BBC SPORT | HISTORY | Helsinki 1952

Russian athletes returned to Olympic action, in Helsinki, for the first time since 1912, but now they were representing a communist Soviet Union.

However they and other Eastern Bloc countries refused to join competitors from capitalist nations in the Olympic village. Instead they were housed in student accommodation.

The Games turned into a communist-capitalist battle with team officials considering any victory by their atheletes as a proof of superiority in their system.

Czech runner Emil Zatopek was the undoubted star of track and field with his domination of the men's long distance events.

Scenes from the opening ceremony

Nicknamed the 'Czech Express', the army officer won golds in the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon.

Fanny Blankers-Koen's international career came to an emotional end. She struck a hurdle and fell in the 80m hurdels final and left the track in tears, never to compete again.

Gymnastics was dominated by the Soviets, and Maria Gorokhovskaya's haul of two golds and five silvers set a record as the most medals won at one Games by a women in any sport.




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