OLYMPIC GAMES
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AUSTRALIA at the OLYMPIC GAMES |
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| 1956 - Melbourne | |
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The Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 are remembered as "The Friendly Games". Part of the reason for this was the contrast between the atmosphere in Australia and the Cold War which was at its height. Early in November 1956, Soviet tanks crushed a democratic movement in Hungary. The Olympic Games commenced less than three weeks later. The Dutch and Spanish refused to attend the Olympics because the Soviets would be there. During the previous month, the British and French had commenced bombing Egypt in retaliation for annexing the Suez Canal. They ceased fire shortly after the Soviet action in Hungary. In the Americas, Castro's Communists invaded Cuba during the Olympic Games. One of the most memorable events of the Games was the violent clash between Hungary and the USSR in water polo. The Hungarians eventually won the gold medal with the USSR getting the bronze. At the end of the Games, 56 Hungarian athletes from a team of 113 remained in Australia. But the overall impression of the Games was the peaceful, open, friendly atmosphere of Australia focusing on sport in contrast to the Cold War atmosphere elsewhere.
Full List of Australian Medallists GOLD: SILVER: BRONZE: |
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For more on the Olympic Games, see our sister site Portobello.com.au
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1956 Melbourne Olympic collectables now available (at eBay): |
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