7. No Shoes, No Problem
South African middle-distance and long-distance runner Zola Budd harbored a tendency of training and racing barefoot. She continued to uphold that tradition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. During this particular race, Budd suffered from quite the fall when she became entangled with Mary Decker.

Of course, this fall cost Budd the Gold, but she still shattered records and made athletic waves. However, fans, critics, and fellow Olympians alike will always remember Budd for her barefoot running. Did it make her faster? We’re not so sure about that. We’re also not sure that track would feel good on your feet.