(Chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2006-08-25 10:33 The 1908 Olympics in London
featured the premier of diving and field hockey, with Sweden and Germany
dominating the diving events and Great Britain earning the most medals in the
field hockey tournament. The fourth Olympiad also marked the first time a
brother and sister medalled at the Games, when William and Charlotte Dod of
Great Britain earned gold and silver medals, respectively, in archery. Great
Britain won the medal count at the London Games as well, 145-47, over the
Americans.
One of the most exciting moments of the Games happened in the marathon when
Italian runner Dorando Pietri passed the South African Charles Hefferon only one
mile from the stadium, but collapsed five times on his way to the finish line
inside it. Although he was ultimately disqualified from the race, his dramatic
display of effort earned him the admiration of many and boosted the world's
enthusiasm for both marathon running and the Olympics tremendously.
