About
The Amsterdam Olympic Games of 1928 were a shining example of peace and unity before the trials of financial instability and war. Athletes from twenty-eight nations won gold medals, a record which would stand for forty years, and for the first time women were allowed to compete in athletics and gymnastics events. American Betty Robinson sprinted into Olympic history as winner of the first ever women’s track event, the 100 metres. The 1928 Games also witnessed the first lighting of the Olympic flame at an opening ceremony, as well as establishing the protocol of Greek athletes entering the stadium first, with host nation athletes last.
Asian athletes claimed gold medals for the first time in Amsterdam - Mikio Oda of Japan won the triple jump, while his team mate, Yoshiyuki Tsuruta, won the 200m breaststroke. In hockey, the Indian team won the first of six consecutive field hockey titles. The Amsterdam Games are perhaps best exemplified by the exploits of Australian rower Henry Pearce. Midway through his quarterfinal race, he stopped rowing to allow a family of ducks to pass single file in front of his boat. Pearce went on to win the race and, later, the gold medal.
Team GB
British athletes endured a disappointing time in Amsterdam, bringing home just three gold medals, but hurdler Lord David Burghley was one of the most popular winners of the 1928 Games. Burghley was a colourful character with a penchant for setting unusual records – he once raced around the upper deck of the ocean liner Queen Mary in 57 seconds, and is believed to have devised the training technique of placing matchboxes on hurdles to practice knocking over the matchboxes with his lead foot without touching the hurdle. Burghley was later to become Chairman of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Douglas Lowe retained his 800 metres crown and a rowing gold medal came in the Four.