1952 Helsinki, Finland
When the president of Finland declared the Olympic Games of Helsinki,
6000 white pigeons were freed into the sky while thousands of spectators
were crying out in joy. An old man, the patriarch of Finish runners, Hanes
Colemainen was passing on the Olympic torch to the best athlete of the
1920 and 1924 Olympic Games, Paavo Nurmi. The rhythmic cries "Nurmi,
Nurmi" were heard far beyond the stadium.
The number of participants was a world record. They were characterized by the return of the Germans and Japanese athletes and the first participation of the athletes of the USSR.
Czechoslovakian athlete Emil Zapotec made history, for himdself and his nation by winning gold medals in 10.000m, 5000m and the marathon. His wife coincidentally, was born on the same day. She also won the gold medal in the javelin event.
The "Superman from California" won his second gold medal in the decathlon in consecutive Olympiads. His name was Bob Matthias and he was the youngest decathlon Olympian in history at the age of 17.