The standard practice of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to declare each games "the best ever." At the end of the Atlanta Games the President of the IOC, Mr Juan Antonio Samaranch, has justifiably withheld this traditional accolade. The general organisation was poor, transport for those competing fell below accepted levels, computers did not work and the streets of the Olympic city resembled an oriental bazaar as traders strove to make a financial killing on the back of the world's greatest sporting event. The games also engendered an acceptable level of chauvinism, not only in the United States where non American competitors were largely ignored by the NBC television channel and by local sports fans, but also in countries such as Brazil where defeat in the soccer semi final led to an attack on the Nigerian embassy.
These were the most commercialised games of all time; the Coca Cola games in Coca Cola's home city. Financial resources were not found wanting but, surprisingly for the United States, know how and dedication to achieve efficient organisation and security, were missing. The low point came with the bombing in the city's Centennial Park. No organisation could have prevented such a horrific act from taking place but the lack of efficiency shown elsewhere has led to the suspicion that security may have been organised to a similarly low level.
Despite Atlanta's disappointing performance, the Games brought us the usual high level of sporting endeavour and success. The successes of Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis in athletics, the immense achievements of Michelle Smith in the swimming pool and the grace and artistry of the male gymnasts from the Russian Federation and their female counterparts from the United States, will remain in the memory. Neither will the heartbreaking moments be forgotten. Sonia O'Sullivan was not the only great athlete whose Olympic aspirations were shattered at Atlanta. Sergei Bubka of Ukraine, the greatest pole vaulter in history, and the British sprinter, Linford Christie, suffered similar fates.
For Ireland these Olympics were the "best ever" in terms of the medals won three golds and one bronze, all of them from Michelle Smith. But this accolade, unfortunately, should also be withheld. The unseemly infighting between the Olympic Council of Ireland and Bord Luthcleas na hEireann, has, in the public mind, detracted from what should have been Ireland's happiest experience on the international sporting scene. That, in the last resort, the media should have been blamed for the controversy is indicative of how far sporting officials in Atlanta have removed themselves from the reality on the ground in Ireland.
That the petty squabbling should centre on commercial endorsements for sporting equipment was hardly surprising in history's most commercial Olympics. Nor was it unusual that Irish sporting organisations should split into hostile groups. Ireland may have played its part in originating a number of athletics events such as hammer throwing and the triple jump; recent events serve to remind us that "faction fighting" has also been part of our "sporting" traditions.