America: A History Podcast

When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?

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Episode notes

In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics?

Special Guests:

• David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International Society of Olympic Historians.

In this episode, David shares his own personal experiences of attending and covering the Olympics. We discuss the corruption and scandal surrounding Atlanta's bid, the tragic Olympic park bombing, and why Atlanta has become a case study for how not to run an Olympic games.

Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky and Jaime Loucky

WEBSITE: The International Society of Olympic Historians

WEBSITE: 11 Key Moments of Atlanta 1996

VIDEO: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony

If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

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When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?

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