The centennial Summer Olympics, held in Atlanta in 1996, marked 100 years of the modern Games and drew 10,318 athletes from 197 nations.
Key Facts
- Athletes competed
- 10,318
- Nations represented
- 197 National Olympic Committees
- Sports contested
- 26
- Tickets sold
- 8.3 million
- Bombing casualties
- 2 killed, 111 injured
- US total medals
- 101
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Atlanta was selected to host the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, coinciding with the centennial of the modern Olympic movement. The IOC's 1994 decision to stagger Summer and Winter Games in alternating even-numbered years made 1996 the first Summer Olympics held separately from the Winter Games since 1924, raising the event's profile as a historic milestone.
From July 19 to August 4, 1996, Atlanta hosted 10,318 athletes from 197 nations competing across 26 sports, with debut events including beach volleyball, mountain biking, and softball. The Games were marred by a pipe bomb attack at Centennial Olympic Park on July 27, killing two and injuring 111. The United States topped the medal standings with 101 total medals, and Donovan Bailey set a 100-meter world record of 9.84 seconds.
The 1996 Olympics turned a profit through record sponsorship and broadcast revenue. Centennial Olympic Park spurred revitalization of Atlanta's downtown district, the Olympic Village was repurposed as university housing, and the main stadium was subsequently redeveloped as Turner Field and later Center Parc Stadium. Eric Rudolph was eventually convicted for the bombing and sentenced to life in prison.