112 NOCs (Nations)
5,516 athletes (781 women, 4,735 men)
172 events

Mexico 12 October 1968. Opening ceremony : Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo (MEX) climbs with the Olympic torch.

Official opening of the Games by: President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz

Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Norma Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo (athletics)

Olympic Oath by: Pablo Lugo Garrido (athletics)

Official Oath by: The first officials' oath was sworn at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

Attractive, vivacious and talented Vera Caslavska (TCH-gymnastics) won four gold and two silver medal. Her victories were dramatic, defeating Soviet gymnasts shortly after Soviet tanks invaded her homeland. [Full story]

For the first time the Games were held in Latin America; a woman lit the Olympic cauldron; the winners had to undergo dope testing (narcotics, stimulants); a plastic material (tartan) was used for the athletics track; and the athletes of East Germany competed in their own team under the name "East Germany". [Full story]

Doping controls: For the first time, the winners had to undergo a doping test (narcotics, stimulants). [Full story]