The Olympic Games London 1908

Precious footage of the 1908 Olympics – London’s first ever stint as host city – is preserved in the BFI National   Archive.This 4-minute edit shows the main venue, White City Stadium, with brief glimpses of pole vaulting, gymnastics, high jump, swimming, throwing the discus, tug of war and women’s archery. The marathon (from Windsor Castle to White City) is famous for its dramatic finish which was also captured on film: Italian runner Dorando Pietri -although first to enter the stadium - was disqualified for receiving help from officials when he collapsed on the track.