In, 1984, Los Angeles played host to the Olympic Games for the second time since 1932.
The Games were mired in several controversies, ranging from political boycotts to contentious events on the field.
Soviet Boycott
Perhaps the most prominent controversy was the Soviet-led boycott. Following the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Soviet Union and 14 of its allies responded in kind at the 1984 Games.
Officially, the Soviet Union cited security concerns and alleged anti-Soviet sentiment as reasons for their withdrawal. However, it was widely speculated that the move was a tit-for-tat response to the U.S. boycott four years earlier.
The boycott notably reduced the level of competition in various sports, as many top athletes from Eastern Bloc countries were absent.
The Zola Budd Incident
One of the most dramatic moments of the Games involved Zola Budd, a South African runner competing for Great Britain. Budd was at the center of a highly publicized collision with American runner Mary Decker during the women's 3000 meters race.
The incident occurred when Budd and Decker inadvertently tangled, causing Decker to fall and injure herself.
An International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) jury cleared Budd of any wrongdoing, but the incident sparked a media frenzy and debates over Budd's eligibility to compete, given that she had obtained British citizenship just months before the Games to bypass the international sports ban on South Africa due to Apartheid.
Kevin Barry vs. Evander Holyfield
The boxing match between New Zealand's Kevin Barry and America's Evander Holyfield was another contentious episode of the LA Games.
In a controversial decision, Holyfield was disqualified for hitting Barry after the referee had called a break. The disqualification came as a shock to many, as Holyfield had been leading the match and was widely expected to win.
As a result, Barry advanced to the final and secured a silver medal, while Holyfield was left with a bronze. The decision led to widespread criticism of the officiating, particularly from American commentators and fans.
Iran Boycott
Iran was among also among the countries that boycotted the 1984 Games, citing the U.S.' involvement in the Middle East.
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. had significantly escalated following the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis.
Libya also boycotted the Games following the barring of Libyan journalists into the U.S., reportedly due to terror concerns.
U.S. Gymnastics Gold
Another key controversy from the 1984 Olympics centered around the U.S. gymnastics team, specifically, the success of Mary Lou Retton.
Retton became the first American woman to win gold in the all-around competition. However, the absence of strong competitors from the boycotting countries raised questions about her victory.
The Olympic Games are set to return to Los Angeles in 2028, and Newsweek has mapped confirmed L.A. venue locations.
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