Who performed at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta?

The ceremony featured film composer John Williams, French Canadian singer Celine Dion and American singer Gladys Knight. The ceremony attendance was 85,600. It was watched by an estimated 3.5 billion viewers worldwide.

Why was Atlanta chosen for the 1996 Olympics?

Young also wanted to showcase a reformed American South. The strong economy of Atlanta and improved race relations in the South helped to impress the IOC officials. Athens lost its bid to host the games to Atlanta in 1990, but was later awarded the 2004 Summer Olympics in September 1997.

Who won the Atlanta Olympics in 1996?

American Michael Johnson produced the outstanding story of the 1996 Games by becoming the first athlete in history to win both the 200 metres and 400 metres at a single Olympics. His victory over 200m in 19.32 seconds established a new world record.

Were the 1996 Olympics good for Atlanta?

By no means was Atlanta 1996 a perfect event. But the games themselves were good. The 1996 Olympics were the games of Muhammad Ali, Michael Johnson, the Dream Team II, Kerri Strug , the Magnificent Seven , Andre Agassi , and Carl Lewis. And that’s probably the best way to create an enduring impression.

What did Muhammad Ali do in the 1996 Olympics?

At the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, Muhammad Ali surprised the world when he lit the Olympic cauldron. On July 19, 1996, Janet Evans, a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, passed the torch to Ali, who has Parkinson’s disease. With shaking hands, Ali lit a holder on a pulley system, which lit the Olympic cauldron.

Where was the 1996 Summer Olympics held?

1996 Summer Olympics. Part of a series on. The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, commonly known as Atlanta 1996, and also referred to as the Centennial Olympic Games, were an international multi-sport event that was held from July 19 to August 4, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Where are the 1996 Olympics?

The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, commonly known as Atlanta 1996, and also referred to as the Centennial Olympic Games, were an international multi-sport event that was held from July 19 to August 4, 1996, in Atlanta, USA.