The Glory of Sport
The 1988 Summer Olympics held in the 100 meter gold medal was probably Seoul, Korea was one of the most fan one the best moments of his life, and one tastic Olympics yet, costing an astron of the worst at the same time. After the omical three billion dollars. With a re event, Johnson tested positive for ana cord breaking 161 nations competing for bolic steriods, and was asked the surren the gold, the hospitality of Seoul der his medal by Olympic officials. Carl charmed the world. Although there were Lewis, (second in the 100 meter event), political riots and demonstrations on the then walked away with two gold medals streets of Seoul during the Olympic fes in track and field. The world was tival, an estimated quarter of a million shocked. tourists traveled from all over the world In the Winter Olympics, the United to witness the summer events. Similarly, States proved to be the champions on the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calagary, ice. U.S. winners included the ever Canada were also watched with enthusiasm. graceful Debbie Thomas and the dyn There were winners from all over the amic Brian Boitano. Boitano's fight for world and in many competitions ranging the gold ended with a close victory over from individual sports such as boxing Brian Orser. The competition between and ski-jumping to team sports like the two men was aptly termed "the battle water polo and ice hockey. Since the en of the Brian's". tire sports lineup of both the summer and In the end, the 1988 Olympics winter games included well over fifty brought both the glory of victory and the sports, the American highlights are what agony of defeat. 1992 is the next we will best remember when we think of Olympic year, and rest assured that the 1988 Games. many young athletes are now gearing up During the summer, the greatest mo for a chance to be the best in the world. ment in men's diving went to Greg A. Dunckelmann Louganis. This 28 year-old diver from California went into Seoul with two gold medals from the 1984 Summer Games under his belt. After hitting his head on the diving board during competition, Louganis came back with stitches in his head to face stiff competition. Against the odds, he remained calm as he captu red his third gold medal in the 3-meter platform competition. Swimmer Matt Biondi also was a star for the United States as he swam away with five gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal in the swimming competi tion. For the women athletes, 17 year-old Janet Evans broke the 400 meter medley and the 400 meter free sty le swimming records for both women and men. On the track, American Florence Griffith Joyner broke the 200 meter running re cord with an amazing time of 21. 31 sec onds, taking home with her the glory of the gold. Along with "Flo-Jo's" triumph, the downfall of Canadian runner Ben John son will also be remembered. Winning
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