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The fourth modern Olympic games, held in Athens. They are also known as the 1906 Intercalated Games.
First Intercalated Games
These games were scheduled by the IOC in 1901 as the first Intercalated Games; regular Olympic Games, but always held in Athens, between the internationally organised Games. The 1906 games were quite successful. Unlike the 1900, 1904 or 1908 games, they were neither stretched out over months nor overshadowed by an international exhibition. As a series of Intercalated games never came to pass, the IOC no longer views these games, which do not fit in the scheme of celebrations of the olympiad, as proper Olympic Games. However, since the crisp format of Athens 1906 was most likely instrumental in the continued existence of the games, a large number of people continue to press the IOC to recognise the 1906 games again.
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 and the pentathlon.
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.
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.
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 succesfully defend them one last time for an unparallelled 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 Virner Jarvinen won the Discus, Greek style event.
Closing ceremony
Six thousand school children took part in possibly the first ever Olympic closing ceremony.
Sports
- Athletics
- Canoeing
- Cycling
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Tug of War
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Medal count
One silver medal won by a combined Greek/Belgian team is counted for both. Not counted are a silver medal for Smyrna, and a bronze medal for Thessalonika.
See also
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