Did you know?

The first flame

For the first time, the Olympic flame was lit at the top of a tower placed inside the stadium and designed by Jan Wils. It remained lit throughout the Games. At this period in time, the torch relay was not yet practised.

Return of Germany

Germany participated in the Games once again, after 16 years of absence, since the 1912 Games.

Athletics open to women

The programme contained for the first time athletics events for women, although they had participated in the past in tennis, golf, archery, figure skating, sailing, swimming and fencing.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)