In 1948, three years after the end of World War II, the Olympic Games resumed. This became a sign that the peaceful life has returned to its fullest. In particular, the winter games were organized in Switzerland, in the city of St. Moritz.
In 1948, two types of Olympic Games were held at once - summer and winter. The winter ones were held in Switzerland. This country suffered little from the war, as it was in a state of neutrality with Germany.
Only 28 countries took part in the games - half as many as in the summer stage. In particular, there was not a single African country among them. This is due to the fact that traditionally winter sports are more localized, moreover, significant resources are needed to train athletes. Soviet athletes did not take part in the games due to the unsettledness of foreign policy problems. Germany and Japan were not allowed to play - their teams were disqualified due to the aggression of these countries during the Second World War. At the same time, Chile and South Korea presented their teams for the first time.
There were much fewer kinds of sports at the winter games of that time than at modern ones - only 9. There were competitions in several types of cross-country skiing, bobsleigh, alpine skiing, ice skating and skeleton. A total of 22 gold, silver and bronze awards were drawn.
The first place in the unofficial standings (10 medals each) went to the teams of Norway and Sweden. These countries are traditionally strong in winter sports, especially cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Switzerland is not far behind them. Team USA came in only fourth with 9 medals. In total, athletes from 10 countries received awards.
One of the most successful athletes of the event was Henri Oreye, a French skier. He brought his country two gold and one bronze medal. And gold in hockey was won by the national team of Canada, which was expected, because hockey is the national sport of this country.
Women were attracted to more and more disciplines at the Olympics. In particular, competitions were organized for women in alpine skiing and figure skating.
