Atlanta Olympics flashback | On July 26, 1996, sprint gold in the pool as the weekend arrived

Swimming closed toward its finale with another Team USA headline.
FILE - In this July 26, 1996 file photo, Amy Van Dyken of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's 50 meter freestyle at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Six-time Olympic gold medalist Van Dyken has a severed spine after an accident on her all-terrain vehicle in Arizona. A hospital spokeswoman didn't provide details Monday on the injuries. The swimmer was hurt Friday night, June 6, 2014, and told emergency workers at the scene she could not move her toes or feel anything touching her legs. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File)(DAVID LONGSTREATH | AP)
Published: Jul. 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM EDT

(Editor’s note: On Sept. 18, 1990, the city of Atlanta was changed forever when Juan Antonio Samaranch announced the International Olympic Committee had awarded the 1996 games to Atlanta. Atlanta News First is marking the 30th anniversary of the games with daily digital retrospectives of the most important, memorable events of the XXVI Olympiad.)

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With the Olympic weekend approaching, swimming continued delivering fast finishes and prime-time drama.

Amy Van Dyken won gold in the women’s 50m freestyle, adding another major title to her Atlanta run and giving the U.S. another momentum boost in the medal table.

Around the city, Friday night crowds packed downtown and the park as visitors blended sports viewing with concerts, sponsor pavilions, and late-night celebrations.

Highlight: Van Dyken’s 50m freestyle gold reinforces Team USA’s strength in sprint events.

Download our Atlanta News First app for your latest news and information.

Atlanta News First podcasts are available now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube