The 1908 London Olympics can claim to be the first ‘modern’ sporting event which pitted nation against nation. There were rows between the British and Americans; a one-man walkover in the 400 metres when the US runners boycotted the event; a dispute over the shoes worn by one of the British tug of war teams and when the American team failed to dip their flag in front of King Edward VII it was taken as a massive snub. The best known incident came in the marathon when Italy’s Dorando Pietri was disqualified for being helped over the finish line. But Queen Alexandra gave him a special gold cup.
This book celebrates the first London Olympics, examines all the disputes and reveals what happened to the stars of the Games in later life. Informative and entertaining, Keith Baker’s well researched book is aimed at everyone interested in sport and social history.