The Olympic Torch Relay will return to U.S. soil in 2028, with Atlanta, the last U.S. host city, serving as the starting point for the LA28 relay’s journey before traveling across all 50 states.
Atlanta’s Olympic connection began with an ambitious idea. In 1987, Atlanta attorney Billy Payne began pursuing the 1996 Games, later gaining the support of then-Mayor Andrew Young, as reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Despite skepticism that Atlanta could compete for an event of this magnitude, the city’s bid highlighted its growing infrastructure, international connections, business community, and civil rights history.
On September 18, 1990, the International Olympic Committee selected Atlanta over Athens, Greece, and four other cities by a final vote of 51–35, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The unexpected victory sparked celebrations across Atlanta and helped strengthen the city’s emerging image as an international destination.
From the seed of ambition and support planted by its visionaries, the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, held July 19–August 4, produced some of the games’ unforgettable memories that the writer remembers like they were from yesterday from the family’s big box color TV screen.
Atlanta ’96 highlighted moments that stood out, with some of the US athletes gleaming that spirit on the world stage that’s similar to the city’s history to create standout moments and have an ambitious mindset. The U.S. Women’s Basketball Team went undefeated and captured gold, and as a result, the American Basketball League (ABL) was formed from 1996 to 1998 and the WNBA a year later, which still exists today. Meanwhile, Michael Johnson won gold in the 200m and 400m, setting world records in both events. Marion Jones made her Olympic debut, and gymnast Kerri Strug helped the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, the “Magnificent Seven,” win its first Olympic team gold despite injuring her ankle on her first vault attempt. The team also featured talents such as Amanda Borden, Shannon Miller, and Dominique Dawes.
Special moments from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games – from left to right: US Women’s Basketball team, Michael Johnson dominating the track and field, and the Magnificent Seven gymnastic team; Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Games also generated significant economic activity. Atlanta reported an estimated $5 billion economic impact, while the Olympics reported that the city saw up to $1.8 billion in additional construction activity involving hotels, offices, and housing during the following decade.
The city also built the Centennial Olympic Park, a gathering hub in infrastructure upgrade for the 96 Summer Games, which remains a gathering place and tourist destination in downtown Atlanta.
Now, 32 years later, Atlanta’s Olympic legacy will connect with LA28 when the Olympic flame returns to the city to begin its journey across America. Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games for the third time in 2028, following its previous Games in 1932 and 1984.
