A Southern California man who volunteered at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics is enthusiastic to enter back into the role as he and the rest of the world await LA28.
Paul Madwin, 88, said he got to do it all in 1984. As he reflects on his time as a volunteer for one of the biggest global sporting events, he smiles when he remembers what he accomplished as someone who took part in the magic.
“I was in the Coliseum for every single event, from the opening to the closing (ceremonies) and all of the athletics in between,” Madwin said. “It was something that, today, I still think about every few days because it was so fantastic, and volunteering and meeting people from all over the world. You just can’t beat it. It’s great.”
If given the opportunity to, Madwin said he’d love to work inside the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum again. He said it would, “just be jam on toast!”
“There are seven wonders in the world, and being a volunteer is like a wonder,” he said. “Very few people really get to do it and those that do really have an amazing time.”
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Madwin said he witnessed Carl Lewis win four gold medals and Rayfer Johnson light the Coliseum’s cauldron with the iconic Olympic torch.
“You know, we get a spiffy uniform from the Olympic Committee,” Madwin said. “I was told that we got three uniforms. They said wear them all because as soon as you step out of the Coliseum, people from all over the world will jump you and want to buy it off of you.”
In anticipation of the Olympics returning to Los Angeles in 2028, Madwin said he’s staying active. He said he walks 40 minutes a day and lifts weights every morning to stay in shape and be ready to return to his post as a volunteer.