Results for "**1996 Summer Olympics"
Events Encyclopedia Entry 1778351585
**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**
SportsSports Encyclopedia Entry 1778776386
** **The 1996 Summer Olympics**, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. ## Overview The 1996 Summer Olympics were a groundbreaking event that showcased the world's top athletes in a spectacular display of human achievement. The games featured a record 197 participating nations, 10,318 athletes, and 271 events across 26 sports. The 1996 Olympics were a significant milestone in the history of the Olympic Games, marking a new era of global unity and athletic excellence. The event was characterized by memorable moments, record-breaking performances, and a renewed focus on Olympic values. The 1996 Olympics were also notable for their innovative approach to broadcasting and technology. The games were the first to be extensively covered by satellite television, allowing a global audience to witness the action in real-time. The event also saw the introduction of the Olympic Torch Relay, which was held for the first time outside of Europe. The relay began in Olympia, Greece, and traveled over 14,000 miles to Atlanta, symbolizing the connection between the ancient and modern Olympic Games. ## History/Background The 1996 Summer Olympics were awarded to Atlanta in 1990, after a fierce bidding process that saw the city defeat Beijing and Manchester. The games were originally scheduled to take place in 1992 but were postponed to 1996 due to a combination of factors, including the Gulf War and concerns about the city's infrastructure. The 1996 Olympics were a major undertaking, with a budget of over $2 billion and a workforce of over 70,000 volunteers. ## Key Information - **Notable Athletes:** The 1996 Olympics featured a host of legendary athletes, including Michael Johnson, who won two gold medals in the 200m and 400m events, and Kerri Strug, who helped the US women's gymnastics team win the gold medal with her iconic vault performance. - **Record-Breaking Performances:** The games saw numerous world records broken, including Johnson's 200m and 400m victories, and the US women's 4x100m relay team's world record in the event. - **Medal Count:** The United States topped the medal count with 101 medals, including 44 gold medals. Other top-performing nations included Russia, Germany, and China. - **Opening Ceremony:** The 1996 Olympics opened with a spectacular ceremony that featured a performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and a lighting of the Olympic cauldron by Muhammad Ali. ## Significance The 1996 Summer Olympics had a profound impact on the world of sports and beyond. The games marked a new era of global cooperation and athletic excellence, and paved the way for future Olympic events. The 1996 Olympics also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity, with a record number of female athletes participating in the games. INFOBOX: - Name: **Games of the XXVI Olympiad** - Type: **Summer Olympics** - Date: **July 19 - August 4, 1996** - Location: **Atlanta, Georgia, United States** - Known For: **Record-breaking performances and memorable moments** TAGS: **1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta, Georgia, Olympic Games, Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, Olympic Torch Relay, Satellite Television, Olympic Values, Global Unity, Athletic Excellence**
SportsSports Encyclopedia Entry 1781562328
** **The 1996 Summer Olympics** were a historic and record-breaking edition of the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. **CONTENT:** ### Overview The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were a spectacular display of athletic prowess, cultural exchange, and international unity. The Games took place in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996, and featured a record 197 participating nations, 10,318 athletes, and 271 events across 26 sports. The 1996 Olympics were a defining moment in the history of the Games, marked by remarkable achievements, memorable moments, and a renewed focus on the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect. The 1996 Olympics were a significant departure from previous editions, with a renewed emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and technology. The Games featured a state-of-the-art Olympic Village, a cutting-edge media center, and a host of innovative transportation systems. The event also saw the introduction of several new sports, including beach volleyball, mountain biking, and synchronized swimming. The 1996 Olympics were a showcase for human achievement, with athletes from around the world pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From the record-breaking performances of Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis to the historic victories of Kerri Strug and Dominique Moceanu, the Games were a testament to the power of athleticism and the human spirit. ### History/Background The 1996 Summer Olympics were awarded to Atlanta in 1990, following a fierce bidding process that saw the city edge out Beijing and Manchester. The Games were initially planned for 1992, but a series of delays and setbacks pushed the event back to 1996. The Olympic Organizing Committee, led by Billy Payne, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the Games, despite numerous challenges and controversies. The 1996 Olympics were marked by several significant events, including the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, which occurred on July 27, 1996, and resulted in the deaths of two people and injured over 100 others. The bombing was a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties of hosting a major international event. ### Key Information * **Athletes:** 10,318 athletes from 197 participating nations * **Events:** 271 events across 26 sports * **Medals:** 10,318 medals awarded, with the United States topping the medal table with 101 gold medals * **Attendance:** 30.5 million spectators attended the Games, with a record 3.5 million spectators attending the opening ceremony * **Budget:** The Games had a budget of $1.8 billion, with a surplus of $300 million * **Notable Moments:** + Michael Johnson sets world records in the 200m and 400m events + Kerri Strug's vault performance helps the US women's gymnastics team win the gold medal + Carl Lewis wins his fourth consecutive gold medal in the long jump + The US women's basketball team wins their first Olympic gold medal ### Significance The 1996 Summer Olympics were a defining moment in the history of the Games, marked by remarkable achievements, memorable moments, and a renewed focus on the Olympic ideals. The event showcased the power of athleticism and the human spirit, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans around the world. The 1996 Olympics also had a significant impact on the city of Atlanta, which invested heavily in infrastructure and tourism initiatives in the lead-up to the Games. The event helped to establish Atlanta as a major international destination, with a renewed focus on sports, culture, and entertainment. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Games of the XXVI Olympiad - **Type:** Summer Olympics - **Date:** July 19 - August 4, 1996 - **Location:** Atlanta, Georgia, USA - **Known For:** Record-breaking performances, historic victories, and a renewed focus on the Olympic ideals TAGS: **1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta, Georgia, Olympic Games, Sports History, Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, Carl Lewis, Olympic Village, Beach Volleyball, Mountain Biking, Synchronized Swimming**