ABSTRACT
Originally awarded the 1944 Summer Games, London bid for the first Games after the Second World War despite major war damage and continuing food shortages. After a postal vote of IOC members London beat off challenges from five other cities, and what became known as the “Austerity Games” or the “Ration Book Olympics” went ahead.
London’s 1908 Olympic venue, the White City Stadium, had survived the war unscathed. Nevertheless, the organizing committee preferred what was then known as the Empire Stadium, at Wembley Park. This had been built for the 1924–25 Franco-British Exhibition, to a design by architect John William Simpson. Structural engineer Sir Owen Williams detailed an innovative in situ reinforced concrete structure, with the iconic Twin Towers flanking the entrance.
Afterwards the stadium relied on income from greyhound racing and motorcycle speedway to support its continuing use as the venue for FA Cup Finals. Only minimal upgrades were made for the 1948 Games. The greyhound racing track was ripped up, a cinder 400m running track installed and a giant scoreboard erected.
Many sports and events were hosted by the stadium in subsequent decades, but its basic shortcomings led to its demolition in 2003, to be replaced by a field sports and concerts only stadium.
