Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs In 2028, the Olympic Games are set to return to Los Angeles for what will be the city’s third stint as host—the 1932 and 1984 Games were previously held in the City of Angels.Los Angeles’ successful bid for the 1984 Olympics marked a turning point in the history of the Games, showcasing a financially viable model that emphasized private funding, sponsorship deals, and the use of existing infrastructure, that reshaped Olympic model for future events in the years that followed. It also introduced several new events aimed at increasing female participation and new technology that increased allowed better communication between athletes and improved efficiency.Financial ViabilityThe 1984 Games made a profit of over $200 million, becoming “the only Olympics in history to present a truly positive financial balance sheet,” Olympic Games expert and historian Kevin Wamsley told Newsweek.”It created a myth that the Olympic Games were profitable, a myth which lasted decades, which led to cities falling over each other to bid for the Games. 1984 ushered in an era of completely commercialized Olympics, which pulled the IOC (International Olympic Committee) from potential bankruptcy to an organization that was flush with cash.”The IOC’s careful management of television rights, combined with its flagship sponsorship program allowed the organization to “catapult” itself into financial sustainability, said Wamsley.”The process of commercializing all aspects of the Games, which was directly linked to the successful promotion of the Olympics through televised spectacle brought the event to the world at depths which were unprecedented,” he added.
Left, the opening ceremony for the XXIII Olympic Games on 28 July 1984 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Right, a mural reveals the new LA28 logo, at the Delano Recreation Center…
Left, the opening ceremony for the XXIII Olympic Games on 28 July 1984 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Right, a mural reveals the new LA28 logo, at the Delano Recreation Center on September 01, 2020 in Van Nuys, California.
More
Steve Powell/Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Evolving NarrativesTaking place during the Cold War, the 1984 Olympics were naturally shaped by the politics which defined the standoff between America and the Soviet Union.”The Games became a focal point for the celebration of Cold War politics which fostered an era of heightened competition for medals and records for both men and women supported extensively by nation states,” Wamsley said.”Cold War emphasis on the cultural superiority and celebration of nationhood through all elements of the spectacle, combined with the ubiquitous and strategic promotion of the Games sold the Olympics to most corners of the world for the next 20 plus years.”Though still competitive in their nature, the international politics of the 2028 Olympics will likely be somewhat softened.”In the past 15-20 years global relations and narratives have shifted significantly and the Cold War emphases on creating narratives about rivals have dissipated and been reframed. It is certainly not the same world as the pre and post 1984 era,” Wamsley said.Olympics Participation For WomenThe 1984 Olympics also marked a significant milestone for women’s sports, featuring several new events that expanded opportunities for female athletes. These included:Synchronized SwimmingSynchronized swimming made its Olympic debut in 1984, exclusively featuring female competitors. The U.S. excelled, winning gold medals in both the solo and duet events. The inclusion of synchronized swimming highlighted the growing recognition of artistic sports within the Olympic movement, paving the way for such events as breakdancing, which was featured for the first time in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Women’s CyclingAnother notable addition was the women’s cycling road race, marking the first time women competed in Olympic cycling events. American Connie Carpenter secured the gold medal in this inaugural race.Rhythmic GymnasticsRhythmic gymnastics also debuted in Los Angeles, with the event limited to female athletes. Canadian Lori Fung captured the gold medal in the women’s individual all-around competition.Women’s MarathonThe 1984 Games saw the introduction of the women’s marathon, a long-distance event that had previously been deemed too strenuous for them. American Joan Benoit won the gold medal with a time of 2:24:52, a performance that shattered previous misconceptions about women’s endurance capabilities.Women’s ShootingFor the first time, women competed in shooting events exclusively against other women. American Pat Spurgin won gold in the 10m air rifle event.Other Women’s EventsBeyond these new additions, the 1984 Olympics featured a wide array of women’s events across various sports, including athletics, swimming, and gymnastics. The U.S. women’s team performed exceptionally well, particularly in swimming, where they won 11 out of 14 events. Notable athletes included Mary T. Meagher and Tracy Caulkins, each earning three gold medals.Such expansion not only provided more opportunities for women to compete at the highest levels but also paved the way for future advancements in gender equality in sports.New TechnologyDuring the 1984 Olympics, the Electronic Messaging System (EMS) introduced by AT&T emerged as a standout among the various technological systems employed at the Games.This system was notable for its pioneering use of electronic mail, marking the first time such technology was utilized at an Olympic event. It allowed for efficient communication among athletes, coaches, and media personnel, revolutionizing the way information was exchanged during the event and enhancing the overall efficiency of the Games’ operations. The system’s success laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of email more generally.Curious as to which sites will host the next Olympics’ events? Newsweek has mapped Los Angeles venue locations for the 2028 Games.Newsweek has also mapped which countries have hosted the most Olympic Games.Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about the 2028 LA Olympics? Do you have any questions about the 2024 Paris Olympics? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
