BBC SPORT | HISTORY | Antwerp 1920

After an enforced absence in 1916 due to World War One, the Olympics made a welcome return in 1920 in Antwerp.

Although Belgium suffered in the atrocities of war, the authorities managed to organise the necessary preparations.

Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey were not invited because of their involvement in the war but a record number of athletes and nations participated.

The number of athletes in the track and field events was particularly limited because of the fatalities to known athletes in the war.

But Antwerp saw the birth of the famous Olympic flag of five interlocking circles, representing the unity and friendship of the human race. It also saw a repeat of the first Olympiad, when doves were released to symbolise peace between the nations

Action from the pole vault competition

Finland usurped the American dominance on the track thanks to Hannes Koiehmainen and the legendary Paavo Nurmi who won three medals, two gold and one silver, at the start of his illustrious Olympic career.

South America won their first gold medal in 1920 when Guilherme Paraense of Brazil won the rapid-fire pistol event, whilst Willie Lee and Lloyd Spooner of America won five and four golds respectively.

Elsewhere, American diver Aileen Riggin became the youngest gold medal winner at just 14 years and 119 days while Great Britain's Phillip Baker won silver. Baker then went on to become an MP and the only Olympian to have ever been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1959.




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