Finding Olympic Gold in Georgia
In 1996, the eyes of the world were on Georgia as the state played host to the Centennial Olympic Games. Atlanta was the official host for the games, and there are several venues in the city, such as Centennial Olympic Park, where you can remember the games and experience your own Olympic glory.
In addition to Atlanta, several places around the state hosted events. Here are three places outside of Atlanta where you can follow in the footsteps of athletes who came home with Olympic gold.
Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers
Conyers was the site of the equestrian events in 1996, as well as mountain biking. Bring your horse or your bike out to the park and explore the trails. There are more than 15 miles of horse trails that wind through wooded areas and open pasture, offering scenic views of the former Olympic Endurance Course. If you don’t ride, take in one of the numerous horse shows at the center each year. Mountain bikers can enjoy eight miles of trails with 1,032 feet of elevation change.
Wassaw Sound, Savannah
Wassaw Sound, near Wilmington Island, was the site of Olympic yachting events. Not everyone travels with a sailboat, but you don’t have to when you visit Savannah. Climb aboard the Zingara, a 38-foot yacht, for a chance to sail through the Wassaw Sound with Compass Sailing. If you ask right, Captain Steve may even let you take the helm. If you do travel with your own sailboat, Captain Steve offers private sailing instruction on your vessel.
University of Georgia, Athens
Stegemen Coliseum was the site for gymnastics events, and the University of Georgia has a long and storied gymnastics history. The women's gymnastics team, affectionately known as the Gymdogs, has won 10 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics championship titles, including five consecutive wins from 2005 – 2009. In fact, former Georgia gymnast Brittany Rogers made her second Olympic appearance at the Rio games. Catch a Gymdog meet in the spring.
To find more Olympic gold in Georgia, read Six Olympic Venues in Georgia You Can Still Visit Today.
