The Games of the III Olympiad were overshadowed by a World’s Fair and last over four and a half months. Of the 91 events generally considered to have been part of the Olympic program, only 42 included athletes who were not from the United States.The Games were officially opened by Mr David Francis, president of Louisiana Purchase Exposition. In St. Louis the Olympics organizers decided, for the first time, to award gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third place. Marathon runners Len Tau and Jan Mashiani, Tswana tribesmen became the first Africans to compete in the Olympics and boxing and freestyle wrestling made their debuts. The American gymnast George Eyser, with his left leg made of wood, won six medals and Chicago runner, James

Opening date:
1st July 1904
Closing date:
23rd November 1904
Nations: 12
Sports: 17
Events: 91
Athletes: 645
Men: 639
Women: 6

Candidate cities: Chicago, Illinois