The 1908 Olympics in London

The 1908 Olympics were held in London, originally scheduled for Rome but relocated due to a volcanic eruption in Italy. This edition featured 22 nations and around 2,000 athletes, making it one of the largest Olympics at that time. Notably, it included events like the marathon, which was extended to 26 miles due to logistics within the city. The games were marked by significant moments, including a dramatic finish by the British marathon runner, John Hayes, who won amid confusion over the course. The 1908 Olympics also introduced the tradition of the Olympic flag and set standards for future games.