Los Angeles 1932
30th Jul 1932 – 14th Aug 1932
About
Los Angeles 1932 was held in the shadow of the Great Depression, with only 37 nations and around 1,300 athletes making the journey - the smallest Games since 1906.
It was also the Games that introduced the victory podium and the playing of national anthems, ceremonies Ireland witnessed twice in a single afternoon. Pat O'Callaghan, who carried the Irish flag at the Opening Ceremony, retained his Olympic hammer title to become the only Irish athlete ever to defend an Olympic gold medal.
On the same afternoon, Bob Tisdall won the 400 metres hurdles in 51.7 seconds - a world record that was not ratified because he clipped a hurdle during the race, a rule since abolished. Two Irish gold medals in a single afternoon, and a world record that should have been. The arts competition included eight Irish competitors.
