What Happened at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

The 1924 Olympic Games were held in Paris, France from July 4th to July 27th. This was the VIII Olympiad and the first time that the Olympic Games were held in France. The games were a major success and featured many memorable moments.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was held on July 4th at the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including French President Gaston Doumergue. The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Olympic flame, which was done by a young athlete named Georges André.

Athletics

The athletics events at the 1924 Olympics were dominated by Finnish athletes, who won a total of 20 medals, including 12 golds. Paavo Nurmi was the star of the Finnish team, winning five gold medals in individual events.

Another notable athlete at these games was Harold Abrahams, a British sprinter who won gold in both the 100m and 4x100m relay. Abrahams’ story inspired the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’, which won four Academy Awards in 1981.

Swimming

In swimming, American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller won three gold medals and set three world records. Weissmuller went on to become a Hollywood actor and is best known for his role as Tarzan in several movies.

Other Sports

The 1924 Olympics also featured other sports such as boxing, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, rowing, and tennis. In boxing, American boxer Fidel LaBarba won gold in the flyweight division. In cycling, Italian cyclist Alfredo Binda won two gold medals in road races.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony took place on July 27th at the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir. The ceremony featured speeches by various dignitaries and the lowering of the Olympic flag. The games were officially declared closed by French Prime Minister Édouard Herriot.

Legacy

The 1924 Olympics were a major success and helped to establish the modern Olympic Games as a major international event. The games also showcased France’s culture and history to the world.

In conclusion, the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris were a memorable event that featured many great athletes and moments. The success of these games helped to establish the Olympics as a major international event and paved the way for future Olympic Games to come.