The Olympics in 1908 and 1948

Contents 1.The Olympics in Pictures 3.Between the Olympics 4.The Olympics in Pictures 6.Did you know?

London, London was chosen by the recommendations of The Committe of Organisation of London World’s Fair. The games were held in White City, where huge stadium was quickly built. It could hold up to people. Also a cycling track and the pool were built. There were 2059 athlets participating (incl. 36 women) from 22 countries. Stadium in White City

In the programme there were added a lot of new sports, for example polo, rackets, field hockey, motorboat racing etc. For the first time figure skating was included. For the first time the nonofficial rank order was presented: Great Britain, The USA, Sweden, France, Germany, Canada. The best athlets were Melvin Sheppard(The USA) and Henry Taylor(Great Britain). They won 3 gold medals. Henry Taylor Melvin Sheppard

Opening ceremony Olympic Games posters

Britain Between the Olympics Britain took part in I and II World War The First World War Almost every London family was affected by the death or wounding of a relative or friend. Of more than one million London men who enlisted 131,000 died on active service. In the year following the end of the war, London was also hit hard by the ‘Spanish flu’ The Battle of Britain The Second World war During the attacks over 20,000 Londoners lost their lives and over a million buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged. London’s demographics changed dramatically.

London, London became the second city, where The Summer Olympics were held twice. There were 4106 athlets participating (incl. 385 women) from 59 countries. The Olympics were held on Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium

Many countries did not take part in the Olympic Games because of their bad economical condition. Due to that the XIV Olympics were not as successful as in 1908.Many countries did not take part in the Olympic Games because of their bad economical condition. Due to that the XIV Olympics were not as successful as in The weaknesses of these Olympics were the missing Olympic village and the bad positioning of the arenas.That’s why it was very hard to follow the game and have a good review.The weaknesses of these Olympics were the missing Olympic village and the bad positioning of the arenas.That’s why it was very hard to follow the game and have a good review. The best countries were The USA and Sweden, after them were Hungary, Italy, Great Britain, Finland and Switzerland.The best countries were The USA and Sweden, after them were Hungary, Italy, Great Britain, Finland and Switzerland. The best athlete was Dutchwoman Francine Blankers-Koen, who won 4 gold medals.The best athlete was Dutchwoman Francine Blankers-Koen, who won 4 gold medals.

Francine Blankers- Koen

Did you know… …that at first the IV Olympic Games had to take place in Rome, but unfortunatelly Mount Vesuvis had erupted. …that for the first time winners were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals on the XIV Olympic Games. …that Japan and Germany did not recive the invitation, because they were agressors of the Second World War. Medals in 1908&1948