There were many firsts at these Olympics. Italian President Giovanni Gronchi declared the Summer Olympics open on August 27, 1960, by stating, as translated, “I proclaim the opening of the Games of Rome, celebrating the XVII Olympiad of the modern era.” Italian track athlete Giancarlo Peris lit the Olympic flame, a touching moment for all those in attendance and millions watching on television worldwide. The Italian hosts entered in full force, 300 strong, and the roar for the home team was deafening,” recalls author David Maraniss in his book “Rome 1960: The Summer Olympics That Stirred the World” (2008). “Here came the Italians, looking molto bello in their light blue jackets, white slacks, and white hats.

The opening ceremonies were riveting and colorfully assembled. The Basilica of Maxentius and the Baths of Caracalla were restored to host the wrestling and gymnastics events respectively, while an Olympic Stadium and a Sports Palace were built for the Games. Holding the Olympics in Rome brought together the mixture of ancient times and the modern era. The 1960 Games were held from August 25 to September 11 and hosted 83 countries and 5,338 athletes (4,727 men and 611 women) from around the world who competed in 150 individual events. The 1960 Rome Olympics catapulted athletic competition worldwide like never before. The 1960 Rome Olympic Games, also known as the SVII Olympiad in Rome, Italy, were spectacular, moving, and memorable.

Rome 1960 david maraniss