The History of The Olympic Games

I became interested in researching the history of the Olympic games when I found an Advertisement for the 1960 ‘Rome’ summer Olympics, and the 1960 ’Squaw Valley USA’ Winter Olympics in old magazines. I spent a significant period of time tiding up and optimising the advertisements so they could be printed on items of clothing offered through my online store ‘Fabulously Funky’. (www.fabulouslyfunky.com.au)

With the Olympic Games in Paris I thought it was a great time to have a look at this history. 

The Olympic Games have a rich history that dates back to ancient Greece and has evolved significantly over time. 

The Ancient Olympics

The ancient Olympic Games originated in Olympia, Greece, around 776 BCE, and were part of a religious festival honouring Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. 

They initially featured a single event, a foot race, however over time more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and the pentathlon (a combination of running, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling). 

Only freeborn Greek men were allowed to compete, and Women were not permitted to participate or even attend. 

The Games were held every four years, a period known as an Olympiad. 

The ancient Olympics continued until 393 CE when the Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned them as part of his campaign to impose Christianity. 

The Modern Olympics

Now the modern Olympic Games were revived in the late 19th century by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin. His vision led to the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. 

The first modern games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, and featured 13 countries and 280 athletes competing in 43 events.

Over the years, the Games have grown in size and scope, now including the Winter Olympics (first held in 1924 in Chamonix, France) and Paralympic Games for athletes with disabilities (first held in 1960 in Rome, Italy)

Today, the Olympics are a global event, with thousands of athletes from over 200 countries competing in a wide range of sports.

The modern Olympics have faced various challenges, including political boycotts, doping scandals, and concerns over the cost and environmental impact of hosting the Games, but despite these issues, the Olympics continue to be a symbol of international unity and athletic excellence. 

Let’s look at some key achievements:

• In Berlin 1936 Jesse Owens, an African American athlete, won four gold medals, challenging Nazi propaganda.

• Then in Munich 1972, the Games were marred by a terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes. 

• In Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, there was the U.S led boycott of the Moscow Games. 

• In Sydney 2000, Cathy Freeman, an Indigenous Australian, lit the Olympic cauldron and won the 400 meters, symbolising reconciliation. 

• The Tokyo Olympics (Due to be held in 2020) were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the Olympic movement. The Olympic Games continue to inspire and bring together people from around the world, celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

Now looking more closely at the 1960 Olympics. As I mentioned above I became interest in these particular games when I found an Advertisement for the 1960 ‘Rome’ summer Olympics, and the 1960 ’Squaw Valley USA’ Winter Olympics. 

1960 Rome Olympics (Summer)

The 1960 Rome Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad, were held from August 25 to September 11, 1960. 

These Games were notable for several reasons, marking a significant period in Olympic and global history. 

Here are some key aspects: 

• The events were held at historically significant sites, including the Basilica of Maxentius and the Roman Forum, blending ancient Roman history with modern athletics. 

• These were the first Olympics to be fully covered by television, bringing the Games into homes worldwide and significantly increasing their global reach and popularity. 

• The Games took place during the Cold War, adding a layer of political tension, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union. 

• The future boxing legend, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), won the light heavyweight gold medal, showcasing his talent on an international stage for the first time. 

• The American sprinter Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio as a child, won three gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay, becoming the first American woman to achieve such a feat. 

• The Ethiopian marathoner Abebe Bikila won the marathon gold medal barefoot, becoming the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal. 

• Numerous world records were set during the Games, emphasising the increasing competitiveness and talent in the Olympic arena. 

• The United States dominated the swimming events, with Chris von Saltza winning three gold medals and one silver.

• The Soviet Union excelled in gymnastics, with Larisa Latynina winning six medals (three gold, two silver, one bronze). 

• The 1960 Olympics saw the introduction of electronic timing for track events, providing more accurate results.

• The Olympic Village was designed to accommodate athletes comfortably, setting a standard for future Games.

Several newly independent African nations participated for the first time, reflecting the decolonisation wave of the 1950s and 1960s. 

Although not as prominent as in later years, there were some political tensions and protests, including a boycott by the South African team due to apartheid policies. 

The opening ceremony was a grand affair held at the Stadio Olimpico, featuring a parade of nations, traditional Italian music, and a symbolic release of doves. The closing ceremony was similarly impressive, with athletes mingling freely, symbolising unity and international friendship. 

The Soviet Union topped the medal table with 43 gold medals, followed by the United States with 34 golds. 

Italy, the host nation, performed well, finishing third in the overall medal count. 

Overall, athletes from a wide range of countries won medals, showcasing the growing international nature of the Games. 

In summary the 1960 Rome Olympics were a landmark event, remembered for their blend of historical grandeur, athletic excellence, and the emerging influence of television, which helped to popularise the Olympic movement worldwide.

1960 Winter Olympics - Squaw Valley

The Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, officially known as the VIII Olympic Winter Games, took place from February 18 to February 28, 1960, in Squaw Valley, California, USA. These Games were notable for several innovations and significant events. 

Let’s take a look at some of the innovations to the Olympic Games introduced at the Squaw Valley Winter Olympics of 1960:

• Squaw Valley was a relatively unknown and underdeveloped resort area when it was chosen over Innsbruck, Austria, and St. Moritz, Switzerland. This decision was controversial because Squaw Valley had little infrastructure at the time. 

• The region underwent significant development, with the construction of new facilities, roads, and accommodations. Notably, all the venues were built from scratch, and Squaw Valley transformed into a modern Olympic site within a few years.

• IBM provided the first computer system for the Olympics, which was used to calculate results and manage data, marking a technological milestone. 

• This was the first Winter Olympics to use closed-circuit television to broadcast events to spectators at different venues within the Olympic area. 

• Artificial ice was used for the first time, allowing better control over the quality and consistency of the ice surfaces for various sports. 

• Jean Vuarnet of France won the men’s downhill using metal skis for the first time, a significant technological advancement in the sport.

• The United States men's hockey team won its first gold medal, defeating Canada and the Soviet Union in a round-robin format, which was a surprising and memorable achievement. 

• David Jenkins of the United States won the gold medal in men’s figure skating, while Carol Heiss, also from the USA, won gold in the women’s figure skating competition. 

• Carol Heiss's victory in figure skating was particularly notable as she had previously won five consecutive world championships. 

• The Soviet Union’s Pavel Kolchin won a bronze medal in cross-country skiing, becoming the first non-Scandinavian to win a medal in this sport at the Winter Olympics. 

• Walt Disney organised the opening and closing ceremonies, adding a unique and grand touch to the events. The ceremonies featured elaborate pageantry, including fireworks and ice sculptures. 

• Squaw Valley was the first Winter Olympics to have a dedicated athlete's village, which provided housing, dining, and recreational facilities for competitors. 

• The Games took place during the Cold War, which influenced the competition, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, the event was relatively free from political tensions and boycotts. 
• A total of 30 nations participated, with South Africa making its Winter Olympics debut. 

• The Soviet Union topped the medal table with 21 medals, including 7 golds, followed by the United States with 10 medals (3 golds), and Germany with 8 medals (4 golds). 

• The 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics were a transformative event in the history of the Winter Games. 

The innovations introduced in technology and infrastructure set new standards for future Olympics, and the Games themselves were a showcase of athletic excellence and international cooperation.