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The Games of renewal

After a 12-year break, caused by the Second World War, these V Winter Games were named the "Games of Renewal". Neither Japan nor Germany were invited to Switzerland, the memories of the war being too fresh.

Alpine skiing in the programme

Alpine skiing made its veritable Olympic debut. A few combined events had taken place in 1936, but this time there were three events for men as well as for women.

Skeleton

The skeleton (a style of luge which appeared in St-Moritz at the end of the 19th century) was included for the second time at the Olympic Games. The first race had also taken place in St-Moritz in 1928. This discipline appeared again at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

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