The 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States
The Soviets, in retaliation for the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games, boycotted the 1984 Olympics. Along with the Soviet Union, East Germany, and Cuba, fourteen other countries boycotted the Games.
Though these countries boycotted, there was a newcomer to the 1984 Olympics - China participated in the Games for the first time since 1932.
After the serious economic problems caused by the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, the 1984 Olympic Games saw, for the first time ever, corporate sponsors for the Games. In this first year, the Games had 43 companies who were licensed to sell "official" Olympic products. Allowing corporate sponsors caused the 1984 Olympic Games to be the first Games to turn a profit ($225 million) since 1932.
Mary Lou Retton, who received perfect scores in her final two events, became the first American woman to win an individual gold medal in gymnastics.
Approximately 6,000 athletes participated, representing 140 countries.
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