The period from 1937 to 1947 was marked by immense global hardship, particularly in Europe, due to the Second World War. The conflict’s repercussions extended to the Olympic Games, resulting in a 12-year hiatus following the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The Games resumed in London in 1948, marking the first significant suspension in Olympic history.
London Hosts the Olympics Again After 40 Years
London, which originally hosted the Olympics in 1908, was selected once more to host the Games in 1948. Tokyo, Japan, had initially been chosen to host, but the city’s severe wartime damage led it to forfeit its hosting rights.
Exclusion of Germany and Japan
In light of their roles in the war, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose not to invite Germany and Japan to the London Olympics.
The Soviet Union (now Russia) was invited but decided not to participate. Additionally, Israel, not yet recognized as a country by the IOC, was unable to compete.
Other Instances when the Olympics were cancelled
With less than a week to go until the Paris Olympics, where 117 Indian athletes are gearing up to compete, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on past instances when the Games were either cancelled or delayed. Here’s a look at three significant interruptions in Olympic history:
1. Berlin Olympics (1916)
The sixth Summer Olympics were slated for Berlin, Germany. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1916 led to the cancellation of these Games. Berlin had secured the hosting rights over other contenders like Alexandria, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, and Cleveland. The city eventually hosted the Olympics successfully two decades later, in 1936.
2. Tokyo Olympics (1940)
Tokyo was originally chosen to host the 1940 Olympics. However, the onset of World War II forced the cancellation of the Games. The event was briefly rescheduled to Helsinki, Finland, but was ultimately called off. Tokyo, which missed its chance in 1940, later hosted the Olympics in 1964.
3. London Olympics (1944)
The 1944 London Olympics were also cancelled due to the ongoing Second World War. This resulted in a 12-year hiatus in the Olympics, with the next Games held in 1948. When the London Games finally took place, Germany and Japan were not invited to participate, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not intervene in this decision.
Additional Note: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Originally scheduled for 2020, the Tokyo Olympics were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were eventually held from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
As we anticipate the Paris Olympics, these historical interruptions highlight the resilience and adaptability of the Olympic Games in overcoming global challenges.
