100 years of sporting history is celebrated

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Olympic champion boxer among those expected at Hammersmith Town Hall

Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale is expected at Hammersmith Town Hall at a gathering next Friday to celebrate the 1908 White City Olympics.

The Olympic boxer, who grew up in Hammersmith, will join other local sporting hopefuls at the celebration on October 31.

The event is being held to commemorate the London Olympics held in White City 100 years ago.

The events of 100 years ago bore little resemblance to the preparations for London 2012 today.

Britain hosted the games at the last minute instead of Italy, when Mount Vesuvius erupted on April 7, 1906, devastating Naples.

The White City stadium, described at the time as a technological marvel, cost £60,000. The rest of the Games cost a mere £15,000.

In 1908 Britain topped the medals board. Olympic sports included the tug of war and icesking.

The official marathon distance was set for the first time at 26.2miles so the Marathon could start at Windsor Castle and finish beneath the Royal Box at the White City Stadium.

On Friday councillors at Hammersmith Town Hall will remember the events of a century ago, and pay respects to the sporting talents of borough residents from the last 100 years.

Hammersmith and Fulham Mayor, Councillor Andrew Johnson, said: "This borough is proud to be home to many sporting stars and I look forward to honouring them and remembering the 1908 Games."

 

October 22, 2008