Barcelona Games For the first time in decades, every single nation with an Olympic Committee shows up, even Cuba, North Korea, and South Africa. A record 172 nations participate, represented by 10,563 athletes. With the door open to professional athletes, the U.S. sends a Dream Team including Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone. As expected, they go undefeated. Carl Lewis wins two more gold medals, bringing his total to eight. 13-year-old Fu Mingxia of China wins the platform diving event, making her the second-youngest person to win an individual gold medal. World Cup athletes are now allowed to compete in soccer, but only three players over the age of 23 are allowed on each team, effectively making the Olympic event the under-23 championship. Gymnast Vitaly Scherbo of the Unified Team wins six gold medals in gymnastics. Cuba wins seven gold medals in boxing, and the first one ever awarded in baseball. In the end, the Unified Team takes home 112 medals, the United States has 108, and Germany has 82. A total of 64 nations win at least one medal, the highest number yet.
