1952 winter Olympics

 Oslo Norway hosted these games. They were held from February 14-25. 30 nations and 694 athletes participated in the games.  

1. All venues were within the Oslo metropolitan area, except for Alpine skiing which was in Norefjell, 113km (70 miles) away.

2. First athletes village was built here. Three dormitories plus a new hotel for the press and dignitaries.

3. Japan and Germany returned to the games after being disallowed to go in 1948. They were seen as aggressors to WWII.

4.  Portugal and New Zealand made their debuts here

5.  Hjalmar Andersen of Norway won three of four speed skating events.

6. Germany wins two man and four man bobsled.

7. Dick Button performs first triple jump on way to second gold.

8. Women were allowed to compete in cross country skiing for first time and produced only podium sweep. Lydia Wideman, Mirja Hietares and Siiri Rantanen of Finland swept the podium in the 10k race.

9. The "Oslo Flag" was used for the first time at the closing ceremonies. It will be used in subsequent editions.

10. Norway finished atop the medal standings with 7g, 3s and 6b for 16 total. Canada finished with 1g and 1b for two total. The gold was in (ya you know) hockey.  The last gold in hockey they will win until 2002. The bronze was in 500m speed skating event.

Tomorrow, the 1956 winter Olympics in Corrina D'Ampezzo