• Rome 1960

Rome 1960 - Key Moments

ESPN staff
October 12, 2011
Rome 1960: Key Moments | Quick Hits | Key Facts | Medal Table | Gallery | Olympics Histories Home

Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) claims gold at the 1960 Olympic Games © Getty Images
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Half a century had passed since Italy handed over the chance to host the Olympics, but they made up for it with an event that took in some of its famous sites.

Television started to play a part, with the Olympics screened live to 18 cities around Europe, and those who witnessed it saw one of the most famous athletes of all time as a certain Muhammad Ali - then Cassius Clay - won gold in the heavyweight boxing.

Boxing saw Ghana's Ike Quartey became the first black African Olympic medallist when he claimed a silver medal in light-welterweight boxing. Five days later Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila won gold in the marathon to become the first black African Olympic champion.

Anita Lonsbrough was one of the stars for Britain, setting a world record in taking gold in the 200m breaststroke.

Yugoslavia, who qualified for the semi-final by winning a coin toss, were rewarded for persistence by winning the football tournament after losing in the final three times in a row.

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