Games of the XVI Olympiad
It was the first time that the Games were held in Oceania. Melbourne won the right to host the 1956 Olympic Games by one vote over Buenos Aires. Australian quarantine laws were too severe to allow the entry of foreign horses, so the equestrian events were held separately in Stockholm in June.
For Canada, the UBC fours – Don Arnold, Walt d’Hondt, Lorne Loomer and Archie McKinnon – came from behind and pulled away to win the gold medal by five lengths in the final heat of their rowing competition. The men’s eight rowing team took silver. Two Canadians were on the podium for the prone rifle event – Gerard Ouellette was awarded gold and Gilmour Boa, silver. These Games saw Canada win its first Olympic diving and equestrian medals – Irene MacDonald on 3m springboard and Jim Elder, Brian Herbinson and John Rumble in the 3-day team event.
