1992 Barcelona, Spain
The Olympic Games of Barcelona were characterized as the "Olympics
of passion, technology, pragmatism and of the Mediterranean mentality".
The Cold War was over, Germany was once again unified and Barcelona grabbed the unique chance to escape from the economic crisis that troubled the entire nation throughout the 1980’s. Barcelona was waiting for the day that it would be awarded the desired games, and organization that accompanied such a prize. The presence of the Catalan president of the IOC gave them the desired result.
The 500th celebration of the discovery of America by Christopher Colombus was the theme of the bid committee that resulted in the success of awarding Barcelona the Games that were considered to be the best ever.
In the commencement ceremony 173 countries paraded while in the stands many political leaders were admiring the scene. Among the leaders were Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Francois Mitteran, Carlos Menen and US vice president Dan Quale.
It was in the Games of Barcelona that the US Dream Team made its presence for the first time. It was composed with the best players on the planet and with ease destroyed every opponent.
The biggest surprise of the Games was the Greek runner in the 100 m hurdles, Voula Patoulidou who won the gold medal. Lindford Christie terminated the supremacy of the American athletes in the 100m.