Milestone

In spite of years of difficulties caused by rationing of food, clothes and other essential materials, the English organizing committee did an outstanding job. These Games saw the first participation by Communist countries and the first defections of participants. Athletes from many countries including Burma, Ceylon, Colombia, Guatemala, Lebanon, Panama, Puerto Rico, Syria and Venezuela took part for the first time. No athletes from Japan, USSR or Germany took part. Fanny Blankers-Koen (NED) was undoubtedly the greatest female athlete (4 gold medals). Emil Zatopek made his first appearance at the Olympics.

(Credit: IOC / Olympic Museum)