15 Colorized Photos From The Olympics (1900s-1970s)

The Olympics have always been a celebration of human achievement and the pursuit of excellence. As the world gathers to witness history in the making every few years, the games leave behind unforgettable moments that transcend time. While black-and-white photographs from the early 20th century capture these monumental events, colorized images bring a new outlook to these iconic moments. As we step back into the rich history of the Olympics from the 1900s to the 1970s, we uncover 20 colorized photos from the Olympics that bring the athletes, crowds, and unforgettable moments to life.

1. Luz Long conversing with Jesse Owens during the Berlin Olympics, 1936

Colorized photos from the Olympics - Two athletes, Luz Long and Jesse Owens, sit close together in a stadium. The athlete on the left wears a dark turtleneck, while the one on the right wears a sweater. They appear to be conversing, with a crowded stadium visible in the background.
atisticknight

During the ’36 Olympics, Jesse Owens was struggling with his long jump and his German competitor Luz Long gave him advice to avoid fouling again.

2. Swedish high jumper Gunhild Larking, 1956

An athlete wearing a Swedish flag-emblazoned tank and blue shorts sits cross-legged on the grass. She's looking intently at the camera. Her race number, 56, is visible on her shirt. The background shows a blurred crowd and track.
klimbim

Larking placed 4th at the ’56 Olympics, placing her just short of a medal.

3. Barbara Ann Scott, 1948

A figure skater in a red outfit and white head covering performs a graceful spin on an outdoor ice rink. Snow-covered mountains and pine trees are visible in the background. There is text identifying her as Barbara Ann Scott at the 1948 Winter Olympics.
givingcolour2history

Scott would go on to win the Olympic title at the 1948 games in St. Moritz. She still holds Canada’s only Olympic title in women’s singles figure skating.

4. Johnny Weissmüller, 1920s

A young male diver in a black swimsuit stands on a platform, bending forward with hands on knees, preparing to dive. In the background, people are seated and standing around a pool, some holding score signs.
ectheow3

Johnny Weissmüller was undefeated in every individual swimming race he entered during his amateur career. He won 5 Olympic gold medals in swimming, and 1 bronze in water polo.

5. Jim Thorpe, 1912

Athlete standing on grass, wearing a light shirt with a shield emblem and shorts, arms akimbo. Blurred stadium crowd in the background under a clear sky.
red-shift_color

The reason for his odd socks in this photo is that his running shoes were stolen, so he took a pair that someone had thrown in the trash and doubled up on socks so they would fit him.

6. Jesse Owens, 1936

Smiling athlete wearing a dark tank top against a light blue background.
someonewhopostedthis

Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

7. Gunhild Larking, 1956

A black and white photo of a woman sitting on the ground, wearing a sweater with a crown emblem, is shown beside a colorized version of the same image. The background includes blurred elements and a sign displaying the number seven.
ljm22

Larking jumped 1.67 meters at the ’56 Olympics, which is about 5 feet 6 inches.

8. Coca-Cola vending at the Helsinki Summer Olympics, 1952

A group of men wearing blue tracksuits with "FRANCE" written on them stand in front of Coca-Cola signs for the Olympic Committee. They carry bags and one man is holding a bottle, while others are holding sticks resembling small boats.
salsifufu

These French athletes look like they were caught red-handed supporting an American soda brand.

9. Nadia Comaneci, 1976

A gymnast in a white leotard performs a high-flying routine on the uneven bars in a large stadium. She is in mid-air, with arms extended, and the audience is visible in the background.
chickentorch

This photo was taken on her way to the first ever 10 score. She was just 14 at the time.

10. The British 4x100m swimming relay, 1912

A vintage photo shows four women in matching swimsuits with Union Jack emblems, standing confidently with crossed arms. An older woman in a dress stands behind them. The background features bleachers and a poolside setting.
mr_wunderbar

This is the team that won the 4x100m relay in Stockholm in 1912.

11. Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister, 1954

An athlete wearing a white running uniform with a number "1" sprints toward the finish line on an outdoor track. His expression is focused as he leans forward, arms pumping. The stadium is visible in the background.
colourbyrjm

Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister was the first athlete to run a sub-4-minute mile.

12. George Foreman, 1968

Two boxers in a match: one wearing a white "USA" tank and the other in red shorts with a multicolor stripe. The US boxer is delivering a punch to the other, whose face shows signs of impact.
amici_ursi

George Foreman defeated Ion Alexe of Romania during the heavyweight quarterfinals in 1968. Foreman would go on to win a gold medal this year.

13. Before the invention of photo finishes

A group of men dressed in identical light-colored uniforms and hats are lined up on a ladder, one behind the other, at a sports event. A woman sits beside them on the right, and the audience is seated under umbrellas in the background.
technical_outcome_14

Before we had photographic evidence of who won, it took 22 people to confirm the final results for track athletes.

14. Wilma Rudolph, 1956

Two female athletes sprint on a track. The athlete in front wears a blue USA uniform with the number 117. The image includes the text: "Wilma Rudolph from Polio to Olympic Champ." Spectators fill the background.
longjumping-ad9665

As a child, Wilma Rudolph was told she might never walk again after being diagnosed with polio. But she defied the odds and went on to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympic Games.

15. The birthplace of the Paralympic Games, 1948

Archers in wheelchairs, wearing matching shirts, aim their bows at targets outdoors. The group is lined up on a concrete path beside a grassy area, under a partly cloudy sky.
actual-brother-2170

Although the first official Paralympic Games took place in 1960, the idea began in 1948 in England, when wheelchair athletes competed in an archery event held alongside the opening of the 1948 Olympics.

About Author