Amsterdam lived up to it's liberal reputation during the Olympics as women finally competed at the Game's marquee event, track and field. Another "first" was the sight of the Olympic flame burning throughout the days of competition. Jan Wils, designer of the 40,000 seat stadium, won the gold medal for stadium design. At the opening ceremony, led by Prince Consort and Prince Hendrik of Holland, a letter by the aging and ill Baron de Coubertin, founder of the Olympic movement, was read: "I should be wise to take the present opportunity of bidding you farewell. I beg thank those who have followed me and helped to fight a 40-year war".