Switzerland at the Olympics
Switzerland is one of five countries to have been represented at all Summer Olympic Games (the others are Greece, Great Britain, France and Australia). Switzerland is on this list even though they boycotted the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The nation joined a boycott in the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympic Games in protest of the USSR’s invasion of Hungary. Hpwever, the nation still managed to participate and salvaged a bronze medal in the team dressage event in the Game’s equestrian competition that was held in Stockholm, Sweden that year.
The Swiss Olympic team is a force to reckon with in gymnastics, rowing, shooting, equestrian and cycling. Louis Zutter became the nation’s first gold medal winner by triumphing in the men’s artistic gymnastics pomel horse event in the 1896 edition of the Games, Zutter also won two silver medals at the Games in men’s parallel bars and vault.
One of the most popular Swiss Olympians of all-time is many-time world number one ranked player, Roger Federer who teamed up with Stanislas Wawrinka to win the men’s doubles event in tennis at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Federer also won a bronze medal in the men’s singles event four years later at the London Games.
In the Rio Olympics the nation captured three gold medals courtesy of Fabian Cancellara in the men’s time trial in cycling, lightweight four team in rowing and men’s cross country in mountain biking.
Trivia
- Switzerland first competed at the Olympic Games in 1896, and have had athletes at all Games since then.
- Count Hermann Alexandre de Pourtalès and Countess Hélène de Pourtalès (from an old Huguenot family of Switzerland). Both husband and wife sailed on the same boat and won a gold and a silver in the 1-2 ton sailing class at the 1900 Olympic Games. He was the first member of royalty to become an Olympic champion. Hélène was the first woman to compete at the Olympics and the first female Olympic medalist. Their nephew Bernard was also a crew member.
- In 1956, Switzerland participated in the equestrian events of the that were held in Stockholm in June, but did not attend the Melbourne Games later that year.
Related Pages
- Switzerland at the Winter Olympics
- List of all countries that have participated at the Olympic Games.
- About sport in Switzerland
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events