10/08/2026
The provided image captures a notable historical moment featuring George Christie (center), the longtime president of the Ventura chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, alongside club founder Sonny Barger (right). The photograph centers around Christie's unexpected participation as a torchbearer in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics torch relay.
Behind the Photo: The 1984 Olympic Torch Controversy
During preparations for the 1984 Summer Olympics, the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee created the Youth Legacy Kilometer Programme. Under this initiative, any individual, company, or organization could sponsor a 1-kilometer leg of the relay by donating $3,000 to youth sports charities.
Members of the Ventura Hells Angels pooled their money together and submitted a check signed "HAMCUS" (Hells Angels Motorcycle Club United States), choosing Christie to run their section.