i’m not a sports lover by any means, but like many people i tend to get swept up into the excitement of the Olympics. of course it’s pretty different these days to what it was like decades ago – far simpler, not such extravagant opening ceremonies, perhaps even not as competitive (we’re looking at you, Russia). here are some photos from bygone Olympics, courtesy of LIFE.
Summer Olympics, 1956. Great Britain and Northern Ireland in paradeSummer Olympics, 1956Opening Of Olympics, 1960Opening Of Olympics, 1960Opening Of Olympics, 1960Opening Of Olympics, 1960Opening Of Olympics, 1960
Summer Olympics, 1960. Members of the US teamSummer Olympics, 1964.Summer Olympics, 1968Summer Olympics, 1968Summer Olympics, 1968Summer Olympics, 1968. Debbie Meyer doing an arm strengthening exerciseSummer Olympics, 1968. Lee Evans (C) Larry James (L) and Ronald Freeman (R) after their victory for the 400 meter raceSummer Olympics, 1968. Olympic swimmers Debbie Meyer(R) and Catie Ball(L) in the crowdOpening Ceremony, 1968Summer Olympics, 1968. US athletes Debbie Meyer, Charlie Green (C) and Bob SeagrenSummer Olympics, 1968. US team during opening ceremonySummer Olympics, 1972. Shot-putter Al Fuerbach tenses for a throwSummer Olympics, 1972. US gymnast Ludmila Turishcheva in action on the vaultSummer Olympics, 1972. US swimmer Mark Spitz
4 Comments
The Olympics used to be so human…
These are so, so great. I could look at vintage Olympics photos all day. Thanks for posting!
That shot of team USA during the opening ceremony in 1968 is EVERYTHING. Much more stylish than most Olympic outfits we see these days!
So amazing to see. You do have to wonder what they’re carrying in their purses though ;)