Rafer Johnson holds the Olympic torch after lighting the flame at the climax of the opening ceremony for the 1984 Olympic Games at the Coliseum.   (Steve Powell / Getty Images)

The opening ceremony at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.  (Steve Powell / Allsport)

Gymnast Mary Lou Retton raises her hands as she salutes the crowd following her performance in the women’s floor exercise competition at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.  (Steve Powell / Getty Images)

Edwin Moses clears the hurdle at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.  (Associated Press)

Dave Laut competing in the shot put in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.

Mike Tully competes in the pole vault.  (Los Angeles Times)

Team USA’s Tiffany Cohen is off at the sound of the starter’s gun for heat-3 eliminations of the 400-meter freestyle.  (Los Angeles Times / Los Angeles Times)

R. Patrick McDonough leads the U.S. cycling team onto the track at the Olympic velodrome in Dominguez Hills before the start of the 4,000-meter pursuit competition.  (Associated Press / Associated Press)

U.S. rhythmic gymnast Valeria Zimring performs her routine for Olympics fans at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

Richard McKinney of the United States competes in the 30-meter archery event.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

With Bruce Hayes still in the pool, celebration begins for the men’s gold medal 4 x 200 relay team. From top, Jeff Float, Mike Heath, David Laison and Bruce Hayes.  (Con Keyes / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the U.S. women’s rowing team celebrate after winning the gold in the eight-oars with coxwain. From left, Caroll Bower, Carie Graves, Jeanne Flanagan, Kristine Norellus and Kristen Thorness.  (Los Angeles Times / Los Angeles Times)