Helsinki 1952

For You, Dad

Back in 1924, Bill Havens was chosen to represent the U.S. in a demonstration of canoe. However, he declined in order to stay home with his wife, who was expecting their first child. Twenty-eight years later, that child competed in Helsinki. His name was Frank Havens, and he claimed gold in the Canadian singles 10,000m canoeing event.

NOCs: 69

Athletes: 4,955 (519 women, 4,436 men)

Events: 149

Volunteers: N/A

Media: N/A

A More Formal Attribution Procedure

A 30-minute presentation by each candidate city, the absences of IOC members from the countries involved during the time of the presentations, and voting up to the point of obtaining an absolute majority before a host city was elected.

The Beginning of Olympic Numismatics

The first commemorative coin of the modern Olympic Games was made in 1951-1952.

Cultural Events

Replacement of the art competition by exhibitions.

Ceremonies

Helsinki 1952. Interior view of the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony in front of the witnesses.

Official Opening of the Games by:

President Juho Paasikivi

Lighting the Olympic Flame by:

Paavo Nurmi and Hannes Kolehmainen (athletics)

Olympic Oath by:

Heikki Savolainen (artistic gymnastics)

Officials' Oath by:

The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.