Atlanta '96 In the Centennial Games, athletic competition survived a tragic interlude by Richard Hoffer Day 1 From Garish to Grand on Opening Night Day 2 Waking Up from the Dream Day 3 A Duel in the Pool Day 4 Once again, a Herculean Effort Day 5 A Most Unlikely Hero Day 6 When Only Gold Is Good Enough Day 7 Making Way for a New Wave Day 8 Who Needs Water? Just Add Sand Day 9 Day of Mourning, Night of Joy Day 10 Where the Cold War Is Still Hot Day 11 Once Again, Man of the Hour Day 12 Their Debut was a Big Hit Day 13 Wrestling with His Emotions Day 14 For the Record, a Singular Double Day 15 Tumbling to Gold from Three Stories Up Day 16 No Longer the Main Event Day 17 Taking Their Game to New Heights
photographs by (left, top to bottom) Walter Iooss Jr., John Biever, Heinz Kluetmeier (right, top to bottom) Walter Iooss Jr., Jim Gund, John Biever, David E. Klutho