
This year marks the British capital’s third time hosting the games. See photos from the first time around, in 1908—when tandem bicyclists raced to the finish line and a famous Italian marathoner took a wrong turn.
Pictured: Italian runner Dorando Pietri.

A Danish gymnast performing a perfect dismount from a pommel horse.
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Female competitors in the National Round Archery event.
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France's M. Schilles and A. Auffray, who won the gold medal in the 2000-meter tandem race.
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The Unites States tug-of-war team in action.
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Diving at White City Stadium.
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A Danish gymnast demonstrates the High Jump.
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Finishing in the same order as their numbers are: the winner, Robert Kerr of Canada; Robert Cloughen and Nat Cartmell, both of the U.S.; and George Hawkins of the U.K.
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Martin Sheridan, the American long jumper, practices his standing jump during training.
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Italian runner Dorando Pietri arrives at White City Stadium, the endpoint of the marathon competition. Pietri was first past the post after taking a wrong turning and being assisted by stewards after a fall. Although disqualified, he received a gold cup for his efforts from Queen Alexandra.
Hulton-Deutsch Collection / Corbis





