The 1908 London Olympics saw the host United Kingdom win 146 medals, the highest total ever achieved by a British delegation at any modern Olympics.
Key Facts
- Total athletes
- 2,008
- Nations represented
- 22
- UK gold medals
- 56 medals
- UK total medals
- 146 medals
- Events contested
- 110 events
- Sports featured
- 18 sports
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
London was selected to host the 1908 Summer Olympics, coinciding with the Franco-British Exhibition. The Games of the IV Olympiad brought together 22 nations and 2,008 athletes to compete across 18 sports, with diving, field hockey, and figure skating making their Olympic debuts.
The United Kingdom, fielding by far the largest contingent of competitors, dominated the medal table by winning 56 gold, 51 silver, and 39 bronze medals. The United States finished second in the standings and Sweden third, while Argentina, Switzerland, and Turkey left without any medals.
The United Kingdom's haul of 146 medals remains the highest total won by a British delegation at any modern Olympics. British boxers were especially dominant, claiming nearly all available medals across five weight classes. The Games also notably featured Finland competing separately from Russia and a combined Australasia team representing both Australia and New Zealand.
Result
at London, United Kingdom