In many respects the Olympic Games prior to WW2 were vastly different from those held today. Largely without any sponsorship and definitely no TV coverage, these games were not lavish affairs. With only 22 countries participating in the fourth of the modern series of Olympics, most of the contestants were amateurs with full-time careers outside of sport. This Olympics broke a number of records including that of being the longest at 187 days.
From a personnel perspective and interest to me relates to the marathon or more precisely the distance thereof. The original distance was 25 miles but it was amended to become 26 miles in order that they could commence at Windsor Castle. It was amended again at the request of Princess Margaret so that the start could be beneath the windows of the Royal Nursery. What was so prominent about the Nurseries that the distance had to be extended.
Like today political considerations did play a role in finally determining the “rules” of sport. The finish line was again moved in order that the marathon would finish in front of the King. Then the start was moved yet again due to an objection by an American flag carrier as he refused to dip the American flag before the Royal Box during the opening ceremony. Presumably this was because the Americans felt that they could not “pay homage” to an English King.
After all the changes to accommodate all concerned parties, the distance finally became 26 miles 385 yards [42.195kms]. This ultimately culminated in this distance becoming the standard distance from the 1924 Summer Olympics onwards.
1908 Olympic Marathon
Apart from this debacle, the Irish refused to be part of the British flag and similarly the Finns and the Russian flag.
Finally it should noted that there were women’s participants in certain events presumably those deemed not too strenuous for the weaker sex.
Never let it be said that politics never interfered with sport in the past.
Woman’s synchronised exercises
Woman’s high jump
Woman’s archery
The opening ceremony-the Great Britain team
Participating Countries
Woman’s archery
Men’s tug-o-war
Men’s hockey
Men’s discus
Men’s bicyle polo
Medal tally
Gymnastics
List of events
Cycle track
100 yards hurdler – American competitor
