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Democracy

In a coup for the Olympic Movement, Korea (South Korea) turned democratic in order to welcome the world to the Summer Games. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) boycotted, and was joined by Cuba, Ethiopia and Nicaragua. Still, records were set with 159 nations participating, 52 winning medals and 31 taking home gold medals.

Emotion

The Games got off to a dramatic start at the Opening Ceremony when the torch was run into the stadium by 76-year-old Sohn Kee-chung, the winner of the 1936 marathon. In 1936 Sohn had been forced to enter using a Japanese name because Korea was occupied by Japan.

Doping

Ben Johnson (CAN) set a world record in the 100m dash, but tested positive for steroids. Johnson was the first well known athlete to be disqualified for using drugs.

Ladies first

For the first time, all three medalists in equestrian dressage were women.

Seven Olympics

Fencer Kerstin Palm (SWE) became the first woman to take part in seven Olympics.

New on the programme

Table tennis makes its first appearance in the Olympic programme.

The comeback of tennis

Tennis returns as a medal sport after a hiatus of 64 years.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)