LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE 1984 SARAJEVO WINTER OLYMPICS

Sarajevo became the first city in a communist country to host the Winter Olympics, winning the bid in 1978 against Sapporo (Japan) and Gothenburg (Sweden).

PHOTO: Katera

For the first time in history, Radio Sarajevo interrupted its regular programming to announce the city's selection as the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics.

SANDRA DUBRAVČIĆ – FIRST WOMAN TO LIGHT THE OLYMPIC FLAME

Croatian figure skater Sandra Dubravčić made history as the first woman to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony in Koševo Stadium.

A total of 10,450 volunteers contributed to organizing the Games, setting a record for Winter Olympics at that time.

The 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics were the first to feature a news report sent via the internet, marking a technological milestone.

JURE FRANKO – YUGOSLAVIA'S ONLY MEDALIST

Slovenian skier Jure Franko won a silver medal in giant slalom, securing the first and only Winter Olympic medal for Yugoslavia. His victory was famously celebrated with a banner that read: "We love Jurek more than burek!"

After the Olympics, the winter school break in Yugoslavia was extended from 15 to 30 days to encourage families to participate in winter sports.

Out of the total 250,000 tickets sold, an impressive 200,000 were purchased abroad, while the Games were watched by two billion people worldwide.

DECLARED THE BEST-ORGANIZED WINTER OLYMPICS

In July 1984, the International Olympic Committee officially recognized the Sarajevo Games as the best-organized Winter Olympics to date.

OLYMPIC LEGACY

The Olympics left Sarajevo with 2,850 new apartments, new hotels, and 9,500 new jobs, while the Olympic exhibition toured 1,640 cities worldwide.

The 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo remain a shining moment in history, showcasing the city's hospitality, organization, and passion for sports to the world.