MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES - 1924 Paris Olympiad
 
                       

The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in Paris, were officially opened by the president Gaston Doumergue and were broadcasted live on radio. For the first time were introduced The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) and the Closing Ceremony ritual of raising three flags: the flag of the International Olympic Committee, the flag of the host nation and the flag of the next host nation. An inovation is the Olympic village, a confortable place for the athletes accomodation.
The legendary Johnny Weissmuller (starred in "Tarzan" movies), from the United States, (born in Timisoara, Romania), won two gold medals in swimming and the same day he earned a bronze

medal in water polo. American swimmer Gertrude Ederle won a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle and, two years later, she caused a world sensation by becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel, in a time almost two hours
faster than any man had ever achieved. Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi won five gold medals. His most spectacular performance occurred on 10th July, when he won the 1,500m, then, 55 minutes later, he returned to the track and won the 5,000m.

 
 
 
     

Opening date:
4th May 1924
Closing date:
27th July 1924
Nations: 44
Sports: 17
Events: 126
Athletes: 3 089
Men: 2 954
Women: 135

Candidate cities: Amsterdam , Barcelone, Los Angeles, Prague and Rome.