The Olympics in 1908 and 1948 British Studies

The Olympics in 1908 and 1948 British Studies olympiad

Games of the IV Olympiad 1908 (27. IV-29. X) London officially opened by King Edward VII 22 nations and 2008 athletes (37 women) participating 24 sporting disciplines were contested

Top three nations RANK 1 2 3 NATION Great Britain United States Sweden GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL 56 51 39 146 23 12 12 47 8 6 11 25 All medals awarded on one day in mass ceremony

Problems the flags of China and Japan- with no athletes on the Games- were flown instead of those of Sweden and the United States there were no standard rules in sports, which led to numerous protests

Renewals for the first time the Olympic creed was publicly proclaimed (“the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part”) the first opening ceremony was held the competitors paraded behind their country`s flag in sportswear the first official awarding of the three medals the exact distance of marathon was established first to include Winter events

Most remarkable events the only walkover in Olympic history by British runner Wyndham Halswelle Italian marathon runner who was the first to enter the stadium collapsed several times before he was helped across the finish line

Games of the XIV Olympiad 1948 (29. VII-14. VIII) London 59 nations and 4104 athletes (390 women) participating

Difficulties no Olympic Village was erected, athletes were accommodated all over London in schools and dormitories all the participating countries had to bring their own food Germany and Japan (the agressors of World War II) were not allowed to send athletes to the games

Renewals olympic pictograms (“Olympic symbols”) were introduced for the first time from 1948 onward athletes placing fourth, fifth and sixth receive certificates (“victory diplomas”) the London Olympic Games were first to be shown on home televison in Great Britain

Thank you for your attention Mari-Leen Sandre Tallinn Coeducational Gymnasium Form 11 A