Rome 1960 Olympic Games
The 1960 Olympic Games were held in Rome, Italy. A record 5,348 athletes from 83 countries competed. The Soviets again topped the medal tally, with 103 medals (43 gold) to the USA 71 medals (34 gold). See the 1960 Medal Table.
Trivia
- The Rome Olympics in 1960 was the first Olympics covered by U.S. television by CBS, and the first covered by television worldwide.
- Ethiopian marathoner Abebe Bikila won the marathon, running barefoot, and became the first black African to win a gold medal. He successfully defended his title four years later in Tokyo, this time wearing shoes.
- 18-year-old boxer Cassius Clay, later to be known as Muhammad Ali, was the light heavyweight boxing champion.
- American Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals in Track and Field running events.
- At the Rome Olympics on August 26, 1960, 23 year old Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen collapsed during the 100 km team time trial, fatally fracturing his skull. The autopsy showed he had taken amphetamines and Roniaco. Competing in 93°F (34°C) heat, the official cause of death was heat stroke.
Related Pages
- List of sports at the 1960 Olympic Games
- Dining Rooms and Food Provision for the Rome Olympic Games in 1960
- Rome 1960, the first Paralympic Games
- Complete list of Olympic host cities
- Italy at the Olympic Games.
- Videos from the 1960 Olympics
- 1960: The Year in Sport
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