United States at the 1960 Summer Olympics
| United States at the 1960 Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
Flag of the United States with 50 stars. This was the first Olympics where this design was used | |
| IOC code | USA (SUA used at these Games) |
| NOC | United States Olympic Committee |
| in Rome | |
| Competitors | 292 (241 men and 51 women) in 17 sports |
| Flag bearer | Rafer Johnson |
| Medals Ranked 2nd |
|
| Summer Olympics appearances (overview) | |
| Other related appearances | |
| 1906 Intercalated Games | |
The United States competed at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. It was the first Olympics in which the athletes marched under the present 50-star flag. 292 competitors, 241 men and 51 women, took part in 147 events in 17 sports.
The 1960 Summer Olympics was the first Olympics in history that was being covered by a television provider. American network CBS became the first official broadcaster of the games, by purchasing the rights to cover the Rome Olympics.
The 1960 Summer Olympics also brought one of the first appearances of one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever, Muhammad Ali. Since Ali participated at these Olympic Games as an 18-year-old before his conversion to Islam, he fought under the name Cassius Clay. Rafer Johnson became the first Black American athlete to carry the U.S. flag during the opening ceremony. He subsequently won the gold medal in the decathlon.