It was on this day in 1988 that the XV Olympic Winter Games kicked off in Calgary, Alberta. The games would run for the following 15 days, before closing out on February 28th.
The games were dominated by the Soviet Union and East Germany, as they finished first and second, respectively, in the final medal standings. The Soviets would accumulate a total of 11 gold medals, nine silvers and nine bronzes, while East Germany would win nine golds, ten silvers and six bronzes. The hosts from Canada would have a disappointing games, as they failed to win a gold medal and finished the games in 13th in the medal standings, with two silvers and three bronzes.
Canada would have to wait until the 2010 winter games in Vancouver to win the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal on home soil. They would go on to win a winter Olympic record 14 gold medals during the event.
Here is a look at highlights from the 1988 Winter Games opening ceremony.
Notable Birthdays
Randy Moss, NFL – Born on February 13, 1977 (age 35) in Rand, West Virginia
Luke Ridnour, NBA – Born on February 13, 1981 (age 31) in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Michael Turner, NFL – Born on February 13, 1982 (age 30) in North Chicago, Illinois