St Louis 1904 Collection

Lost in chaos

Unfortunately, the St Louis Games repeated all of the mistakes of 1900. The various competitions were spread out over four-and-a-half months and became lost in the chaos of a World’s Fair celebrating the purchase of the Louisiana territory from France.

Debuts and firsts

The 1904 Olympic Games were the first at which gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for first, second and third place. Boxing, freestyle wrestling, decathlon and a dumbbells event all made their debuts on the programme.

A marathon drive

Thomas Hicks of the US won the marathon after the disqualification of his fellow countryman Fred Lorz, who had covered a large part of the 40 kilometres in a car, getting out just before the finish!

Memorable champions

Archie Hahn, known as the Milwaukee Meteor, won the 60m, 100m and 200m. In the 200m, he ran an Olympic record time of 21.6 seconds, a record that would stand for 28 years. One of the most remarkable athletes was the American gymnast George Eyser, who won six medals even though his left leg was made of wood.

NOCs 12
Athletes 651
Events 91
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New sport, discipline and events

Four new additions were made to the competition schedule for these Games – the sports of boxing and wrestling (freestyle discipline), plus a dumbbells events and a decathlon event.

A marathon drive

Thomas Hicks of the United States won the marathon after the disqualification of his fellow countryman Fred Lorz (opposite picture, caricatured by Hugo Ewerien), who had covered a large part of the 40 kilometres in a car. Lorz did at least get out of the car just before the finish!

Ceremonies

Saint-Louis 1904. F.J.V. Skiff, Director of Exhibits, presenting the Skiff Cup to Archie HAHN of the United States, donated as a prize to winner of the 100m dash.

Official opening of the Games by: Mr David Francis, president of Louisiana Purchase Exposition

Lighting the Olympic Flame by: A symbolic fire at an Olympic Summer Games was first lit in 1928 in Amsterdam.

Olympic Oath by: The athletes’ oath was first sworn at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.

Official Oath by: The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.