What happened in the 1996 Olympics? Summarize the event!
The 1996 Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, were held in Atlanta, Georgia. The games featured 10,318 athletes from 197 countries competing in 271 events across 26 sports. It was the first Olympics to have a record number of female athletes participating.
Some highlights of the event included Michael Johnson winning gold in both the 200m and 400m races, setting world records in both events. Gymnast Kerri Strug became a national hero after famously vaulting with a sprained ankle to help secure the gold medal for the US women's gymnastics team. This was also the first Olympics to include beach volleyball and women's soccer as official events.
Overall, the 1996 Olympics were considered a success, with the United States finishing at the top of the medal table. The games were also marred by the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, which killed two people and injured 111 others. Despite this tragic event, the 1996 Olympics are remembered for their competitive spirit, memorable performances, and the sense of unity and international camaraderie that comes with the Olympic Games.