The economy is in the tank, and the world is uneasy. The Summer Olympics may offer some relief from these troubles, but the planet's largest athletic event could also be overshadowed by them.
That was the tenor of the times as the 10th Summer Games began on July 30, 1932, in Los Angeles.
As much as the Olympics want to be sports nirvana, they can't separate themselves from reality. Among the issues of the 29th Summer Games in Beijing, starting Aug. 8, are terrorism, pollution and human rights protests.
In 1932, the Depression was the No. 1 issue. Many athletes couldn't afford to get to remote Los Angeles; 1,300 attended, fewer than half the number at the 1928 Games. Several events had few non-American competitors.
How did the '32 Games turn out?
They were a success. Despite the Depression, newspaper reports put attendance at more than 1-million and said a $1-million profit was expected. (According to the American Institute for Economic Research's Web site, $1-million in 1932 translates to $15.6-million today.) In the competitions — 117 events in 14 sports — 18 world records were set or equaled, two by the Games' star athlete, American Babe Didrikson. She won all three of her events — the 80-meter hurdles and javelin outright, and tied for first in the high jump. But it was ruled that she used an illegal high jump technique, so she was given the silver medal.
The Games also had several firsts. They lasted 16 days; no previous summer edition had been shorter than 79. An Olympic Village was set up. Medals were awarded at each event's end, and the medalists stood on a podium while the winner's flag was raised. Automatic timing and photo finishes debuted for track.
How much bigger are the Beijing Games?
The 16-day event will have 10,000-plus athletes from 205 countries (37 countries participated in 1932), competing in 302 events in 35 sports. Its cost is estimated at $43-billion, making these Games the most expensive. Organizers expect a profit of about $20-million.
What big problems face Beijing?
China's image. The country's human rights record has generated talk of boycotts and protests. Organizers are being accused of subtly threatening dissenters and reneging on vows not to censor broadcasters. There's smothering air pollution. Though Beijing has tried to curb it with cuts in emissions — including traffic restrictions enacted a week ago that removed half of the city's vehicles — the smog on Sunday was among the worst in Beijing in the past month. And as with other post-Sept. 11 Games, terrorist worries are heightened.
How much will be on TV and the Internet?
NBC will have 3,600 hours of coverage among its network, cable and broadband outlets, more than all the Summer Games since 1960 combined. NBCOlympics.com will stream 2,200 hours of live competition.
Who will be Beijing's Babe Didrikson?
Swimmer Michael Phelps could break swimmer Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at one Games, set in 1972. Phelps will swim in eight events. Winner of six golds in 2004 and owner of multiple world records and titles, he is considered by some to be the sport's best ever.
2008 Summer Olympics
The opening ceremonies of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing can be seen Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. on WFLA-Ch. 8. The Games end Aug. 24.
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