Copyright AGJ and Contributors 2004/08. Updated 30/3/2008
The mammoth stadium emulated the Pantheonaic Stadium built on the banks of the Illissus in Athens three hundred years before Christ. The formidable enterprise resembled the magnificent amphitheatre, that was completed by Herodes Atticus. Lord Desborough overlooked the construction of this mighty stadium set within forty acres of open space.
White City
Shepherd’s Bush
Hammersmith
Franco British Exhibition 1908
In the background
Before and after the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, we remember the great 1908 Olympic Games in London, where the gigantic stadium, seating 367,000 people was built at White City.
H. Taylor - 1908 - 400 metres freestyle Olympic Champion
Every sport was catered for in the vast arena including the swimming and diving contests!
The battles were fought in a swimming tank 110 feet long with a deepened centre for the high diving. The 3 metre springboard Olympic title went to A Zurner of Germany and the Plain Diving title was awarded to G Sheldo of the USA. No Ladies during this time! Two swimming GOLDS for Great Britain went to H. Taylor for the 440 metres freestyle, and F. Holman for the 200 metres backstroke.
OUTCOME: The swimming tank would be filled in. White City Stadium was used for a meetings and training venue until 1922 . The stadium became famous for Greyhound racing, and
later would experience great athletes, performing to the highest acclaims and breaking and making new world records beyond their wildest dreams.
Picture by courtesy of the “Swimming Times” March 05
The Swimming and Diving Tank
