US OLYMPIC CITIES

Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games

Randy Snow and Candace Cable at 1996 Atlanta Paralympics Opening Ceremony
Associated Press photo/Tannen Maury

U.S. Paralympic team members Randy Snow and Candace Cable share a laugh during the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

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These were the first Paralympic Games to attract corporate sponsorship and also the first to include Persons with an Intellectual Disability.

Jean Driscoll, who had previously won gold in the sprint relay races, won the gold medal in the women’s marathon and 10,000 meters. Swimmer Trischa Zorn won gold in the 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley, the fifth consecutive Paralympics in which she won gold.

Australia’s Louise Savage dominated the women’s wheelchair racing events, winning four gold medals (400m, 800, 1,500 and 5,000).

Paralympic Highlights

  • Nations: 104
  • Athletes: 3,808 (2,643 men, 1,165 women)
  • Disciplines: 19
  • Medal Count: United States 158 (47 gold, 46 silver, 65 bronze); Germany 149 (40 gold, 58 silver, 51 bronze); Great Britain 122 (39 gold, 42 silver, 41 bronze)
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