1906 Summer Olympics

The 1906 Summer Olympics are the fourth modern Olympic games, held in Athens. They are also known as the 1906 Intercalated Games.

Games

The Games were held from April 22 to May 2 1906, in Athens, Greece. For the first time, the registration of athletes had been handled entirely through the NOCs. The games excluded several disciplines that had occurred during the past two games; it was unclear whether they ought to have been part of the Olympic Games or of the World Exhibitions. Added to the program were the javelin throw and the pentathlon.

Related Topics:
April 22 - May 2 - 1906 - Athens - Greece - NOC - World Exhibition - Javelin throw - Pentathlon

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The games were a success, with large crowds following the events each day. They also saw, probably for the first time, opening ceremonies as a separate event, flags hoisted for the victors, and a closing ceremony. In these, as well as several other aspects, the 2nd Olympics in Athens set an example followed to this day.

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Opening

The games included a real opening ceremony, watched by a large crowd. The athletes, for the first time, entered the stadium as national teams, marching behind their flags. The official opening of the games was done by King Georgios I.

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Highlights

• There were only two standing jump events in Athens, but Ray Ewry successfully defended his titles in both of them, bringing his total up to 8 gold medals. In 1908 he would successfully defend them one last time for an unparalleled 10 Olympic titles.
• Paul Pilgrim won both the 400 and 800 meters, a feat that was first repeated during Montreal 1976 by Alberto Juantorena.
• Long Jumper A. Priftis and Triple Jumper Stavros Lelokos set the worst Olympic results ever in their disciplines (5.235 m and 11.455 m, respectively).
• Canadian Billy Sherring lived in Greece for two months, to adjust to the local conditions. His efforts paid off as he unexpectedly won the Marathon. Prince George accompanied him on the final lap.
• Finland made its Olympic debut, and immediately won a gold medal, as Verner Järvinen won the Discus, Greek style event.

Closing ceremony

Six thousand schoolchildren took part in possibly the first ever Olympic closing ceremony.

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