Twenty years ago, more than 10,000 of the world’s greatest athletes convened upon Georgia’s highest-quality sports venues, one of which was right here in Gainesville. Today, Lake Lanier Olympic Park on Clarks Bridge Road, the host of the 1996 Olympic Games canoe/kayak events, is recognizable as the venue from 20 years ago only by the judges’ tower and the five interlocking rings that stand against the sparkling waters behind. Improvements have been made over the years, including a recently completed $1.1 million renovation.