The Olympics

Olympics 1920 ------ Antwerp

The 1916 Games, awarded to Berlin, took place in Antwerp. Germany, like other aggressor nations – Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey – was excluded from the 1920 Games. Russia too was absent; its troops were still fighting their Civil War.

Among the 10 million who had lost their lives in the Great War were many Olympians. The 1920 Games were given to Antwerp to commemorate the suffering inflicted on Belgium during the conflict. The opening ceremony saw two historic innovations – the Olympic flag and the oath. The flag’s five rings, adapted by Pierre de Coubertin from the altar at Delphi, signified the unity of the five continents, and the first oath was delivered by Belgium fencer Victor Boin. In a clear voice he declared : ‘ In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.’

Pao Kahinu Kahanamoku, a swimmer of Polynesian origins and born in Hawaii, nicknamed ‘The Duke’ was literally a human fish. Though he did not invent the ‘Crawl’ stroke, but he adapted to it so effectively that his competitors were left open mouthed. The Duke was a force of nature, who had set a World record in the 100 meters and was untouchable in his events. There were two more women sensations in the swimming pool; the diminutive diver Aileen Riggin aged 13 years, who won the Spring Board and the powerful Ethelda Bleibtrey who had made her own waves, taking the Olympic and World records in the 100 and 300 meters freestyle, and in the 4 x 100 meters relay backed by a strong American team.

Nedo Nadi, a young 26 year old Captain in the Italian army won five titles in fencing. Two individuals and teams in Foil and Sabre and an Epee team. Also, another remarkable feature was Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn, who at the age of 72 won a Gold Medal in the team event for the double – shot running deer event.

Games in Brief

Opening Date                   20 April 1920

Closing Date                     12 September 1920

Host Nation                      Belgium

Nations Represented        29

Athletes                             2,669 (78 women and 2,591 men)

Sports                                22 (4 open to women)

Games Officially

Opened By                        King Albert of Belgium

Olympic Flame                 Not Lit

Olympic Oath Read By    Victor Boin

IOC President                   Baron Pierre de Coubertin

The Olympic Oath

“In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.”

PS - : Matter researched from the Olympics museum in Laussane.

Brigadier (retd) S D Dangwal

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