Oddness overshadowed his real, hard-won achievements: world adulation for a black pop star, the birth of video celebrity, and millions of dollars given to black causes.

ECONOMIST: Michael Jackson, pop star, died on June 25th, aged 50

Not many leaders in biotechnology get enough recognition for their dedication and hard-won achievements, probably because it takes so many years for their work to show solid results.

FORBES: Why This Tiny But Profitable Biotech May Be Gobbled Up By Big Pharma

In a statement, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said the increase in force level would provide 11 Light Brigade with the resources they need to "sustain and build on the hard-won achievements of 19 Light Brigade over the summer - achievements of which the entire nation can and should be proud".

BBC: Troops will 'thicken' UK presence

Marlon won several awards this year for his achievements in track and field.

CNN: Against all odds: School offers hope, opportunity for young men

And there are achievements that have been hard-won.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama at Forum on American Latino Heritage

"I'm speechless, " said Ammann, who surpassed the achievements of Finnish ski jump legend Matti Nykanen, who won four gold medals, in 1984 and 1988, but one of those came in the team event.

BBC: Ski jump double for Swiss Ammann

Santos' economic policies have won Colombia investment grade status from the three leading rating agencies but the achievements have been tarnished by a recent increase in violence by leftist rebels, including attacks on oil companies.

MSN: Top Colombian drug lord 'Crazy Barrera' captured - World news - Venezuela | NBC News

Bolt and Blake have none of the enmity that Lewis and Johnson had, but if Bolt can defend his Beijing title then it would surely stand above Lewis' achievements, simply because that second gold medal in Seoul was won in such unprecedented circumstances.

CNN: Olympic 100m final: Can Usain Bolt make history?