Olympic memories

FREE Olympic Archives exhibition

Hear from the people who lived through the 1948 Olympic Games, the last time the Games were held in London.

If you want your Olympic stories and memories to go down in history, contact Georgia Vossou at Westminster City Archives, 10 St. Ann’s St, SW1P 2DE or call 020 7641 5162 for more information.

"It was impossible not to feel proud of being British"

Dr Douglas Model was 15 years old in 1948 and took on extra jobs  to earn the money for tickets. He remembers the Games with a sense of great pride. Read or hear more.

"It really lifted people's spirits"

Mr Don Ballet was a 10 year old schoolboy in 1948. He still remembers the excitement of the Games and the efforts of his sporting heroes. Read or hear more.

"The motto of the Games was taking part, not necessarily winning"

Mr Gerald Hinxman was 18 years old in 1948 and waiting to be called up for National Service. He attended almost every day of the Olympics and remebers the good weather and the athletes that brought the game to life. Read or hear more.

"Zatopek...captured the imagination of the crowds"

Dr Ian Anderson was a 17 year old during the 1948 Games which he remembers for the ease of the public transport and the drama of the events. Read or hear more.

"We were all at the opening ceremony"

Mrs Alison Boreham was to meet her husband soon after the Games. She remembers meeting American athletes and the welcome relief of the games amid post-war austerity and rationing. Read or hear more.