CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

Bomb explodes at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Broadcast Date: July 28, 1996

The Oklahoma City bombing of April 1995 is still a fresh memory as the 1996 Summer Olympics begin in Atlanta. Terrorism is suddenly a threat 'from within.' In spite of security measures, a bomb explodes in Centennial Olympic Park nine days into the Games. CBC Radio's Cross Country Checkup asks how the bomb has changed the Games. In two interviews from the program, Canadian rower Marnie McBean says her focus on her races is untouched by the disturbing events, and CBC reporter David Gutnick talks about the mood on the streets and at the venues in downtown Atlanta.

Bomb explodes at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

• The bomb at the Atlanta Olympics was set off at a rock concert in Centennial Olympic Park at 1:25 a.m. on July 27, 1996. It was pipe bomb packed with nails and screws. The blast killed Alice S. Hawthorne, 44, of Albany, N.Y. and Turkish news photographer Melih Uzunyol died of a heart attack he suffered while running to the scene. About 125 people were treated for injuries or shock.

• In June 2003 former U.S. soldier Eric Rudolph was arrested and charged with the Atlanta bombing. He was also charged with the Jan. 29, 1998, bombing of an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Ala.

• Although the bomb went off in downtown Atlanta and there was a resulting increase in general anxiety, CBC's David Gutnick reported that sports fans were undeterred, and that the Olympic sports venues and the Olympic Festival held on the streets were still crowded. Security levels increased after the bomb went off, and ticket holders were advised to arrive at venues two or three hours in advance of events to allow for security screenings.

• Marnie McBean and her rowing partner Kathleen Heddle won two medals at the Atlanta Games: gold in women's double sculls and, along with Laryssa Biesenthal and Diane O'Grady, bronze in women's quadruple sculls.

 

Bomb explodes at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Medium: Radio

Program: Cross Country Checkup

Broadcast Date: July 28, 1996

Guest(s): Marnie McBean

Host: Sheila Coles
Reporter: David Gutnick

Duration: 14:13

This clip is composed of two separate interviews from within the same program.

Last updated:
Feb. 10, 2010