The Olympic Games of Berlin in 1916 were never staged. The Germans were constructing military weapons instead of athletic stadiums. The assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne Ferdinand, in Sarajevo, was the reason for WWI. 10 million people died, 21 million wounded and 8 million were prisoners of war …

Some thought that the Games should be held with the participation of the English and the French but the idea was never actually supported. The night that the Olympics would have started in Berlin, a social gathering was held in Amsterdam with the name "Olympic night". Prior to the event the IOC had approved the Olympic Flag with the Olympic Circles that symbolizes the unification of the athletes in the five continents.

While Europe was desperately trying to heal its wounds, the IOC in 1918 decided to award the Games to Anverse. Many athletic events were completed prior to the commencement as well as after the final ceremony.

These Games were economically unsuccessful since only 28,665 spectators went to the Games but athletically the Games were a success.

The Fins were the great surprise of the 1920 Games. Paavo Nurmi won 3 gold medals and 1 silver.

"The King of the Runners" as he was so called, Nurmi competed in three Olympiads, managing to win a total of 9 gold and 3 silver medals.