Events Encyclopedia Entry 1778351585
SUMMARY: The 1996 Summer Olympics was the 26th edition of the Summer Olympic Games, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996.
Overview
The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were a major international multi-sport event that brought together athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of sports. The games were held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996, and featured a total of 10,318 athletes from 197 countries. The 1996 Olympics were a significant event in the history of the modern Olympic Games, marking a new era of international cooperation and athletic competition.
The 1996 Olympics were notable for their innovative approach to event organization and spectator experience. The games featured a state-of-the-art Olympic Village, a new Olympic Stadium, and a variety of interactive exhibits and attractions. The games also saw the introduction of new sports, including beach volleyball and mountain biking, and the return of sports such as wrestling and weightlifting.
The 1996 Olympics were a major success, with a total of 26 world records broken and 47 new Olympic records set. The games were also notable for their dramatic moments, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron by Muhammad Ali and the historic victory of Kerri Strug in the women's gymnastics team final.
History/Background
The 1996 Summer Olympics were awarded to Atlanta in 1990, after a fierce bidding process that saw the city defeat cities such as Athens, Greece, and Melbourne, Australia. The games were held in the Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre park built specifically for the event. The park featured a variety of attractions, including a large fountain, a lake, and a variety of walking paths and gardens.
The 1996 Olympics were marked by several notable events, including the bombing of Centennial Olympic Park on July 27, 1996, which killed two people and injured over 100 others. The bombing was carried out by Eric Rudolph, a domestic terrorist who was later convicted of the crime.
Key Information
- Athletes: The 1996 Olympics featured a total of 10,318 athletes from 197 countries.
- Sports: The games featured a total of 26 sports, including athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, diving, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, sailing, shooting, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
- Medals: The United States topped the medal table, winning a total of 101 medals, including 44 gold medals.
- Notable Moments: The 1996 Olympics were marked by several notable moments, including the historic victory of Kerri Strug in the women's gymnastics team final, the record-breaking performance of Michael Johnson in the 200 meters, and the dramatic victory of the United States men's basketball team in the gold medal game.
Significance
The 1996 Olympics were a significant event in the history of the modern Olympic Games, marking a new era of international cooperation and athletic competition. The games were notable for their innovative approach to event organization and spectator experience, and their introduction of new sports and events. The 1996 Olympics also saw the emergence of new stars, including Kerri Strug, Michael Johnson, and Dominique Moceanu, who went on to become household names in the world of sports.
INFOBOX:
- Name: 1996 Summer Olympics
- Type: Multi-sport event
- Date: July 19 - August 4, 1996
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Known For: Historic victory of Kerri Strug in the women's gymnastics team final
TAGS: 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta, Georgia, Olympic Games, Multi-sport event, Kerri Strug, Michael Johnson, Dominique Moceanu, Centennial Olympic Park, Eric Rudolph
