Overwhelmed with excitment after winning the gold in the single-scull rowing gold medal, Soviet Wyacheslav Ivanov lost his medal in Lake Wendouree. The International Olympic Commitee replaced it immediatley. Perhaps they did not have to as Ivanov, possibly the greatest oarsman ever, went on to win another two in 1960 and 1964.

For the first and only time not all Olympic competitions were all held in the host country. Due to Australian quarantine rules, equestrian events were moved to Stockholm. The events were held five months before the Melbourne opening. Both athletes and animals were treated to a separate opening ceremony at the 1912 Olympic stadium. Australian officials have promised that all events will take place in the country during the Sydney Games in 2000.

Fortunatley for American diver Pat McCormick, the 1956 Olympic Games were held in the Southern Hemisphere, three month's later than usual. Training throughout her pregnancy, McCormick gave birth over the summer and was able to return to her full form by December. The new mother repeated her spring-board and platform victories from 1952.