What do two nude bronze figures perched atop a towering gateway have to do with the Olympics? Right here, at the Olympic Gateway to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, these figures embody the spirit of the games. The Olympic Gateway was specifically commissioned for the 1984 Summer Olympics. It serves as a powerful and artistic welcome to this historic stadium. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is no stranger to the Olympics. It hosted the games in 1932 and 1984. It is set to make history again in 2028 as the first stadium to host the Summer Olympics three times. The gateway itself is a striking piece. It stands 25 feet tall and weighs a hefty 20,000 pounds. Sculptor Robert Graham created this monument. He modeled the male figure after water polo player Terry Schroeder. The female figure is a composite, modeled after several athletes, including long jumper Jennifer Inniss. The figures, though nude, are not meant to be overtly sexual. They are a celebration of the human form in all its athletic glory. They embody the strength, grace, and dedication of Olympic athletes. Look closely at the gateway’s columns. You’ll see intricate line drawings of athletes in motion, inlaid in zinc. The base of each column is gilded with gold leaf, adding a touch of elegance to this powerful statement. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with its Olympic Gateway, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Olympic spirit. It is a place where history has been made. It is a place where legends are born.
Tujunga Spreading Grounds
Hidden in plain sight, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds is more than just a patch of land. It’s a hidden reservoir,