- published: 27 Jun 2016
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Superstars is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon. Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all ten events is declared the champion.
On the original ABC version, an athlete could compete in up to seven events, but no athlete was permitted to compete in the sport(s) of his or her profession. In the World, International, European and British versions of the contest, athletes would compete in 8 out of 10 events, with no one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules did apply.
The idea was developed by 1948 and 1952 Olympic figure skating champion Dick Button. He shopped the idea to all three U.S. television networks, and ABC bought it as a special for the winter of 1973. The first Superstars competition was held in Rotonda West, Florida in March 1973 and was won by pole vaulter Bob Seagren. The BBC covered the competition and aired their own programme, featuring British athletes on 31 December 1973, which was won by 400 metre hurdles Olympic champion David Hemery. Television broadcasts of the competitions were popular both in Europe and North America in the 1970s and 1980s. Further events featuring European athletes started from 1975, with six World Superstars championships taking place from 1977 to 1982.
You've read about me in the papers
You've seen me on the movie screen
You know everything about me
I'm your late night fantasy
But don't think I can't hear you calling
From the shadow of the 14th row
Cause I've had the same dreams you've had
A few short years ago and that's why I know
You and I
We will climb so high
Superstars
Whoa whoa You and I
And we'll just close our eyes
And become our fantasy
Superstars yes, yes, superstars
Step right this way. Everyone's welcome,
We want your dreams.
The offer's simple, momentary immortality
Cause I've seen them all you know
I've seen them climb and I've seen them fall
I've seen them come and I've seen them go
And through it all there's only one thing that matters
Love - And that's simply
You and I
Yes, You and I
For we are superstars