Berlin saw the introduction of the torch relay but the Games were infamous for Adolf Hitler's failed attempt to use them to prove his theories of Aryan racial superiority.

The hero of the Games was African-American sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump).

Throughout the city 25 large television screens were set up for the public to watch the action for free - the first Olympics broadcast.

American 13-year-old Marjorie Gestring won gold in springboard diving and remains the youngest female gold medallist in the history of the summer Olympics, while Denmark's Inge Sorensen claimed bronze medal in the 200-medal breaststroke at the age of 12, making her the youngest medallist ever in an individual event.

Basketball, canoeing and team handball made their first appearances, while polo was included for the last time.

British rower Jack Beresford claimed gold in the double sculls event, the fifth successive Olympics he had won a medal, while Hungarian water polo player Olivier Halassy won his third medal despite having previously had one of his legs amputated below the knee following a streetcar accident.

British gold medals: 3