JOIN USThe Olympic Games felt the first effects of war in 1916. The Games, scheduled in Berlin that year, had to be cancelled because of World War I. As the hostilities ended, the Games resumed in 1920, with Antwerp as the new host.
Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey were barred from the 1920 edition due to their role in the war. The Games themselves felt the effect of war and were organised on a modest scale but for engrossing action and for the emergence of champions, Antwerp didn't disappoint.
The Games were also getting bigger. A total of 2626 athletes from 29 countries took part in 156 events. Standing out amidst them was Italy's Nedo Nadi. He won five gold medals in six fencing events, an unmatched feat in Olympic history.
Suzanne Lenglen, a name familiar with followers of tennis, left her mark, with the Frenchwoman claiming the tennis gold while Oscar Swahn became the oldest medallist when he won silver in the team double shot running deer event at the age of 72.
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[] The Olympic flag featuring the five rings was presented for the first time at Antwerp.
Antwerp also witnessed the first Athletes' Oath. Belgian athlete Victor Boin had the honour being the first to deliver the oath.