Date
July 19 - August 8
Teams
197
Country
America
Events
271
Athletes
10318
Drama and tragedy
The 1996 Games witnessed an exciting and enthusiastic start when the legend Muhammad Ali lit the cauldron. Adjacent to the main competition site was an outdoor area known as the Centenary Olympic Park. The park looked like it was part of the Games, but in reality it was not part of the Olympic security system. In the early hours of July 27, a bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park, killing two people and wounding 110 others.
Olympic beginnings
For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, all 197 recognized National Olympic Committees were represented at the Games. Also, for the first time, beach volleyball, mountain biking, light rowing and women's football joined the Olympic program. Austrian Hubert Raudaschl became the first sailing racer to participate in nine Olympic Games. Before beginning his winning streak in 1964, he was a reserve racer in 1960.
Immortal heroes
In track and field, French athlete Marie-Josie Perec won the 200m and successfully defended her title in the 400m. She became the most successful Frenchwoman of all time and the first female runner to win the 400m twice. To maintain his first place, American Michael Johnson became the first runner in the history of the Games to win the 200m and 400m races. He set a new world record when he won the 200m with a time of 19.32 seconds.
Turkish ideal
Turkey's Naim Süleymanoglu became the first weight lifter in history to win three consecutive Olympic titles. A Turkish journalist wrote: “When he eats in a restaurant, no one asks him to pay the bill; If he exceeds the speed limit in his car, the police will not impose any fine on him, but rather wish him a happy journey.”
National Olympic Committees: 197
Athletes: 10,318 (3,512 women and 6,806 men)
Events: 271
Number of volunteers: 47466
The media: 15,108 media outlets (5,695 print media, 9,413 broadcasters)
English 
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