Relay operationsThe torch relay began its 15,000 kilometer journey on a rainy morning, 8 May 1984 at the United Nations Plaza in New York City. Olympian Rafer Johnson hosted a short program before Gina Hemphill, granddaughter of 1936 Olympian Jesse Owens, and Bill Thorpe. Jr., grandson of 1912 Olympian Jim Thorpe, became the first of 3,636 torchbearers. About two hours after the relay began, the Soviet Union announced that if would not accept the invitation of the LAOOC to participate in the 1984 Games.
The news stunned the LAOOC staff, and observers wondered what effect the announcement would have on the relay. But the Soviet announcement seemed to have little effect on the large crowds that began to line the streets of their communities to witness the passing of the torch relay.
 While enormous crowds turned out to see the torchbearers run, the support caravan and the relay support staff were at full speed putting into effect all the logistical details for the relay.
Back at the LAOOC administrative headquarters, members of the relay staff double-checked information received from each of the YLK runners and gathered new information from runners assigned to kilometers during the latter portion of the run. Approximately one month before each YLK torchbearer was scheduled to run his or her kilometer, the LAOOC sent a letter verifying the kilometer assignment (location), requesting medical information and instructing the runner to report to an assembly area wearing the official uniform. The letter also informed the YLLK participant that a member of the LAOOC would be contacting them within five days of their scheduled run to verify lastminute details and give specifics regarding the assembly point. |
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