The Olympic Century 14: Melbournestockholm 1956 Squaw Valley 1960

The Olympic Games have always been a celebration of human athleticism, perseverance, and national pride. Over the course of the last century, numerous Olympic events have left their mark on history, but few have captured the imagination quite like the games held in Melbournestockholm in 1956 and Squaw Valley in 1960. These two events have been immortalized as milestones in the Olympic Century - a series dedicated to showcasing the most iconic Olympic Games throughout history.

Melbournestockholm 1956

The Melbournestockholm 1956 Olympics were unique in many ways. First and foremost, they were the first Olympic Games to be held in more than one city. Due to strict quarantine laws in place in Australia at the time, the equestrian events were moved to Stockholm, Sweden. This resulted in an unprecedented split-hosting format.

The Melbournestockholm Olympics were also memorable for being one of the first instances of televised Olympic coverage. This allowed people from all over the world to witness the incredible achievements of athletes like American sprinter Bobby Morrow, who won three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.

XVI Olympiad: Melbourne/Stockholm 1956, Squaw Valley 1960 (The Olympic Century Book 14)

by Gila Hayes(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25610 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	499 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Squaw Valley 1960

The Squaw Valley 1960 Olympics took place in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA. With its picturesque snow-capped peaks and top-notch facilities, Squaw Valley provided the perfect backdrop for the winter edition of the Olympic Games.

One of the most iconic moments of the Squaw Valley Olympics came in the figure skating competition. American figure skater Carol Heiss claimed the gold medal, captivating the audience with her grace and precision on the ice. Heiss would go on to become one of the most successful figure skaters of her time, winning five consecutive World Championships after her Olympic triumph.

The Olympic Century 14

Melbournestockholm 1956 and Squaw Valley 1960 are integral parts of The Olympic Century series, a collection that aims to chronicle the most remarkable moments in Olympic history. From the inception of the modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896 to the triumphs of Beijing 2008, The Olympic Century chronicles the stories, struggles, and accomplishments of athletes across the globe.

Whether it's the iconic victories of Jesse Owens in Berlin 1936 or the groundbreaking performances of Usain Bolt in Rio 2016, each book in the series delves into the essence of the Olympic Games, showcasing the spirit of competition and the power of the human body and mind.

So, whether you're a sports enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for inspiration, The Olympic Century series is a must-read. Join us on a journey through the triumphs and tribulations of the past century of Olympic Games. Discover the magic, the glory, and the passion that have defined the Olympic Century.

XVI Olympiad: Melbourne/Stockholm 1956, Squaw Valley 1960 (The Olympic Century Book 14)

by Gila Hayes(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25610 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	499 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, were unique in several respects: they were the first Games held outside Europe or North America, as well as the first held in the southern hemisphere. The XVI Olympiad, the fourteenth volume in The Olympic Century series, begins with the story of Melbourne 1956, known as “The Friendly Games”.

The book profiles the heroes of Melbourne, like the 18-year-old Australian sprinter Betty Cuthbert, the “Golden Girl,” who claimed gold in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay; and the American Bobby Morrow who mirrored Cuthbert’s achievements on the men’s side. There were also unlikely winners, like Ronnie Delany of Ireland, who held off the powerful Americans to claim gold in the 1500 metres. The book also explores how Cold War tensions surfaced in Melbourne in disputes over officiating, and most violently in water polo, where Hungary and Russia engaged in what became known as the “Blood in the Water Match.”

Following Melbourne, the book turns its focus to Squaw Valley, California, and the Winter Games of 1960. Squaw Valley saw the Olympic debut of the biathlon and women’s speed skating, along with technological innovations like artificial ice surfaces, instant replay and results tabulated by computer. The book also recounts the story of the plucky American ice hockey team, made up of college players, which defeated the experienced Canadians and dominant Russians to claim gold.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, former President of the International Olympic Committee, called The Olympic Century, “The most comprehensive history of the Olympic games ever published”.