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1960 Winter Olympics

The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1960 in Squaw Valley, California.

Alexander Cushing, the creator of the resort, campaigned vigorously to win the Games. Then, there was a rush to construct roads, hotels, restaurants, and bridges, as well as the Ice Arena, the speed skating track, ski lifts, and the ski jumping hill,

Walt Disney was the Head of Pageantry for the Games.

Games of the VIII Winter Olympiad
Nations participating34
Athletes participating 1000 (?? women, ?? men)
Events26 in ?? sports
Opening ceremoniesFebruary 18, 1960
Closing ceremonies??
Officially opened byAvery Brundage
Athlete's Oathnot applicable
Judge's Oathnot applicable
Olympic TorchKen Henry

The Olympic Village housed all the athletes.

An IBM computer was used to calculate the results.

This Winter Olympics introduced Disney artist John Hench torch design, which all further torches would be based on. The Olympic Flame was lit in the cottage of Sondre Norheim in Morgedal, Norway, and was brought to Los Angeles by plane from Oslo. It is still burning in Squaw Valley.

There were 15 alpine and ski jumping events, 8 speed skiing events, and 3 figure skating events.

1960 was the first year for women's speed skating and the men's biathlon.


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