The 1998 Goodwill Games was the fourth edition of the international sports competition the Goodwill Games, which were created by Ted Turner in reaction to the political troubles surrounding the Olympic Games of the 1980s. The competition was held in and around New York City in the United States from July 19 to August 2, 1998. Approximately 1,500 athletes from 66 countries participated, competing in 15 sports.

The United States topped the medal table of the games with 41 gold medals and 132 medals in total. In second place was Russia, with 35 gold medals and 94 medals in total. Cuba finished in third place, with 8 gold medals and 17 medals in total.

Athletes who won gold medals at the 1998 Goodwill Games include Michelle Kwan, Dominique Moceanu, Michael Johnson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Dan O'Brien, Félix Savón, Jenny Thompson and Alexander Popov. Approximately 1,500 athletes from more of 66 countries participated, competing in 15 sports.

Two world records were broken at these Games, one by the American relay in the 4×400 meters in athletics, and the other by South African swimmer Penny Heyns in the 50 meters breaststroke. The event is also notable for a training accident involving Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, which injured her spinal cord and left her partially paralyzed.

Sports

Venues

Some events were held in New York City, while many were held in nearby suburbs in Long Island, including Uniondale.

Participating nations

The following nations were invited to the games:

Medal table

PlaceNationTotal
1United States414942132
2Russia35293094
3Cuba85417
4China77620
5Kenya54413
6Germany331016
7Australia26210
8Belarus2529
9Jamaica2259
10Iran2114
11Brazil2013
12Kazakhstan2013
13United Kingdom2002
14Ukraine15410
15Romania1359
16Trinidad and Tobago1102
17Czech Republic1012
Italy1012
Uzbekistan1012
20Algeria1001
Mozambique1001
Nigeria1001
23Bulgaria0224
24France0213
25Mexico0202
26Turkey0156
27Morocco0112
Poland0112
Japan0112
30Bahamas0101
Canada0101
Nigeria0101
Spain0101
World All-Stars (Cycling)0101
35Argentina0011
Armenia0011
Ecuador0011
Greece0011
Hungary0011
Iceland0011
Lithuania0011
Norway0011
Philippines0011

External links