The Olympic Games are the world’s largest multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from all over the world to compete in various sports. The Olympics have been held every four years since 1896, with the exception of a few years during World War I and II. Over the years, the Olympics have grown in popularity, with millions of people attending the games to watch their favorite athletes compete. In this article, we will take a look at which Olympic Games had the largest attendance.
1972 Munich Olympics
The 1972 Munich Olympics, held in Germany, had a total attendance of 9 million visitors [2]. This was the largest attendance at an Olympic Games until the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The Munich Olympics were marred by tragedy when Palestinian terrorists attacked the Israeli team, resulting in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
1984 Los Angeles Olympics
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, held in the United States, had a total attendance of 5.8 million visitors [1]. These games were notable for being the first privately financed Olympics, with no government funding used for the construction of venues or infrastructure. The Los Angeles Olympics were also boycotted by several countries, including the Soviet Union and East Germany.
1996 Atlanta Olympics
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics, held in the United States, had a total attendance of 8.3 million visitors [1][2]. These games are often referred to as the “Centennial Olympics” as they marked the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games. The Atlanta Olympics were also notable for being the first Olympics to have a mascot, Izzy.
2008 Beijing Olympics
The 2008 Beijing Olympics, held in China, had a total attendance of 7 million visitors [3]. These games were notable for being the most expensive Olympics in history, with an estimated cost of $40 billion. The Beijing Olympics were also notable for the impressive opening ceremony, which featured over 15,000 performers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Olympic Games have grown in popularity over the years, with millions of people attending the games to watch their favorite athletes compete. The 1972 Munich Olympics had the largest attendance until the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which currently hold the record for the largest attendance at an Olympic Games. The Los Angeles and Beijing Olympics also had significant attendance numbers, with 5.8 million and 7 million visitors respectively.
