19 July 1952

paavo nurmi
The 1952 Summer Olympic Games were opened in Helsinki, Finland. The games were officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad. A total 69 nations with 4955 athletes took part in 149 events in 17 sports. The Olympic flame was lit by the Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi. These Olympics were the first competed in by the Soviet Union, Israel and China. Taiwan withdrew in protest at China’s inclusion. The USA, Soviet Union and Hungry won the most medals.