16 Days of Glory Poster

16 Days of Glory 1985

★ 7.211 votes285 min📅 1985-10-23

"The single most inspiring sports film ever created."

Capturing the pulse of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics like never before, *16 Days of Glory* (1985) drops viewers into the heart of the Games through the eyes of the athletes themselves.

Director: Bud Greenspan

Cast

David Perry
Narrator (voice)
Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner
Self
Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis
Self
Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton
Self
Béla Károlyi
Self
Daley Thompson
Daley Thompson
Self
Jürgen Hingsen
Self
Edwin Moses
Self
Joan Benoit Samuelson
Self
Grete Waitz
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 16 Days of Glory (1985) about?

This documentary immerses viewers in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, showcasing the personal and athletic journeys of athletes from around the world. It goes beyond the medal counts to explore the human stories behind the Games, from training struggles to moments of triumph.

Who directed 16 Days of Glory?

The film was directed by Bud Greenspan, a renowned documentarian celebrated for his ability to capture the spirit of sports and the stories of athletes.

Who stars in 16 Days of Glory?

The documentary features icons like Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Daley Thompson, Caitlyn Jenner, and coach Béla Károlyi, each delivering unforgettable performances on the Olympic stage.

Is 16 Days of Glory (1985) worth watching?

Absolutely. As a documentary, it offers a rare, unfiltered look at the Olympics, blending high-stakes competition with deeply personal narratives. For sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, it's a compelling and inspiring watch.

How long is 16 Days of Glory?

The runtime for *16 Days of Glory* is 285 minutes, or just under 5 hours.

About 16 Days of Glory (1985) — The Unfiltered Story of the 1984 LA Olympics

Capturing the pulse of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics like never before, *16 Days of Glory* (1985) drops viewers into the heart of the Games through the eyes of the athletes themselves. Directed by the legendary Bud Greenspan, this documentary offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the highs and heartaches of Olympic competition, blending raw emotion with the grandeur of the world's greatest sporting event. With narration by David Perry and the soaring vocals of Plácido Domingo, the film transforms what viewers might expect from a sports documentary into a cinematic experience that feels both personal and epic. The atmosphere crackles with tension, triumph, and camaraderie, revealing the untold stories that unfold far beyond the television broadcasts.

Behind the scenes, the documentary follows the lives of legendary athletes like Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, and Daley Thompson, whose journeys to Olympic glory are as compelling as their victories. Through candid interviews and breathtaking footage, *16 Days of Glory* doesn't just document a competition—it immortalizes the spirit of the Olympics, where dreams are made and legacies are forged. Whether you're a sports fan or a lover of human stories, this film is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of the Games.