The third British Empire Games, held in Sydney in 1938, were the last before a 12-year gap caused by World War II.
Key Facts
- Edition
- Third British Empire Games
- Dates
- 5–12 February 1938
- Opening ceremony attendance
- 40,000 (estimated) people
- Top athlete
- Decima Norman – 5 gold medals (track and field)
- Coinciding event
- Sydney's 150th anniversary of British settlement
- Next games held
- 1950 (delayed by World War II)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Sydney sought to host an international multi-sport gathering to coincide with its sesquicentenary, marking 150 years since the foundation of British settlement in Australia in 1788. The British Empire Games framework, established in 1930, provided the vehicle for organising such a competition among Empire nations.
The 1938 British Empire Games were held in Sydney from 5 to 12 February 1938, using the Sydney Cricket Ground as the main stadium, along with the North Sydney Olympic Pool and Henson Park. Around 40,000 spectators attended the opening ceremony. Australian athlete Decima Norman was the standout performer, winning five gold medals in track and field events.
The Sydney games were the last British Empire Games held for twelve years, as the outbreak of World War II in 1939 prevented any further edition until the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland. The event series eventually evolved into the Commonwealth Games, continuing as a major multi-sport competition among Commonwealth nations.
Result
at Sydney Cricket Ground (main stadium); North Sydney Olympic Pool; Henson Park