New Zealand 1996 Summer Olympics – Atlanta set

New Zealand 1996 Summer Olympics – Atlanta set Mint never hinged

The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from July 19 to August 4, 1996. These Olympics marked the centennial celebration of the modern Olympic Games, as the first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896.

The Atlanta Games featured 10,318 athletes from 197 nations competing in 26 sports, making it the largest Olympics to date at that time. The opening ceremony, held in the newly constructed Centennial Olympic Stadium, featured performances showcasing American culture and history.

Several notable moments and achievements occurred during the 1996 Olympics:

1. Centennial Olympic Park Bombing: Tragically, on July 27, 1996, a bombing occurred in Centennial Olympic Park, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuring over 100 others. Despite the incident, the Games continued, and security measures were heightened.
2. Muhammad Ali’s Lighting of the Olympic Cauldron: One of the most memorable moments of the opening ceremony was when boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, lit the Olympic cauldron.
3. Dominance of the United States: The United States topped the medal table with a total of 101 medals, including 44 golds, 32 silvers, and 25 bronzes. This marked the first time since 1984 that the U.S. had finished atop the medal standings at a Summer Olympics.
4. Michael Johnson’s Double Gold: American sprinter Michael Johnson made history by winning both the 200 meters and 400 meters events, becoming the first man to achieve this double at the same Olympics.
5. Kerri Strug’s Vault: In the women’s gymnastics team competition, American gymnast Kerri Strug famously landed a vault on an injured ankle, securing the gold medal for the U.S. team.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics left a lasting legacy on the city, including the construction of various sports venues and infrastructure improvements. Despite some controversies and challenges, the Games were overall considered a success and celebrated the spirit of the Olympic movement.