What were the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games?

The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games , the 20th modern Olympics, took place from July 28 to August 12, 1984. Nearly 6,800 athletes from 140 countries participated, with China's return since 1952 and new women's events like cycling and the marathon. Due to a boycott by communist countries, the U.S. team won the most medals (174). Carl Lewis matched Jesse Owens's 1936 feat with four gold medals. Under Peter Ueberroth, the Games embraced commercialism, allowing corporate sponsors to use Olympic symbols. This led to a profit of \$225 million, a first since 1932, raising optimism despite boycott concerns. The Games used existing facilities, including the Coliseum, and made over \$200 million in profit, setting an example for future hosts.

Why were the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles?

The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles because the city already possessed existing facilities, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , which was originally built to host the 1932 Games. After Boston withdrew its bid due to flagging public support, Los Angeles became the American candidate city. Under the direction of American entrepreneur Peter Ueberroth, the 1984 Olympics saw commercialism become integral to the staging of the Games. The Games turned a profit of around $225 million, the first profitable Olympics since 1932.

Which sports were included in the 1984 Olympic Games?

The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games featured a variety of sports. The number of events for women grew to include cycling , rhythmic gymnastics , and synchronized swimming , as well as several new track-and-field events, including the marathon. Boxing , diving , swimming , and gymnastics were also included. Judo was included as an Olympic event.

How did the 1984 Olympics differ from previous Olympic Games?

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics differed from previous Games in several ways. Many communist countries, including the Soviet Union, boycotted the Games, citing safety concerns, while China participated for the first time since 1952. The number of events for women grew to include cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and track-and-field events such as the marathon. Under Peter Ueberroth's direction, the Games saw commercialism rise as corporate sponsors were allowed to display Olympic symbols on their products. The Games made a profit of $225 million, the first profitable Olympics since 1932, and its financial success and high television ratings raised optimism.

What major countries or athletes participated in the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics?

The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games saw participation from approximately 6,800 athletes representing 140 countries. China participated in the Summer Games for the first time since 1952. However, many communist countries, including the Soviet Union, East Germany, and Cuba, did not participate, citing safety concerns for their athletes. Several athletes achieved prominence at the Games. Carl Lewis of the U.S. won four gold medals in track and field, while Mary Lou Retton became the first American woman to win the individual gold medal in the combined exercises for gymnastics. Other notable athletes included Li Ning (China, gymnastics), Ecaterina Szabo (Romania, gymnastics), and Koji Gushiken (Japan, gymnastics).

How did the 1984 Olympics impact Los Angeles and the Olympic Games in general?

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics significantly impacted both the city and the Olympic Games. Los Angeles took a pragmatic, low-frills approach by using existing facilities such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , which was originally built for the 1932 Games. These games saw the rise of commercialism, allowing corporate sponsors to market their products with Olympic symbols. This strategy led to a profit of over $200 million, a first since 1932, which inspired other cities. Despite a boycott from communist countries, the Games' financial success and high television ratings boosted optimism in the Olympic movement.

Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games

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Images & Videos

Mark Todd of New Zealand rides his horse Charisma over a jump during the stadium jumping phase of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic eventing competition, with a large crowd in the background.

Olympic medals hang against a blurry background.

American diver Greg Louganis smiles with his hands on his hips, wearing two Olympic gold medals around his neck.

Bart Conner at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games

Edwin Moses at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games

Sebastian Coe, Steve Cram, and Steve Ovett run at the front of the pack during the men's 1500 meter final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, wearing white track uniforms.

Michael Gross competing at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles

Quick Facts

Date:: July 28, 1984 - August 12, 1984

Location:: California; Los Angeles; United States

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Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games

Also known as: Games of the XXIII Olympiad

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History

Top Questions

What were the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games?
The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, the 20th modern Olympics, took place from July 28 to August 12, 1984.

Nearly 6,800 athletes from 140 countries participated, with China's return since 1952 and new women's events like cycling and the marathon. Due to a boycott by communist countries, the U.S. team won the most medals (174). Carl Lewis matched Jesse Owens's 1936 feat with four gold medals.

Under Peter Ueberroth, the Games embraced commercialism, allowing corporate sponsors to use Olympic symbols. This led to a profit of \$225 million, a first since 1932, raising optimism despite boycott concerns. The Games used existing facilities, including the Coliseum, and made over \$200 million in profit, setting an example for future hosts.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Why were the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles?
The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles because the city already possessed existing facilities, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was originally built to host the 1932 Games. After Boston withdrew its bid due to flagging public support, Los Angeles became the American candidate city.

Under the direction of American entrepreneur Peter Ueberroth, the 1984 Olympics saw commercialism become integral to the staging of the Games. The Games turned a profit of around $225 million, the first profitable Olympics since 1932.
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Which sports were included in the 1984 Olympic Games?
The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games featured a variety of sports. The number of events for women grew to include cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, and synchronized swimming, as well as several new track-and-field events, including the marathon. Boxing, diving, swimming, and gymnastics were also included. Judo was included as an Olympic event.
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How did the 1984 Olympics differ from previous Olympic Games?
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics differed from previous Games in several ways. Many communist countries, including the Soviet Union, boycotted the Games, citing safety concerns, while China participated for the first time since 1952. The number of events for women grew to include cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and track-and-field events such as the marathon. Under Peter Ueberroth's direction, the Games saw commercialism rise as corporate sponsors were allowed to display Olympic symbols on their products. The Games made a profit of $225 million, the first profitable Olympics since 1932, and its financial success and high television ratings raised optimism.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What major countries or athletes participated in the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics?
The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games saw participation from approximately 6,800 athletes representing 140 countries. China participated in the Summer Games for the first time since 1952. However, many communist countries, including the Soviet Union, East Germany, and Cuba, did not participate, citing safety concerns for their athletes.

Several athletes achieved prominence at the Games. Carl Lewis of the U.S. won four gold medals in track and field, while Mary Lou Retton became the first American woman to win the individual gold medal in the combined exercises for gymnastics. Other notable athletes included Li Ning (China, gymnastics), Ecaterina Szabo (Romania, gymnastics), and Koji Gushiken (Japan, gymnastics).
2 Britannica Sources
1. Olympic Games: Los Angeles, California, U.S., 1984
2. Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How did the 1984 Olympics impact Los Angeles and the Olympic Games in general?
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics significantly impacted both the city and the Olympic Games. Los Angeles took a pragmatic, low-frills approach by using existing facilities such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was originally built for the 1932 Games.

These games saw the rise of commercialism, allowing corporate sponsors to market their products with Olympic symbols. This strategy led to a profit of over $200 million, a first since 1932, which inspired other cities. Despite a boycott from communist countries, the Games' financial success and high television ratings boosted optimism in the Olympic movement.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, athletic festival held in Los Angeles that took place July 28–August 12, 1984. The Los Angeles Games were the 20th occurrence of the modern Olympic Games.

Many communist countries—including the Soviet Union, East Germany, and Cuba—retaliated for the U.S.-led boycott of the Moscow 1980 Games by staying away from the 1984 Games, citing concerns over the safety of their athletes in what they considered a hostile and fiercely anticommunist environment. China, however, participated in the Summer Games for the first time since 1952. In all, nearly 6,800 athletes representing 140 countries came to Los Angeles. The number of events for women grew to include cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and several new track-and-field events, most notably the marathon.

Most medals by country

United States: 174
West Germany: 59
Romania: 53
Canada: 44
United Kingdom: 37

Note: Medal count per the IOC website.

Under the direction of the American entrepreneur Peter Ueberroth, the 1984 Olympics witnessed the ascension of commercialism as an integral element in the staging of the Games. Corporate sponsors, principally U.S.-based multinationals, were allowed to put Olympic symbols on their products, which were then marketed as the “official” such product of the Olympics. A spot on the torch relay team sold for $3,000 per km. The Olympics turned a profit ($225 million) for the first time since 1932. Despite concerns about growing corporate involvement and the reduced competition caused by the communist boycott, the financial success and high worldwide television ratings raised optimism about the Olympic movement for the first time in a generation.

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Silhouette of hand holding sport torch behind the rings of an Olympic flag, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; February 3, 2015.

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As in 1980, the boycott resulted in empty lanes and canceled heats on the track and an unbalanced distribution of medals. At the 1984 Games the U.S. team benefited most, capturing 174 medals, 83 of which were gold. The track-and-field competition returned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had hosted several events during the 1932 Olympic Games and had been renovated for the 1984 Games. American Carl Lewis, competing in the same events Jesse Owens had won at the 1936 Games in Berlin, won four gold medals. Sebastian Coe and Daley Thompson of Great Britain each repeated their gold medal performances of 1980, winning the 1,500-meter run and the decathlon, respectively. See also Sidebar: Zola Budd: Collision and Controversy.

Greg LouganisAmerican diver Greg Louganis posing with his two gold medals at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

The U.S. women’s team won 11 of the 14 swimming events. Mary T. Meagher and Tracy Caulkins each earned three gold medals. American Greg Louganis swept the diving events. With the powerful eastern European teams absent, the U.S. men’s and women’s gymnastic teams had their best Olympic showing ever; Mary Lou Retton became the first American woman to capture the individual gold medal in the all-around competition. In boxing, without the challenge of the Cubans, the U.S. team dominated the competition, earning nine gold medals. The top medal-winning athletes are listed below.

athlete	country	sport	gold	silver	bronze	total
1. Li Ning	China	gymnastics	3	2	1	6
2. Ecaterina Szabo	Romania	gymnastics	4	1	0	5
3. Koji Gushiken	Japan	gymnastics	2	1	2	5
4. Mary-Lou Retton	U.S.	gymnastics	1	2	2	5
5. Carl Lewis	U.S.	track and field	4	0	0	4
6. Michael Steward Heath	U.S.	swimming	3	1	0	4
6. Nancy Hogshead	U.S.	swimming	3	1	0	4
8. Michael Gross	West Germany	swimming	2	2	0	4
9. Mitchell Jay Gaylord	U.S.	gymnastics	1	1	2	4

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Mindy Johnston.

Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games

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