The 1908 Games had been planned for Rome, but the Italians backed out for financial reasons, and the Games were then awarded to London.

Most of the events were held in Shepherd's Bush Stadium, which included a cycle track, a running track, a soccer field , a swimming pool, and a platform for wrestling and gymnastics.

The London Games were basically well organised and produced the first comprehensive Official Report.

There were, however, numerous disputes.

The Russians tried to prevent the Finns from displaying the Finnish flag, and the English did the same to the Irish.

The competitions were run entirely by the British, which led to protests over the rules by representatives of France, Canada, Italy, Sweden, and, especially, the United States.

The bickering between Great Britain and its cheeky former colony was so acute that it almost put an end to the Olympics.