After the financial problems of 1976, only Los Angeles bid for the right to host the 1984 Olympic Games. The bid was criticised for depending heavily on existing facilities and corporate sponsors. However, the Games produced a healthy profit of $223 million (USD) and became the model for future Games.
Although a revenge boycott led by the Soviet Union depleted the field in certain sports, 140 National Olympic Committees took part, which was a record at the time. Good feelings prevailed to such an extent that at the Opening Ceremony the athletes broke ranks to join in spontaneous dancing, something usually reserved for the Closing Ceremony.
Archer Neroli Fairhall of New Zealand was the first paraplegic athlete to take part in a medal event, competing in a wheelchair. The first Olympic women’s marathon was staged, and was won by Joan Benoit of the U.S. Rhythmic gymnastics, synchronised swimming and the women’s cycling road race also made their debuts.
Congratulations, Carl
Carl Lewis entered the history books by matching the Berlin 1936 achievement of fellow American Jesse Owens, winning gold medals in the same four events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump.
NOCs: 140
Athletes: 6,829 (1,566 women, 5,263 men)
Events: 221
Volunteers: 28,742
Media: 9,190 media (4,327 written press, 4,863 broadcasters)
The Soviet Boycott
With the Olympics being held in the United States only four years after the U.S.-led boycott of the Moscow Games, it was not surprising that the Soviet Union organised a revenge boycott in 1984. This time only 14 nations stayed away—but those nations accounted for 58 per cent of the gold medals at the 1976 Olympics.
Swimming
An oddity occurred in men’s 400m freestyle swimming. Beginning in 1984 and until 1996, the eight fastest qualifiers took part in the “A” final and the ninth to 16th fastest swam in a consolation “B” final. For the only time in Olympic history, the winner of the “B” final, Thomas Fahrner (FRG) recorded a faster time than the winner of the “A” final.
Marathon for Women
Fifty-six years after doctors declared that women who ran 800m would “become old too soon,” a women’s marathon was added to the Olympic programme.
Diplomas
Diplomas of Honour are awarded to the top eight finishers in each event.
Ceremonies
28 July 1984, Los Angeles: the spectacle. The brass band "All American Marching Band".
Official Opening of the Games by:
President of the United States of America Ronald Reagan
Lighting the Olympic Flame by:
Rafer Johnson (athletics)
Olympic Oath by:
Edwin Moses (athletics)
Officials' Oath by:
Sharon Weber (artistic gymnastics)