U.S. National Team Soccer Jersey, worn by Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm (b. 1972) scored more goals in international competition (158) than any player in soccer history. In her career, Hamm won two FIFA World Cup Championships and three Olympic medals, as well as four NCAAA titles for the University of North Carolina. Her success popularized women’s soccer in the United States, encouraging many young girls to take up the sport. This jersey was worn by Hamm during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The 1996 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad were held in Atlanta, Georgia with 197 countries, 6,797 men and 3,523 women athletes participating. These Games saw the debuts of beach volleyball, mountain biking, softball, and women’s soccer. These Games also saw the American women, who had taken full advantage of Title IX legislation, excel in Olympic competition. The women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball and basketball teams all won gold, propelling the US women athletes into the global spotlight and beginning their dominance in Olympic competition. Atlanta benefitted from the Games as Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of the downtown area and the Olympic Village became residence housing for area universities. These games marked the first time since 1984 that the United States topped the medal count with 101.

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