The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta marked the Centennial Games, celebrating 100 years of the modern Olympic movement. From July 19 to August 4, the city welcomed athletes from 197 nations, making it one of the largest gatherings in Olympic history. Iconic moments included Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic cauldron, Michael Johnson’s record-breaking sprints in golden shoes, and the U.S. women’s gymnastics team—“The Magnificent Seven”—winning their first-ever team gold. While remembered for triumphs, the Games also carried the weight of tragedy with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Overall, the 1996 Olympics transformed Atlanta, leaving behind Centennial Olympic Park and cementing the city’s place on the global stage.
The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta marked the Centennial Games, celebrating 100 years of the modern Olympic movement. From July 19 to August 4, the city welcomed athletes from 197 nations, making it one of the largest gatherings in Olympic history. Iconic moments included Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic cauldron, Michael Johnson’s record-breaking sprints in golden shoes, and the U.S. women’s gymnastics team—“The Magnificent Seven”—winning their first-ever team gold. While remembered for triumphs, the Games also carried the weight of tragedy with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Overall, the 1996 Olympics transformed Atlanta, leaving behind Centennial Olympic Park and cementing the city’s place on the global stage.
