Sports

Remembering the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta

The world came to my home town. And from thousands of miles away, so did I.

I could've gone to Lake Tahoe. I could've taken a cruise to Mexico. I could've gone to Hawaii.

I went to Atlanta. Gladly.

I was an editor at The Orange County Register in Southern California in 1996 when the Olympics assembled in one of the most unlikely places for such a festival. Those of us who grew up in the area (I went to high school in DeKalb County) knew it was major league, but to someone in Barcelona or Tokyo, it might not ring a bell.

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But because of well-chronicled efforts by several people, Atlanta was the place to be that summer. I took two weeks' vacation for the trip, and bunked with family in Gwinnett County.

I had company from California, though. News colleagues from the Register and The San Diego Union were there professionally, and I was in touch while I hit various stadiums.

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I attended several events, including the men's basketball game vs. Brazil. That edition of the Dream Team included Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, among others.Β Also in my lineup was tennis at the venue in south Gwinnett near Stone Mountain.

I didn't make any track events, but it should be noted that the stadium for track and field now is known as Turner Field. And it also should be noted that the entire 1996 Olympics Β -- estimated cost of $1.7 billion -- required not one cent of taxpayer money.

It was exhilarating to see folks from all over the world in Atlanta, the city that I knew before Home Depot and CNN took root. It was also bittersweet, as I and a friend from California were in Centennial Olympic Park just a few hours before the tragic bombing that killed one person and injured others.

But I left with pleasant memories and a slew of souvenirs, some of which have survived the years (see attached photo). Also, the world got a look at Hot 'Lanta.

-- What are your memories of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments below.


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