(18 July 1996)
Although the first day of competition is still two days away, spectators, and boxers alike are eagerly awaiting the draw which will take place Friday 19 July from noon until 14:00 at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.
The draw will determine the first round pairings in each of the 12 weight classes. Since the tournament is a single-elimination format, after the first round of competition takes place, subsequent match-ups will be determined as boxers advance through the bracket.
Thus far, more than 360 boxers from 56 different countries that are expected to compete in the Games over the course of 15 days.
US Olympic Boxing Team Member, welterweight (67 kg) Fernando VARGAS summarized the feelings of many of the boxers, stating the team was well prepared and he was "ready to step into the ring and take care of business."
Although the mystery of who the gold medalists will be will not be solved until the end of the competition, each boxer will receive their first clue in the long struggle that lies ahead for each of them in their quest for ultimate victory.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Shilpa Bakre.
| An estimated 5.3 million visted Centennial Olympic Park between opening day - 13 July - and closing day - 4 August, making the park the most single most visited Olympic site during the Games. |