THE 1948 OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON

A Struggle The XIIth Games, of 1940, were originially

awarded to Tokyo and then Helsinki, but were eventually cancelled after the outbreak of World War II.

The International Olympic Committee chose then London to host the XIIth Olympic Games, only to see them cancelled again.

With the war finally over, the postal vote of IOC members again selected London to host the Olympics in 1948.

The Year 1948 Although World War II was over, Europe

was still ravaged from the the war. Many countries were in ruins – houses

needed to be rebuilt, industry needed to get back on its feet and economy also was in need of being rebuilt.

People, still schocked by the horrifying consequences of World War II, faced starvation all over Europe. Including the British.

Preparations Since the British economy still suffered the

consequences of World War II, no new facilities were built for these games.

No Olympic Village was erected – the male athletes were housed at an army camp in Uxbridge and the women housed at Southlands College’s dormitories.

The main athletics events were held in Wembley Stadium, where a temporary running track had been laid.

To limit the United Kingdom’s responsibility to feed all the athletes, it was agreed that the participants would bring their own food.

Participants There were 4099 contestants taking part in

the 1948 Olympic Games. Those contestants were representatives

from 59 different countries. Germany and Japan – the countries held

responsible for World War II – were excluded from the games.

The Soviet Union decided to abstain. Other countries included, for example, the

United States, Jamaica, Netherlands, Turkey, Venezuela, Norway, Finland etc.

Opening Ceremony The Games opened on 29 July which was a

brilliantly sunny day. Army bands began playing at 2 pm for the 85

000 specators in Wembley Stadium. The members of the Royal Family were also

present – e.g King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary.

At 4 pm the King declared the Games open , 2500 doves were set free and the Olympic Flag was raised.

The last runner in the Torch Relay ran a lap of the track and climbed the steps to the Olympic cauldron to light the flame.

Winners The most Olympic medals in 1948 went to

the United States (38 Gold, 27 Silver, 19 Bronze)

Second came Sweden with their 16 Gold, 11Silver and 17 Bronze medals.

Third in line was France who won 10 Gold, 6 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.

France was followed by Hungary, Italy, Finland and Turkey.

The United Kindgom was 12th.

Innovations Despite the conditions, the games of

1948 saw some technological innovations such as: the photo finish starting blocks for runners

Mishap There was one major mishap in the 1948 Olympic

Games. Although the United States had won the 400 meter

relay by a full eighteen feet, a judge ruled that one of the U.S. team members had passed the baton outside of the passing zone. Thus the U.S. team was disqualified.

The medals were handed out and national anthems were played.

The U.S. officially protested the ruling and after careful review of the films and photographs taken of the baton bass, the judges decided that the pass had been legal.

Thus the real winner was the United States team.

United Kingdom had to give up their gold medals and received silver medals.

The Italian team received instead of silver medals bronze medals which were given up by the Hungarian team.

To Sum Up Though there had been much debate as

to whether or not to hold the 1948 Olympic Games, the Games turned out to be very popular and a great success.

People welcomed the chance to focuse on an event that restored a spirit of international harmony and human endeavour.

The Games ended on August 14th.