This image is the cover for the book Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, Images of Sports

Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, Images of Sports

The Games of the XXIII Olympiad, Los Angeles 1984, reimagined the Olympic Games and reinvigorated a troubled Olympic movement. Its innovations included the following: a nationwide torch relay that yielded millions for children's charities; an arts festival that surpassed any prior efforts; the first Opening Ceremony featuring a professional theatrical extravaganza; new sports disciplines, such as distance races for women, windsurfing, synchronized swimming, heptathlon, and rhythmic gymnastics; an army of volunteers; vast increases in sponsorship and television revenue while avoiding commercialization and keeping expenses low using existing facilities; and a financial surplus of over $232 million, which has endowed sports for youngsters in the Los Angeles area to this day--all through a privately financed organizing committee without government contributions.

Barry A. Sanders

Barry A. Sanders is the author of American Avatar: The United States in the Global Imagination. He is an adjunct professor of communication studies at UCLA and chairs the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games. As a partner at the law firm of Latham & Watkins, he served as outside counsel to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.

Arcadia Publishing