How a Superfan’s Love for the Olympics Was Inspired by Their Mom’s Memories of the 1984 LA Games

Vivian Robinson: A Celebrated Olympics Superfan in Santa Monica

Vivian Robinson, a Santa Monica resident, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games, fueled by a deep heritage of fandom passed down from her late mother.

Stepping into Robinson’s home reveals an unmistakable passion for the Olympics. The space is adorned with a vast collection of memorabilia, including posters, stuffed animals—most notably Sam, the mascot from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics—and an extensive assortment of Olympic pins from various host cities such as Tokyo and Paris.

“I have thousands of pins,” Robinson shared with a chuckle. “I don’t know how many; I’ve never counted them.”

Recently, an NBC Los Angeles team visited Robinson’s home, where she showcased her love for the Games, dressed in an outfit decorated with patches and pins from across the decades, complemented by a T-shirt bearing the LA28 logo and Olympic-themed accessories.

Central to Robinson’s collection is a flagpole featuring flags from previous Olympics—a cherished item she carries to every event, symbolizing her connection to the global celebration of sport. Her travels have taken her to the Olympics in Athens, London, and Rio de Janeiro, with Paris 2024 marking her seventh Olympic experience.

“LA will be my eighth Olympics,” Robinson revealed, recalling a serendipitous encounter with Lynette Romero of Today in LA, where they bonded over their shared Los Angeles roots.

Robinson credits her mother, Odile, with igniting her Olympic passion. Odile volunteered as a French translator at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, an experience that left a lasting imprint on both mother and daughter.

“That’s where it all started,” Robinson explained. “She would come home and bring me all kinds of Olympic pins.” Robinson fondly remembers how animated her mother would become when reminiscing about LA84. “She never stopped talking about it. Once she volunteered, she had such a good time.”

Odile Robinson passed away recently at the age of 91. In a poignant gesture, Vivian recorded a video of her mother expressing her enthusiasm for the Olympic Games before her passing. In the clip, Odile, donned in her 1984 volunteer outfit, exhibits unwavering support for future Olympics.

“Are you ready to volunteer for the LA28 Olympics?” Vivian asked. “Right?” her mother responded with a bright smile.

Now, Robinson has her mother’s 1984 Olympic outfit on display, accompanied by a cherished photo of Odile from LA84. “So, this was a tribute to my mom. I put it right there,” she said. “But she really wanted to be here for the next Olympics.”

Robinson is determined to carry on her mother’s Olympic legacy as she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, echoing her mother’s spirit in her unwavering dedication to the Games. “I’ll just be there, thinking about her,” she reflected. “I’ll never forget my mom’s experiences.”

Robinson’s excitement for LA28 is palpable. “I just can’t wait. I don’t know what to say, but I’m so excited,” she added.

The Olympic Games will return to Los Angeles for a historic third time in 2028, with the Opening Ceremony set for July 14 and events continuing through July 30. The LA28 Paralympic Games will follow, beginning August 15 and concluding on August 27.

The organizing committee has announced a first look at the competition schedule, set to feature a range of sports, including field hockey, basketball, and rugby sevens, commencing on July 12, two days ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

As anticipation builds for the commencement of the LA28 Games, Robinson remains a vibrant symbol of Olympic enthusiasm, fusing her personal narratives with the collective experience of sportsmanship and global unity.