MX23RW : Tuesday, July 2 22:13:11| >> :600:124813702:124813702:

Picture of the day - Atlanta opening ceremony marks 100th anniversary of Olympics

Picture of the day - Atlanta opening ceremony marks 100th anniversary of Olympics
© Reuters
The 1996 Games represented a significant milestone for the Olympics.

Performers came together to form the number 100 as the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics marked the centenary of the modern Games.

A century after the first edition was held in Athens, the 1996 curtain-raiser was quick to reference the milestone, with the display being the climax of an elaborate opening sequence.

The ceremony featured performances by Gladys Knight and Celine Dion, while then US president Bill Clinton declared the Games open and Muhammad Ali was given the honour of lighting the flame.

Staged at Centennial Olympic Stadium, the ceremony was watched by an estimated global audience of 3.5 billion.

The Games represented the fourth time the US had hosted, with Atlanta following in the footsteps of St Louis and Los Angeles, which has welcomed the event on two occasions.

The summer Olympics will return to the US in 2028, when LA again plays host.

ID:407127: cacheID:407127:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1554:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson pictured on June 23, 2020
Read Next:
Pools, gyms and outdoor arts performances to return in latest lockdown easing
>
Read more about Athletics
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!