Rome 1960

A Star is Born

Cassius Marcellus Clay of the U.S., later known as Muhammad Ali, first gained international prominence by winning the light-heavyweight gold medal. He would later turn professional and embark on a phenomenal career.

NOCs: 83

Athletes: 5,338 (611 women, 4,727 men)

Events: 150 events

Volunteers: N/A

Media: N/A

A Definitive Official Anthem

In 1958, the IOC made the decision to adopt the Anthem composed by Spyros Samaras, with words by Kostis Palamas, as the official Olympic Anthem. Following this decision, for the Games of the Olympiad, it was first played in Rome. The Anthem had originally been composed for the celebration of the Games of the I Olympiad that took place in Athens in 1896.

Consequences of Apartheid

The Games in Rome were the last Games in which South Africa was allowed to participate for a period of some 32 years—until 1992—as the International Olympic Committee could not tolerate the racist policies of the South African government.

Millions of Television Viewers

These Games were broadcast live in 18 European countries and, with only a few hours delay, to the United States, Canada and Japan.

Ceremonies

Rome 25 August 1960. The Italian delegation (ITA).

Official Opening of the Games by:

President Giovanni Gronchi

Lighting the Olympic Flame by:

Giancarlo Peris (athletics)

Olympic Oath by:

Adolfo Consolini (athletics)

Officials' Oath by:

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