1996 Summer Olympics torch relay towards the northern end of the stadium. The identity of the final torchbearer had been kept secret and was only revealed when Muhammad Ali appeared at the top of the ramp. Ali, who had won gold at the 1960 Games in Rome and later developed Parkinson's disease, lit a mechanical torch which then travelled along a wire, lighting the cauldron at the top of a tower. His appearance has been referred to as being one of the most inspiring, poignant, and emotional moments in Olympic history. 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay The 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from
Aruba at the 1996 Summer Olympics Committee on 1 January 1986. Aruba made its Olympic debut as a distinct territory soon after, at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and they have participated in every Summer Olympic Games since. The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, United States, from 19 July to 4 August 1996; 10,318 athletes took part representing 194 National Olympic Committees. Atlanta was Aruba's third time participating in the Summer Olympics. The Aruban delegation to these Olympics consisted of three competitors, track and field athlete Miguel Janssen, weightlifter Junior Faro, and cyclist Lucien Dirksz. Faro was chosen as the flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.