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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1776397024

** The 1996 Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The 1996 Summer Olympics, a celebration of human achievement and athletic prowess, brought together the world's top athletes to compete in a spectacular display of skill, speed, and strength. The Games of the XXVI Olympiad, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996, were a defining moment in the history of the Olympic movement. With a record 197 nations participating and a total of 10,318 athletes competing in 26 sports, the 1996 Olympics were a testament to the power of international cooperation and the unwavering dedication of athletes from around the globe. The 1996 Olympics were notable for their innovative approach to broadcasting, with the introduction of the "Olympic Torch Relay" and the use of advanced technology to bring the Games to a global audience. The event also saw the introduction of new sports, including beach volleyball and mountain biking, which would go on to become staples of the Olympic program. The 1996 Olympics were not without controversy, however. The Games were marred by a series of security breaches, including the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, which killed two people and injured over 100 others. Despite these challenges, the 1996 Olympics remained a resounding success, with many regarding them as one of the greatest Olympic Games of all time. ## History/Background The 1996 Summer Olympics were awarded to Atlanta in 1990, following a bidding process that saw the city defeat Toronto, Canada, and Athens, Greece. 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 over the safety of athletes and spectators. The 1996 Olympics were notable for their innovative approach to venue design, with many of the facilities built specifically for the Games being designed to be multi-purpose and sustainable. The Olympic Stadium, designed by architect Heinz Isler, was a particular highlight, featuring a unique retractable roof and a seating capacity of over 85,000. ## Key Information * **Athletes:** 10,318 athletes from 197 nations competed in the 1996 Olympics. * **Sports:** 26 sports were featured at the 1996 Olympics, including: + Aquatics (swimming, diving, synchronized swimming) + Archery + Athletics (track and field) + Badminton + Basketball + Boxing + Canoeing + Cycling + Equestrian + Fencing + Football (soccer) + Gymnastics + Handball + Hockey + Judo + Modern pentathlon + Rowing + Sailing + Shooting + Softball + Table tennis + Taekwondo + Tennis + Triathlon + Volleyball + Weightlifting + Wrestling * **Medals:** A total of 2,942 medals were awarded at the 1996 Olympics, with the United States winning a record 101 gold medals. * **Notable Performances:** + Michael Johnson (USA) - 200m and 400m gold medals + Carl Lewis (USA) - Long jump gold medal + Kerri Strug (USA) - Gymnastics gold medal + Amy Van Dyken (USA) - Swimming gold medals ## Significance The 1996 Olympics had a profound impact on the world of sports, marking a new era of international cooperation and athletic achievement. The Games also saw the introduction of new sports and technologies, which would go on to shape the Olympic program for years to come. The 1996 Olympics were also notable for their cultural significance, with the event serving as a platform for athletes to express themselves and showcase their talents to a global audience. The Games were a celebration of human achievement, and a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and inspire greatness. INFOBOX: - **Name:** 1996 Summer Olympics - **Type:** Multi-sport event - **Date:** July 19 - August 4, 1996 - **Location:** Atlanta, Georgia, USA - **Known For:** Record 101 gold medals won by the United States TAGS: **1996 Olympics**, **Atlanta**, **Olympic Games**, **Michael Johnson**, **Carl Lewis**, **Kerri Strug**, **Amy Van Dyken**, **Beach Volleyball**, **Mountain Biking**, **Security Breaches**, **Centennial Olympic Park Bombing**

Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1783361406

Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1779280445

** **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**