Sports in America: 1970-1979 (Sports in America: Decade by Decade)

The 1970s were a time of disco, U.S. relief at the end of the Vietnam conflict, and celebration of America's bicentennial. The passage of the groundbreaking Title IX act saw women's sports on the rise as more funding became federally mandated, Bruce Jenner became known as the "World's Greatest Athlete" with his remarkable gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, and Reggie Jackson batted in three consecutive home runs to clinch a Yankee win in the 1977 World Series. 1970–1979, Second Edition relates vivid accounts of these sports achievements through engaging prose, colorful images, and handy reference features.

Highlights include:

• The Chinese government invites the U.S. ping-pong team to China in 1971, marking a break in decades of tension between the two nations
• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 prohibits gender-based discrimination in education programs, opening the way for the rise of women's athletics
• The Pittsburgh Steelers win the 1975 Super Bowl, the team's first
• Bruce Jenner wins the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics, earning the title "World's Greatest Athlete"
• Reggie Jackson helps the New York Yankees win the 1977 World Series with three consecutive home runs in game six
• Gordie Howe, "Mr. Hockey," takes to the ice for his final of his 32 seasons in 1979.