US Amateur, he was 5 down with 12 holes to play in the finals and came back to win.

Stanford athletes amaze me all the time. Recently I would highlight Mariah Stackhouse who was 2 down with 2 to play in the final match in the 2015 NCAA championship vs. Baylor. Her opponent only needed to halve a hole to win the national championship for Baylor. Under the greatest pressure, Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to even the match and then won on the 1st extra hole.

The run of the Stanford men golfers to win the 2019 national championship was pretty special too. It was the epitome of a team victory. They were led by seniors Isaiah Salinda and Brandon Wu who went 3-0 in their NCAA matches. But there was a different hero in the quarters (David Snyder won the clinching match 1 up with a 15 foot putt), semis (Daulet Tulaubayev won the clinching match with 1 up with a 20 foot putt) and finals (Henry Shimp clinched the NC with a 2 and 1 win). I watched it all on tv with my stomach in knots, then in total glee and amazement.

And of course we get to enjoy the toughness and grit of the women's tennis team almost every year.

And every four years something incredible happens in the Olympics. Rulon Gardner defeating Alexander Karelin who had not lost a match in 13 years and had not even been scored on in 6 years. Dave Wottle winning the 800m run in the 1972 Olympics. Frank Klammer's downhill run. Kerri Strug's winning vault. Let's face it, we watch sports for moments like these, great performances on a great stage.

Forgot to add Wottle's win to my list. Watched a motivational speaker use the video in his talk. While everyone talked about his kick and comeback, his 200 splits were all within a second of each other. Consistency, I guess, was the message. . . .Great performance and great sticking to his plan.

[BobK]

Every couple of months I watch Wottle’s win. Incredible. Saw him run in person several times

[BobK]

Every couple of months I watch Wottle’s win. Incredible. Saw him run in person several times

[Mick]

Billy Mills was the only American to win the Olympic 10k.  Love watching the summary video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F5iCsymMj0

[Mick]

Billy Mills was the only American to win the Olympic 10k.  Love watching the summary video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F5iCsymMj0

[BobK]

https://youtu.be/uOj0zjPzg-c

[BobK]

https://youtu.be/uOj0zjPzg-c

[Phogge]

And Bob Schul won the 5,000 in Tokyo.

Shorter in Munich.

Brian Oldfield in a workout that I filmed. Throwing over 75' in practice multiple times. Awesome. However he was fooling me. Was throwing the 12 pounder. Feuerbach told me later.

And Bobbb is correct. Garrett throwing for over 300 when hardly anyone was throwing for over 200. Kicked all three PAT's and picked off two. How could they tie Cal? Kept them out of the Rose Bowl.

[Phogge]

And Bob Schul won the 5,000 in Tokyo.

Shorter in Munich.

Brian Oldfield in a workout that I filmed. Throwing over 75' in practice multiple times. Awesome. However he was fooling me. Was throwing the 12 pounder. Feuerbach told me later.

And Bobbb is correct. Garrett throwing for over 300 when hardly anyone was throwing for over 200. Kicked all three PAT's and picked off two. How could they tie Cal? Kept them out of the Rose Bowl.

[cardcrimson]

And Bob Schul won the 5,000 in Tokyo.

Shorter in Munich.

Brian Oldfield in a workout that I filmed. Throwing over 75' in practice multiple times. Awesome. However he was fooling me. Was throwing the 12 pounder. Feuerbach told me later.

And Bobbb is correct. Garrett throwing for over 300 when hardly anyone was throwing for over 200. Kicked all three PAT's and picked off two. How could they tie Cal? Kept them out of the Rose Bowl.

The 5000M was shorter in Munich? How does that happen?

[cardcrimson]

And Bob Schul won the 5,000 in Tokyo.

Shorter in Munich.

Brian Oldfield in a workout that I filmed. Throwing over 75' in practice multiple times. Awesome. However he was fooling me. Was throwing the 12 pounder. Feuerbach told me later.

And Bobbb is correct. Garrett throwing for over 300 when hardly anyone was throwing for over 200. Kicked all three PAT's and picked off two. How could they tie Cal? Kept them out of the Rose Bowl.

The 5000M was shorter in Munich? How does that happen?