Winter Games Begin: Chamonix Hosts First Olympics
Sixteen nations sent 258 athletes to Chamonix, France, for what was officially called 'International Winter Sports Week' in January 1924. The International Olympic Committee only retroactively designated it the first Winter Olympic Games two years later. Norway dominated, winning 17 of the 49 medals across sixteen events in five sports. Figure skater Sonja Henie competed at age eleven and finished last, but would return to win gold at the next three Winter Games. The most popular event was the ski jumping competition, which drew 10,000 spectators to a hillside above the town. Charles Jewtraw of the United States won the first gold medal in the 500-meter speed skating event. The success of the Chamonix games ensured that winter sports earned a permanent place in the Olympic movement, though the Winter and Summer Games were not separated onto different years until 1994.
January 25, 1924
102 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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