Image for 1960 Winter Olympics

1960 Winter Olympics

The 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley, California, marking the first time the Games took place in the Western United States. Featuring 27 events across 8 sports, the Games showcased athletes from around the world competing in skiing, ice hockey, and figure skating. Notably, Norwegian skier Knut Wahlberg was the youngest competitor at 12 years old, and German skier Maria Gutzeit was the oldest at 39. The event emphasized innovation, with the introduction of the first Olympic uphill ski race and the use of electronic timing. The Games fostered international camaraderie while highlighting American hosting capabilities.