In 1984, Los Angeles hosted the Olympic Games for the second time since 1932.
The Games were marred by several controversies, ranging from political boycotts to controversial events on the field.
Soviet Boycott
Perhaps the most significant controversy was the Soviet-led boycott. Following the United States’ boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Soviet Union and 14 of its allies responded in kind to the 1984 Games.
Officially, the Soviet Union cited security reasons and anti-Soviet sentiment as reasons for its withdrawal. However, there has been widespread speculation that the decision was a response to the American boycott four years earlier.
The boycott significantly 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 was that of Zola Budd, a South African runner representing Great Britain. Budd found herself at the centre of a highly publicised collision with American runner Mary Decker in the women’s 3,000 metres race.
The incident occurred when Budd and Decker inadvertently became tangled, causing Decker to fall and injure herself.
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An International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) panel cleared Budd of any wrongdoing, but the incident sparked a media frenzy and debate over Budd’s eligibility to compete, given that she had obtained British citizenship just months before the Games to circumvent South Africa’s international sporting ban due to apartheid.
Kevin Barry vs. Evander Holyfield
Another controversial episode was the boxing match between New Zealander Kevin Barry and American Evander Holyfield.
In a controversial decision, Holyfield was disqualified for punching Barry after the referee called a break. This disqualification came as a surprise to many, as Holyfield was leading the match and was widely considered the winner.
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Barry thus advanced to the final and won the silver medal, while Holyfield was awarded the bronze. This decision sparked widespread criticism of the refereeing, particularly from American commentators and fans.
Boycott Iran
Iran was also among the countries that boycotted the 1984 Games, citing US involvement in the Middle East.
Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated significantly following the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the ensuing hostage crisis.
Libya also boycotted the Games after Libyan journalists were banned from entering the United States, reportedly due to terrorism fears.
American gymnastics gold medal
Another major controversy of the 1984 Olympics involved the U.S. gymnastics team, and specifically the success of Mary Lou Retton.
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Retton became the first American woman to win gold in the all-around competition. However, the absence of top competitors from boycotting countries raised questions about her victory.
The Olympic Games are scheduled to return to Los Angeles in 2028, and Newsweek mapped the confirmed locations of Los Angeles venues.
Newsweek also mapped the states that produced the most Olympic athletes.
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