Omega Loves The Olympics
Omega’s sponsorship of the Olympic Games is a year-round affair, with parties to mark the lead-up to the Games. Most recently, the brand celebrated the 100-day mark and introduced three “London 2012” limited editions to its Olympic Timeless Collection, including the Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial London 2012, pictured here.
The brand has been the official timer of the Olympics off and on for 80 years; this is its 25th time. The 2012 games will be held in London, and Omega president Stephen Urquhart recalls the involvement of Omega the last time the games were held there, in 1948: “That edition of the Games is remembered for the technological milestones in timekeeping – the photoelectric cell, our fully-automated timing system and the first photofinish camera ever used at an Olympic Games.” Here are some other fun facts about the Olympic Games:
– The first Olympic champion was an American: James B. Connolly, winner of the hop, step and jump in the 1896 Olympics.
– Motor boating was an official sport one year, at the 1908 Olympics, held in London.
– While the silver Olympic medals must be made out of 92.5% silver, the last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912. The modern gold medals are covered in six grams of gold.
– The word “gymnasium” comes from the Greek root “gymnos” meaning nude; the literal meaning of “gymnasium” is “school for naked exercise.” Athletes in the ancient Olympic Games would participate in the nude.
– Women were first allowed to participate in 1900 at the second modern Olympic Games. By then, athletes were encouraged to wear clothes.
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