Winter Olympics: Sarajevo 1984

As the 25th Winter Olympics come to a close in Milan, many Bosnians are reminiscing about Sarajevo hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics. Then part of Yugoslavia, Bosnia hosting such a global event was a remarkable moment for everyone, and the city was excited to welcome the world.

Mountains like Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Igman served as the outdoor venues that brought athletes to showcase their athletic talents. Today, these mountains continue to host sports and recreational activities. The Trebević Mountain was home to the bobsleigh and luge tracks. Now abandoned, it’s still a popular spot for visitors to take photos and remember the past.

Two main stadiums played key roles during the games. Zetra Olympic Hall was purposely built for the Olympics, hosting indoor sports like figure skating and ice hockey. Koševo Stadium (now called the Asim Ferhatović Hase Olympic Stadium) hosted larger events, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Ticket prices were reasonable for the average citizen, and attendance was encouraged more out of civic pride than the financial cost.

Tragically, many venues were damaged or destroyed during the Bosnian War. However, ongoing rehabilitation efforts are slowly restoring them. Sarajevo, along with the diaspora abroad, continues to honor the Olympic games. You can still see the iconic Olympic mascot, Vučko the wolf, celebrated today and sold in gift shops!