The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) was introduced, as was the closing ceremony ritual of raising the flag of the International Olympic Committee, the flag of the host nation and the flag of the next host nation.

The number of participating countries jumped from 29 to 44 and, as women's fencing made its debut, Denmark's Ellen Osiier earned gold without losing a single bout.

American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, who was to become the star of the Tarzan movies, won two gold medals on one day and added a bronze in water polo later that same day.

Fellow USA swimmer Gertrude Ederle took bronze in the 100m freestyle but was to become famous two years later for being the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi won five gold medals to add to the three he had won in 1920, picking up the 1,500m and 5,000m titles within the space of two hours.

Nurmi's countryman Ville Ritola also won four gold medals and two silver.

British gold medals: 9