The 1932 Olympics athletics program introduced the 50km race walk and women's javelin and 80m hurdles for the first time.
Key Facts
- Total events contested
- 29
- Total participants
- 386
- Competing nations
- 34
- First appearance: event
- 50 kilometres race walk
- Women's Olympic debut events
- Javelin throw and 80m hurdles
- Venue
- Los Angeles Olympic Stadium (now LA Memorial Coliseum)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1932 Summer Olympics were hosted in Los Angeles, providing an opportunity to expand the athletics program. Growing international participation and advocacy for women's sport prompted organisers to add new disciplines, including the 50 kilometres race walk and two additional women's track and field events.
Twenty-nine athletics events were contested at the Los Angeles Olympic Stadium by 386 athletes from 34 countries. The program featured the Olympic debut of the 50km race walk, the women's javelin throw, and the women's 80 metres hurdles, marking only the second Games to include women's athletics.
The expanded athletics program at the 1932 Games helped establish women's track and field as a regular feature of the Olympics and set a precedent for including the 50km race walk, both of which became fixtures in subsequent Olympic Games.
Result
at Los Angeles Olympic Stadium (Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)