London is getting ready for the 2012 Olympic Games but the city has hosted two previous Olympic Games. The first hosting was only the IVth Olympiad in 1908, the second hosting was just after the second World War in 1948.
Fans of Olympic sport can refer to a list of hosting cities and get a feel of the timeline and contributions of different hosting countries in history. A variety of sports websites are available to check on sports stars performances and records.
IVth Olympiad - London 1908
The 1908 Olympic Games were first awarded to Rome but, following the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Italy needed to reallocate finances towards a rebuilding program. At short notice, London agreed to host the 1908 Games.
The London 1908 Olympic Games were held as an event in their own right, unlike the previous two Olympics. They were well attended and captured the imagination of the British public. The Games venue was the White City stadium in Shepherd's Bush. It featured a running track, swimming pool and velodrome.
So London hosted its first Olympic Games. It was a world away from the modern-day Olympics - everything was built and organised in less than two years, and at a fraction of today's costs. At the opening ceremony, the athletes marched behind their national flags for the first time. Team officials from the United States team accused British judges of bias.
Out of 22 countries participating, 10 countries won medals. There was a dramatic finish to the marathon when officials assisted Italian runner Dorando Pietri as he collapsed several times. Unfortunately, this act of kindness caused the runner to be disqualified.
XIVth Olympiad - London 1948
The Games of 1944 were due to be held in London but were canceled due to World War II. Instead, London hosted the first games in 12 years, after the end of the war, in 1948. Both Germany and Japan were excluded.
In 1948, food was still being rationed in England; so many teams brought their own food to the Games.
Opening ceremony of the London 1948 Olympics was held in Wembley stadium. The Royal family, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended. For the first time, the events were shown on television in England and millions were listening-in on the radio throughout the world. Starting blocks were introduced for sprint events and for women, the 200 meters long jump and shot put were included in the program for the first time.
Out of 59 countries participating, 10 nations won medals. Female Dutch sprinter Fanny Blankers-Koen won four gold medals on the track, emulating Owens' achievement in Berlin. A 17 year old, Bob Mathlas of the United States became the youngest winner of a men's athletic event in Olympic history.
References:
- "The McMillan Book of Olympic Facts", Garry Chapman, McMillan Education Australia. South Yarra. 2008.
- "The First London Olympics 1908", Rebecca Jenkins, Piatkus Books. Chatham, UK. 2008.
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