Results for "Centennial Olympic Park."
Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1776543664
** The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a historic event that showcased the world's top athletes, marked a significant milestone in Olympic history. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, took place in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. The event was a grand spectacle, featuring over 10,000 athletes from 197 countries competing in 26 sports. The 1996 Olympics were a momentous occasion, not only for the athletes but also for the city of Atlanta, which played host to the world's top athletes for the first time. The event was a testament to the power of sports to unite people and inspire greatness. The 1996 Olympics were a significant departure from previous Games, with a focus on technology and innovation. The event featured a state-of-the-art Olympic Stadium, which was designed to be a symbol of the city's commitment to hosting the Games. The stadium's retractable roof and advanced lighting system made it one of the most technologically advanced venues in the world at the time. The Olympics also saw the introduction of several new sports, including synchronized swimming and beach volleyball, which added to the excitement and diversity of the event. The 1996 Olympics were also notable for the performances of several iconic athletes, including Michael Johnson, who set a world record in the 200-meter dash, and Kerri Strug, who helped the US women's gymnastics team win its first Olympic gold medal. The event was also marked by controversy, including a bombing at the Centennial Olympic Park, which killed two people and injured over 100 others. ## History/Background The 1996 Summer Olympics were awarded to Atlanta in 1990, after a fierce bidding process that saw several cities, including Athens and Melbourne, vying for the right to host the Games. The event was originally scheduled to take place in 1992, but was delayed due to a number of factors, including the Gulf War and the subsequent economic downturn. The 1996 Olympics were a significant milestone in Olympic history, marking the first time that the Games had been held in the United States since 1984. The event was also notable for the introduction of several new technologies, including the use of electronic timing systems and advanced medical facilities. ## Key Information - **Athletes:** Over 10,000 athletes from 197 countries competed in the 1996 Olympics. - **Sports:** 26 sports were featured at the 1996 Olympics, including athletics, basketball, boxing, and gymnastics. - **Medals:** The United States topped the medal table, winning a total of 101 medals, including 44 gold medals. - **Notable Performances:** Michael Johnson set a world record in the 200-meter dash, while Kerri Strug helped the US women's gymnastics team win its first Olympic gold medal. - **Controversies:** A bombing at the Centennial Olympic Park killed two people and injured over 100 others. ## Significance The 1996 Olympics were a significant event in Olympic history, marking a new era of technological innovation and global competition. The event showcased the world's top athletes and provided a platform for them to inspire and entertain millions of people around the world. The 1996 Olympics also had a lasting impact on the city of Atlanta, which benefited from the economic and social benefits of hosting the Games. The 1996 Olympics also marked a significant milestone in the history of women's sports, with several female athletes achieving historic victories, including Kerri Strug and the US women's gymnastics team. The event also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting unity and understanding between nations, with athletes from around the world coming together to compete and celebrate their shared passion for sports. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** 1996 Summer Olympics - **Type:** Multi-sport event - **Date:** July 19 - August 4, 1996 - **Location:** Atlanta, Georgia, USA - **Known For:** Historic performances by Michael Johnson and Kerri Strug, introduction of new sports and technologies. **TAGS:** 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta, Georgia, Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, Olympic Games, Sports History, Women's Sports, Olympic Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park.
SportsEvents Encyclopedia Entry 1779591847
** The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were a groundbreaking international multi-sport event held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. **CONTENT** ### Overview The 1996 Summer Olympics, also referred to as the Centennial Olympic Games, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Olympic Games. It was the first time the event was held in the United States since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The Games brought together athletes from 197 countries, featuring a total of 10,318 participants, with the United States being the host nation. The 1996 Olympics were a celebration of athletic excellence, cultural diversity, and international unity. The Games were held at various venues across Atlanta, including the Centennial Olympic Stadium, which served as the main venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events. The Olympics featured a record 271 events across 26 sports, with the introduction of women's lightweight rowing and the return of women's soccer to the Olympic program. The 1996 Olympics were also notable for their innovative use of technology, including the introduction of electronic timing and scoring systems, as well as the use of satellite broadcasting to reach a global audience. The Games were watched by an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most-watched television events in history. ### History/Background The idea of hosting the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta dates back to 1990, when the city was awarded the Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Atlanta bid committee, led by Mayor Andrew Young, presented a comprehensive plan for the Games, which included the construction of new venues, infrastructure, and transportation systems. The bid was successful, and Atlanta was officially named the host city for the 1996 Olympics. The lead-up to the Games was marked by controversy and challenges, including a bombing at Centennial Olympic Park on July 27, 1996, which killed two people and injured over 100 others. The incident was a major security concern, and the IOC and local authorities worked closely to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators. ### Key Information The 1996 Olympics produced numerous memorable moments and records. 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 200m with a time of 19.32 seconds. * **Kerri Strug**: The American gymnast became an overnight sensation after landing a crucial vault to help the US women's team win the gold medal. * **Dara Torres**: The American swimmer won three silver medals, becoming the oldest individual Olympic medalist at the time. * **Nadia Comăneci**: The Romanian gymnast, who made history by becoming the first person to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition, was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1996. The 1996 Olympics also saw the introduction of several new events, including women's lightweight rowing and the return of women's soccer to the Olympic program. ### Significance The 1996 Olympics had a significant impact on the world of sports and beyond. The Games helped to promote international unity and understanding, as well as showcasing the achievements of athletes from around the globe. The Olympics also provided a platform for social and cultural exchange, with the introduction of new events and the participation of athletes from diverse backgrounds. The 1996 Olympics also had a lasting impact on the city of Atlanta, which invested heavily in infrastructure and tourism development. The Games helped to establish Atlanta as a major international destination, with the city hosting numerous high-profile events and conferences in the years that followed. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Games of the XXVI Olympiad - **Type:** International multi-sport event - **Date:** July 19 - August 4, 1996 - **Location:** Atlanta, Georgia, USA - **Known For:** Groundbreaking international multi-sport event, introduction of new events, and memorable moments in athletic history. TAGS: Olympic Games, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996, Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, Dara Torres, Nadia Comăneci, International Olympic Committee, Centennial Olympic Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park.