U.S. #C101-04
1983 28¢ Summer Olympics

Issue Date: June 17, 1983
First City: San Antonio, Texas
Quantity Issued: 165,000,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforation: 11

Color: Multicolored

Back in 1864, students from England competed against each other in races that included jumping over sheep hurdles. Each man jumped the 31/2-foot hurdle with his legs tucked under his body.

It was not until the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris that American Alvin Kraenzlein devised a new method of jumping. Astonishing Olympic spectators, he cleared each barrier with the now-familiar one leg extended position while his competitors trailed behind, tucking their legs and barely clearing the hurdles.

This se-tenant commemorates the 23rd Olympic Games which were held in Los Angeles during the summer of 1984. The block features assorted sports including women’s gymnastics, women’s basketball, soccer, and the men’s hurdles.