In 1900, the World's Fair was held in Paris and the second Olympiad was combined with it. Over a five-month period, athletes from 24 nations squared off in 95 events. Cricket, croquet, golf, polo, rugby, basque pelota, and tug of war became a part of the list of events for the first time. Women competitors were also a new addition.

American Ray Ewry dominated the standing jump events, winning all three, while Alvin Kraenzlein, also of the U.S., emerged victorious in the 60m dash, 110m hurdles, 200m hurdles, and the long jump. To this day, no track and field athlete has ever won more than four individual gold medals at a single Olympics. Thanks in part to outstanding performances in both shooting and sailing, the French crushed the U.S. in the medal count, 101-47.