The XIV Winter Games, held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, from 6 to 19 February, included 1,437 athletes from forty-nine nations. Though initially hampered by a four-day blizzard with intermittent 80-MPH winds, the Games were a success. As one observer put it, despite the weather "everyone's mood was upbeat." Before the Games began, many thought that the United States was represented by its strongest Winter Olympic team ever. If strength translates into medals, this was not the case. Still, the American team did well, particularly in the alpine events. Bill Johnson became the first American to win a gold medal in the Olympic downhill skiing event. Debbie Armstrong and Christin Cooper finished first and second in the women's giant slalom. Twins Phil and Steve Mahre finished first and second in the men's slalom. The rest of the U.S. medals came in figure skating. Three-time world champion Scott Hamilton won the men's.....
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