A summary of the 1996 Olympics
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. It was the first Olympics to be held in the American South and the fourth to be hosted in the United States overall.
A record 197 nations participated in the games, with 10,320 athletes competing in 271 events across 26 sports. Notable highlights of the games included Michael Johnson winning gold in both the 200m and 400m races, Carl Lewis winning his ninth gold medal in the long jump, and Kerri Strug's iconic performance in the gymnastics team final.
The games were not without controversy, as there were issues with transportation, security, and organization. Additionally, a bombing at Centennial Olympic Park on July 27 killed two people and injured over 100 others.
Overall, the 1996 Olympics were a mix of triumphs and challenges, showcasing the spirit of international competition and unity.