Atlanta 1996 -- Highlights

An astonishing world record

Michael Johnson's (USA-athletics) double success over 200m and 400m was the first for a man in Olympic history. His victory over 200m in 19.32 seconds established a new world record.

The most successful French female athlete of all time

Marie-José Pérec (FRA-athletics) won the 200m and then broke the 400m Olympic record, thus achieving the best performance for ten years. She became the most successful French female athlete of all time and the first sportswoman to win the Olympic title over 400m twice consecutively.

Four medals for MEDALS Popov

Aleksandr Popov (RUS-swimming) won two gold and two silver medals. A very experienced competitor and a magnificent glider, he created the impression that swimming was an effortless undertaking.

An idol in turkey

Naim Suleymanoglu (TUR-weightlifting) became the first weightlifter in history to win three consecutive Olympic titles. "When he eats at a restaurant, nobody asks him to pay the bill; if he breaks the speed limit, he does not get fined, and the police wish him a pleasant journey," wrote a Turkish journalist.