THE OLYMPIC OATH

The Olympic Oath "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams."

Written by Baron de Coubertin

1948 London

Flags of the competing nations are dipped in salute as Donald Finlay, in the Tribune of Honour, takes the oath on behalf of all the competitors.

The Olympic Oath 1948 At the end of the Archbishop's speech, the International Olympic Committee and the Organising Committee returned to their seats and the Choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus accompanied by the Massed Bands. While this was in progress, the standard bearers of all the nations formed a semi-circle round the Tribune of Honour and the Flag Bearer of Great Britain, Mr. J. Emrys Lloyd, and Wing Commander Donald Finlay, took up their positions on the left of the Tribune of Honour.

At the conclusion of the Hallelujah Chorus, Wing Commander Finlay, Captain of the British Team and competitor in three Olympiads, mounted the Tribune of Honour facing the Royal Box, and holding the flag in his left hand, in a clear voice took the Olympic Oath on behalf of the assembled athletes : " We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations which govern them, and desirous of participating in them in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the honour of our country and for the glory of sport" To end the formal ceremony, one verse of the National Anthem was played by the Massed Bands and sung by the choir, joined by all those assembled in the Stadium.