16 Days of Glory is a documentary film that was directed by Bud Greenspan chronicling the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, California. The film's title refers to the duration of the Olympic Games, from the beginning of the opening ceremony to the end of the closing ceremony.
The documentary was unique because it was told through the eyes of the participants, including a number of athletes who competed in the games - Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, and Greg Louganis, among others. It focused not only on their achievements, but also on their struggles, their dedication, and their personal stories.
In addition to the participants, David Perry provided commentary throughout the film, giving insights into what was happening behind the scenes, and why certain events were significant. Placido Domingo, the well-known opera singer, provided the film's soundtrack, with his stirring rendition of the Olympic hymn.
The film captured many of the iconic moments of the 1984 Olympics, including Joan Benoit Samuelson winning the first-ever women's Olympic marathon, Carl Lewis winning four gold medals, and Mary Lou Retton's perfect 10 on the vault.
16 Days of Glory was initially released in theaters in 1986, and was later broadcast on television. It has since become a classic of Olympic documentaries, and is still considered one of the best films ever made about the Games.
