San Marino postage stamps year 1959 – Olympic Games Rome

San Marino postage stamps year 1959 – Olympic Games Rome Complete set MNH**

The 1960 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad, were held in Rome, Italy. The Games took place from August 25 to September 11, 1960, and marked the first time the Olympics were held in Italy since the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

Here are some key highlights and features of the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome:

1. Venue: The main venues for the 1960 Olympics were located in Rome, with events held at iconic locations such as the Stadio Olimpico (Olympic Stadium), which served as the centerpiece for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as for athletics competitions.
2. Participants: The 1960 Olympics saw the participation of 83 countries, with over 5,300 athletes competing in 150 events across 17 sports. Notable athletes who competed in the Games included Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, American sprinter Wilma Rudolph, and Ethiopian marathoner Abebe Bikila.
3. Highlights: The 1960 Olympics featured several memorable moments and achievements, including:
   • Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila winning the marathon barefoot, becoming the first African to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
   • American sprinter Wilma Rudolph winning three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, overcoming childhood polio to become a track and field legend.
   • Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina winning six medals (four gold, two silver) in gymnastics, solidifying her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
4. Cultural Impact: The 1960 Olympics showcased Italian culture and history to the world and played a role in the economic and cultural revitalization of Rome. The Games left a lasting legacy on the city, with many of the venues and facilities still in use today.
5. Legacy: The 1960 Olympics marked a turning point in the history of the Olympic Games, as they were the first to be televised live internationally and featured significant advancements in technology and infrastructure. The success of the Rome Olympics helped pave the way for future Olympic Games to become larger and more globally significant events.

Overall, the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome were a memorable and successful celebration of sport, culture, and international cooperation, leaving a lasting impact on the city of Rome and the Olympic movement as a whole.