Why Los Angeles Saved The Olympics
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 лют 2024
- Why did the Olympic Games nearly collapse in the 1980s, and how did Los Angeles save them?
~
Get new episodes in your inbox once a week: thewhyminutes.com/subscribe/
/ whyminutes
/ thewhyminutes
Host: / nickfreitasva
The velodrome was constructed at California State University Dominguez Hills, so after the Olympics were over, CSUDH continued to use it. The swimming pool was constructed at USC, so USC continued to use it.
And because 14 nations boycotted the games, USA won the second most number of medals, 174. Only in 1904 did USA win more (231) and only 12 nations participated in the St. Louis games.
And McDonald’s lost MILLIONS of dollars on a promotion due to America winning way more gold medals than expected…as immortalized and parodied by The Simpsons…true story
You left out that one of major factors in not losing money, was that they didn't build new housing for the athletes and instead used college dorms.
and they bribed Olympic officials so they didn't have to build anything the olympics demanded. Typical mericans solving all with bribes
I have been a huge fan of the Summer Games, but my enthusiasm waned some after the use of professional athletes. However, one of my favorite memories is the trip I made to the ‘84 Olympics. I was in my 30’s and could handle all the walking back then! I was a jogger and loved the track events. I began my hobby of pin collecting from that time on.
This is one of the great examples of how capitalism and a free market economy work. Nothing motivates people better than the opportunity to make a bit of money.
We see it everywhere. One of the things I remember most about all of my myriad trips to our nation's capital, is the ubiquitous carts on the street selling souvenirs of DC and the USA. Small entrepreneurs using capitalism , it works.
So not that long ago, los Angeles was able to analyze facts and make fiscally responsible choices. Interesting
Nick, you failed to mention the key player was Peter Uberroth (sp)
Peter Ueberroth was the local business leader that spearheaded the whole event! The 1984 Olympics had so much money left over, they started the LA84 foundation which still exists to this day and has funded hundreds of millions of dollars for youth sports in Southern California since then. I learned to play tennis in a public park in 1989 thanks to the LA84 Foundation.
I have no faith the local government in 2028 will have anywhere near the same success. I just pray they don't bankrupt every government entity involved.
Heck!
I concur 🧐
A few years ago it hit me. Why have a host City? Have the summer games in the same place every 4 years. Perhaps the winter games could move around or not. A Scandinavian country would be the best permanent location. Countries could contribute money for upkeep of the sites.
Beard Wednesday!
(Sorry I'm 2 days late...it's been a week...)
That was because there was a Republican Mayor and fought against the state government when they tried to interfere. The last year was the smoothest as a Republican became governor. I was there, back then, and have since had to return, and am not looking forward to the 2028 games, also in LA. Already, there are cost overruns and delays, four years out, and moving around LA is worse than ever. Why, you may ask (sorry, had to steal the line, lol), what is different from 1984? Leadership. LA City, County and the state are all run, with a super-majority, by Democrats. My opinion, LA is going to make Montreal look like they knew what they were doing and make this the most expensive, poorly run Olympics in the history of Olympics.
Me, if I am still here, am taking the entire summer off and going to Idaho, or somewhere, so I don't have to deal with everything it brings.
Tom Bradley most certainly was not a Republican! George Dukmajian, the governor was.
except those balloons at the end caused a power outage when they came down on power lines and shorted them out. oops.
you did not answer the question "Why Los Angeles Saved The Olympics?" - you answered "How"
Finally profitable
That said, one issue with the LA Olympics in 1984 was transportation--namely, you had to get in a car to go anyplace.
That said, they're working in this for 2028...
Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics!
Wouldn't even notice if they stopped the Olympics completely. What a joke.
I vaguely remember all the financial stuff. But at the time all I really remember is the boycotting.
I remember when people gave a shit about the Olympics. Everyone was talking about it at school the next day. The fragmentation of entertainment should have killed it by now but I guess it's still going on. I haven't watched any of it in decades.
People still care about the 100m race.
@@Alvin_Vivian Not like they once did my friend. Maybe in your circles but there was a time when everyone talked about that stuff.
Just give the Olympic games to Athens very four years. Everyone likes the country and its people, the Greeks love the Olympics and the Stadiums are already there, so all is resolved.
Capitalism works
What’s an “Olympics?!”
You did say in 1972 "Palestinians" (They called themselves "Black September") killed 11 athletes from Israel right? And a German police officer too. That changed everything except the hatred.