Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1779280445
SUMMARY: The 1996 Summer Olympics was the 26th edition of the Olympic Games, held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from July 19 to August 4, 1996.
Overview
The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were a global sporting event that brought together athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of disciplines. The Games were held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. The 1996 Olympics were a significant event in the history of the Olympic Games, marked by several notable moments and achievements.
The 1996 Olympics were the first to be held in the United States since the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Games were organized by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG), which was responsible for planning and executing the event. The ACOG was led by Billy Payne, who served as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
The 1996 Olympics featured a total of 10,318 athletes from 197 countries, competing in 26 sports and 271 events. The Games were held at a variety of venues throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, including the Centennial Olympic Park, which served as the main hub for the event.
History/Background
The idea of hosting the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta dates back to 1990, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the Games to the city. The ACOG was established in 1992 to oversee the planning and execution of the event. The committee faced several challenges, including a tight budget and a tight timeline, but ultimately delivered a successful Games.
The 1996 Olympics were also notable for the introduction of several new sports, including women's beach volleyball and women's lightweight rowing. The Games also featured a number of innovative technologies, including the use of electronic timing systems and the introduction of a new scoring system for gymnastics.
Key Information
The 1996 Olympics were marked by several notable moments and achievements. Some of the key highlights include:
* Michael Johnson: The American sprinter won two gold medals in the 200m and 400m events, setting a new world record in the process.
* Kerri Strug: The American gymnast performed a crucial vault to help the US women's team win the gold medal, despite a serious ankle injury.
* Carl Lewis: The American sprinter won four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump events.
* Dara Torres: The American swimmer won three gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay events.
* The US Women's Basketball Team: The team, known as the "Dream Team," won the gold medal in the women's basketball tournament, defeating Brazil 111-87 in the final.
Significance
The 1996 Olympics had a significant impact on the world of sports and beyond. The Games helped to raise the profile of several sports, including women's beach volleyball and women's lightweight rowing. The event also showcased the talents of several notable athletes, including Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, and Carl Lewis.
The 1996 Olympics also had a lasting impact on the city of Atlanta, which invested heavily in infrastructure and tourism initiatives to host the Games. The event helped to put Atlanta on the map as a major sporting destination, and the city has since hosted several other major events, including the 1996 NBA All-Star Game and the 2019 Super Bowl.
INFOBOX:
- Name: Games of the XXVI Olympiad
- Type: Summer Olympics
- Date: July 19 - August 4, 1996
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Known For: Notable moments and achievements, including Michael Johnson's world record in the 200m and 400m events, Kerri Strug's crucial vault in the women's gymnastics team final, and the US Women's Basketball Team's gold medal win.
TAGS: 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta, Olympic Games, Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, Carl Lewis, Dara Torres, US Women's Basketball Team, Women's Beach Volleyball, Women's Lightweight Rowing
