Los Angeles Summer Games In retaliation for the U.S.-led boycott of 1980, the Soviet Union leads a 14-country boycott, citing security concerns. The first privately-financed Olympics are a commercial success. In addition to a lucrative broadcasting deal, there are 34 official sponsors, 64 companies with supplier rights, and 65 licensees. These are the second Games ever to turn a profit—$215 million—the first being the 1932 Los Angeles Games. The right to be part of the torch relay is sold for $3,000 a kilometer, over Greek protests, although the $11 million raised goes to local youth groups. A record 140 nations show up, but, without the Soviets and East Germans, the Americans win almost three times as many medals as their closest competitors. American Carl Lewis repeats Jesse Owens' 1936 feat, winning gold medals in the same four events. 16-year-old Mary Lou Retton earns her place on Wheaties boxes by winning four gymnastics medals—including a gold in all-around gymnastics—just six weeks after undergoing knee surgery. In a compromise with FIFA, professional soccer players are allowed to compete, but only if they haven't been part of a World Cup event.
