1956 Olympic Games

The 1956 Olympic Games were held in Melbourne, Australia, marking the first time the event took place in Oceania. Officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, they featured athletes from around the world competing in sports like athletics, swimming, and gymnastics. Due to political tensions, some countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, boycotted in protest of Soviet actions in Hungary. The Melbourne games also included the equestrian events in Stockholm, Sweden, because Melbourne's facilities weren’t suitable for horses. Notably, these Games showcased athletic excellence amidst global political complexities and technological advances in broadcasting.