32 Years After Michael Johnson, Muhammed Ali, and Others Bearing the Flag for America, Olympics Makes an Iconic Return to Homeland

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the world’s largest and most prestigious international sporting events. The Olympic Games are held every four years for athletes with a variety of abilities, while the Paralympic Games are held every four years for athletes with disabilities.

As the summer unfolds, NBC’s “Hometown Hopefuls” series takes centre stage for Olympics and Paralympics hopefuls from all fifty states, alongside Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. These remarkable athletes are striving towards the ultimate dream of representing their nation at the Paris 2024 Games.

Remembering the 1996 Atlanta Games

Recently, NBC Olympics and Paralympics shared a post on X about the famous boxers of all time. They captioned it as,? LA28, will be the first summer Olympics and Paralympics in the U.S since Atlanta 1996. We?re taking a look back at those centennial games.”

Recently, 91-year-old Andrew Young, the former mayor of Atlanta and co-chair of the Olympic organizing committee, reminded about the 1996 Atlanta Games. In the 1996 Atlanta Games, the legendary Muhammad Ali played a significant role. Ali, despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis, made a memorable appearance. Sprinter Michael Johnson also made history by winning both the 200m and 400m events in Golden Shoes. The legendary Carl Lewis secured his fourth long jump gold medal, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee displayed her tenacity with a gutsy long jump bronze. The Games also saw tremendous success for U.S. women’s teams in gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and softball, further contributing to the memorable moments of the Atlanta Olympics.

From a hometown dream to a global success

Beyond the achievements on the track and field, the Atlanta Games significantly contributed to the growth and transformation of the city. Hartsfield?Jackson International Airport, which became the world’s busiest, stands as a testament to Atlanta’s evolution into a world-class city.

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As the world eagerly anticipates the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the first Summer Olympics and Paralympics in the U.S. since Atlanta 1996, it is a fitting time to revisit the inspirational moments and enduring impact of the Centennial Games. These Games not only showcased the potential of athletes but also the boundless possibilities of a city that dared to dream and succeed.

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