A San Gabriel Valley native who wore the Sam the Eagle costume said the last LA Olympics were 'life-transformative' for him.
A San Gabriel Valley native who wore the Sam the Eagle costume said the last LA Olympics were"life-transformative" for him."It looks like they added more seats because the track was bigger. It was much bigger,” Robles recalled while gazing out at the stadium.Then again, to a wide-eyed 20-year-old with the opportunity of a lifetime, everything probably looked a lot bigger July 28, 1984.
“I came out, and I was on the track immediately. And there were young ladies all on the field with balloons," described Robles.He came out dressed as Sam the Eagle front and center at the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympic Games. So how did a young man from the San Gabriel Valley come to be one of the few to don the iconic LA 84 mascot? "A lot of people were talking about doom and gloom that we weren't ready; the traffic would be horrible; get out of town,” Robles recalled. “I was 20 years old, and I listened to that. Then I thought, ‘Well, you know what? Instead, I'm going to get involved and be in it, and then I won't feel those effects.""I donned the costume, and something changed.
"There's something about being the host city that the world is coming to your doorstep. You’re playing host to the entire world,” He explained. “I would recommend to anybody, no matter what age, get involved. And don't leave town. Stay. It will be life-transformative, and it was for me."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The miracle of 1984: How Los Angeles saved the dying OlympicsFour decades ago, Peter Ueberroth transformed the Games from an unwanted burden to a coveted entertainment behemoth.
Read more »
How the 1984 Olympics Paved the Way for the 2028 Los Angeles GamesThe 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will seek to build on the legacy of previous Games.
Read more »
LA 1984 Olympics Controversies: Cold War Boycott, US Gymnastics GoldThe 1984 Games in Los Angeles are remembered for controversies both on and off the field.
Read more »
Chargers Training Camp Notes: Defense Shines During Joint Practice Vs. RamsThe Los Angeles Chargers defense shined during first joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams.
Read more »
Celebrating the Ravenously wondrous life of Super Bowl star Jacoby Jones: 1984Jacoby Jones had a remarkable career on the football field and off it that most NFL players can only dream about.
Read more »
Horror Vet Maika Monroe Wants To Star In Revival Of 1984 Horror FranchiseLee Harker (Maika Monroe) looking pensive in Longlegs
Read more »