Swimming at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games:

At the 1982 World Championships Dirk Richter (GDR) had won in a close battle over American Rick Carey, but in 1983 Carey moved well ahead in this event, setting three world records. In Richter’s absence, Carey was heavily favored in Los Angeles. He came through, winning in 55.79 although it off his world record time of 55.19. Carey had already won the 200 back in LA, and had pouted on the victory podium, upset with his winning time. It earned him boos from the crowd and the media did not portray him kindly, calling him a sore winner. This time he smiled and acted more appreciative of the gold. Behind him [Dave Wilson] of the US won silver and Mike West of Canada took bronze.\n\nThe fourth spot went to New Zealand’s Gary Hurring who was hoping to become New Zealand’s first Olympic swimming medalist since his mother, Jean Stewart, won a bronze in the 100 back for women in 1952. From a line of backstroke swimmers, Hurring’s father, [Lincoln], also swam the 100 back at the 1952 (and 1956) Olympics. A few weeks after the Olympics, Dirk Richter won the Friendship Games 100 back in 55.67.