For the first time since 1956, the Games were not marred by a major
boycott. The fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of communism in
Eastern Europe and the end of apartheid rule in South Africa
dramatically changed the face of the Olympics. So, too, did the
relaxing of amateurism rules, which
allowed the United States to field a "Dream Team" of NBA stars,
including Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who hammered the competition.
RESEARCH BY: SANDRA JAMISON/TIME
PHOTO: DAVID LEAH/ALLSPORT
