1908, 1948, 2012

Today the final countdown for the 2012 Olympics starts with jsut 365 days to the opening ceremony.

Here are 3 Athletics programmes from the London Olympics 1948 which took place at the Empire Stadium, Wembley. - Before my time, I hasten to add.

In 1908 London also hosted the Olympics, the main venue being The White City Stadium. It was here that the Marathon created history for more than one reason.

Previously the Marathon had been 'about 25 miles' - a distance based on the distance Pheidippides allegedly ran from Marathon to Athens.
In 1908, the Marathon started at Windsor Castle, and finished under the Royal Box in the White City Stadium - a distance of 26 miles. It was then increased by an additional 385 yards, so Princess Mary could see the start from her nursery window. Oh! The feeling of power.
This is now the official distance of all marathons.

The race was also controversial, because the Italian runner Durando Pietri, entered the stadium first, but ran the wrong way round the track, he stumbled and fell several times before being helped across the line by two officials - He was disqualified and the gold medal was awarded to the American who finished second.

Champagne was considered the drink for marathon runners, both before and during the race. Ah, so thats where, I've been going wrong, no more electrolyte drinks and carb loading for me. Mind you what with my knees and hips..... still, it must be good for spectators too.

A bit of 1908 Action

I am pro the 2012 Olympics and looking forward to the whole caboodle.