In Rome, the Olympics became what they are today, with the first television coverage by the American network CBS. The channel bought all rights for $400,000, a small amount if we compare the estimated television revenues for the 2004 Games at 1.8 billion dollars.

In the Rome Games, there was record participation with 5,350 athletes from 83 countries taking part in 150 events. Among them was the 18 year Cassius Clay who won the gold medal in boxing. The young man was so excited that he did not take the medal off his chest for two days. This athlete was no other but Mohammed Ali, who after the Games, converted to Islam and changed his name.

In the marathon an athlete from Ethiopia, Abebe Bikila won the gold, running bare-footed, while in sailing in the “dragon” category, the then Prince Constantine of Greece won the gold.