Paris was the hub of the civilised world in the 1920s, serving as temporary home to Hemingway, Joyce, Picasso and Stravinsky. During a heatwave it was probably not the greatest place for a sports festival but the Games proved a success.

Although the finals of the 1,500 and 5,000 metres had been scheduled only 55 minutes apart, the relentless Finn Paavo Nurmi won both. On the following day, with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius, he won the individual and a team gold in the cross country. A fifth gold medal came from the 3,000 metres team event.

Briton Harold Abrahams was as far ahead in his attitude to an amateur sport as Nurmi. Abrahams employed a professional coach who helped him become the first European to win the 100 metres title.

Johnny Weissmuller, best known of the screen Tarzans, won his first three gold medals in the pool and the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) was introduced.