Atlanta 1996

The games marking a century from the revival of the Olympics were held July 19 - August 4. It was clear that Coca-Cola had more cash than Greece that gave birth to the ancient Olympic Games. IOC members put aside sentimental feelings and history and voted for Atlanta. 9,367 athletes (2,708 women) from 169 nations arrived in Atlanta
At home the Americans won most medals  - 101 (44  gold). With  his Long Jump title Carl Lewis matched the all time record of Paavo Nurmi (Finland) for 9  gold  medals.  Other heroes in athletics  were sprinters  Michael Johnson (USA) and Marie-Jose Perec (France). Olympic  titles  glorified the  careers  of Stefka Kostadinova (High Jump), wrestler Valentin Yordanov and boxer  Daniel  Petrov. Silver  medals went to Serafim Todorov and Toncho Tonchev (Boxing), Yoto Yotov (Weightlifting), Krassimir Dunev (Gymnastics-Artistic),  Emil Milev and Diana Yorgova (Shooting), and the ensemble team in rhythmic gymnastics. Bronze medallists became Maria  Grozdeva  and Tanyo Kiryakov (Shooting),  Sevdalin  Marinov and Nikolay Peshalov (Weightlifting), Adrian Dushev and Milko Kazanov (Canoe/Kayak).