In 1996 the Olympic and Paralympic games were hosted in Atlanta USA – the greatest sporting event the world over. 11,000 of the world’s finest athletes met in the true spirit of the games – friendship, solidarity and fair play. Watched by millions around the world, the games were a true spectacle.
In celebration, The Royal Mail commissioned a set of five stamps to commemorate this historic event. After a chance meeting with iconic fashion photographer Nick Knight, a set of dynamic images were created to reflect the Olympic motto: swifter, higher, stronger. Each stamp was carefully crafted to reflect the power and excitement of the games while the in-camera images represent both Olympic and Paralympic athletes without segregation.
Reissued in 2012 to commemorate the hosting of the London Olympics, these stamps achieved a sensational Olympic double.