Andrew Young Recalls Iconic Moments from Atlanta 1996

(ATR) Ambassador and co-chair of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics Andrew Young reflects back on the opening ceremony of the Games that began exactly 20 years ago today.

As one of the best kept secrets in Atlanta's history, Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic Cauldron to start the Olympics will always be remembered as one of the legendary boxer's defining moments, particularly in his later years. The moment has also earned a significant place in Olympic history; one cannot think of the Atlanta Games without remembering the iconic image of a trembling Ali extending the torch to the cauldron.

Prior to the 20th anniversary celebration of Atlanta 1996 held in Centennial Olympic Park on July 16, Young, Billy Payne and other members of the organizing committee along with several Olympians and Paralympians sat down with the media to talk about what the Atlanta Olympics meant to them and to the Olympic Movement.

Listen to Young recall bringing Ali to Atlanta and more of his favorite memories from the opening ceremony below:

Click here to view photos of the 20th anniversary celebration in Centennial Olympic Park on July 16.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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