Helsinki 1952
Helsinki hosted the 1952 Games, officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad. A Soviet Union team entered Olympic competition for the first time, winning an impressive 22 gold medals. Triumph over adversity was a prevalent theme in Helsinki.
The flame was carried into the stadium by the legendary "Flying Finn" Paavo Nurmi, winner of nine gold medals in the 1920's. Emil Zatopek of Czechoslovakia achieved the astonishing feat of becoming the only person in Olympic history to win the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon at the same Olympic Games. Great Britain's equestrian jumping team won gold on the last day of the games.
