Joel Anderson on Why Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic Torch Still Defines Atlanta 1996 | 7.23

Bomani Jones is joined by journalist Joel Anderson for a Time Machine Thursday edition of The Right Time, looking back at the cultural impact and unforgettable moments of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Bo and Joel examine how the games put a growing Atlanta on the global map and navigate the city's complex history as a cultural hub in the 1990s.

They count down the most defining figures and legendary stories from the games, starting with Muhammad Ali's deeply symbolic lighting of the Olympic torch. They also revisit the jaw-dropping grit of gymnast Kerri Strug competing through a severe injury to win gold for the American team.1234Later, they dive into one of the era's great tragedies: how the feds and media rushed to judge security guard Richard Jewell following the Centennial Olympic Park bombing.

Finally, they celebrate the incredible athletic achievements on the track, discussing the complicated legacy of long-jump icon Carl Lewis and the absolute dominance of Michael Johnson flying to a historic world record in his signature gold spikes . . . Subscribe to Supercast for Ad-Free Episodes: Buy 'The Right Time' merch: Subscribe to The Right Time with Bomani Jones on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts and follow the show on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for all the best moments from the show.

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