The Helsinki Games featured many first times. Israel and the Soviet Union entered the Olympic Games for the first time, equestrian competitions became mixed and the first commemorative coin of the modern Olympic Games was made.

Performances weren't shy either with some names of the London 1948 games coming back in great style and new comers making a great first impression with outstanding displays.

Harrison Dillard (USA), Arthur Wint (JAM), Herbert McKenley (JAM), Bob Mathias (USA), Adhemar Ferreira da Silva (BRA), Emil Zátopek (TCH), Joan Harrison (RSA), Lindy Remigino (USA), Nina Romashkova (USR), Katalin Szoke (HNG), Mal Whitfield (USA) and many more, you'll find them here in our Helsinki Olympics playlist. less