DESCRIPTION

The obverse bears the Olympic torch with the Olympic motto CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS XXIII OLYMPIAD rests along its periphery. The reverse displays the Los Angeles Olympic emblem of stylized stars with the Olympic rings and the date 1984 just below. At the top of the medal is the inscription LOS ANGELES while the lower periphery depicts laurel branches. In small wording, "© 1980/1984 / L.A.O.O.C." appears at approximately six-o'clock of the reverse. The medal was elegantly presented in a blue velvet case and dark blue box.

THE GAMES

Although a revenge boycott led by the Soviet Union depleted the field in certain sports, a record 140 nations took part. Joan Benoit won the inaugural women's marathon and Connie Carpenter-Phinney the first women's cycling road race. Carl Lewis won both sprints and the long jump and earned a fourth gold in the 4x100m relay. Pertti Karpinnen won single sculls rowing for the third time. Sebastian Coe became the first repeat winner of the men's 1,500m. Archer Neroli Fairhall was the first paraplegic athlete to take part in a medal event. She competed in a wheelchair. One of the most watched events was the decathlon. For his third Olympics, Daley Thompson (GBR-athletics) faced Jorgen Hingsen (GER). It was a close battle over the first seven events, but then Thompson pulled away with strong performances in the pole vault and the javelin throw. He won his second consecutive gold medal.

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