The 1908 Olympics in London featured the premier of diving and field hockey, with Sweden and Germany dominating the diving events and Great Britain earning the most medals in the field hockey tournament. The fourth Olympiad also marked the first time a brother and sister medalled at the Games, when William and Charlotte Dod of Great Britain earned gold and silver medals, respectively, in archery. Great Britain won the medal count at the London Games as well, 145-47, over the Americans.

One of the most exciting moments of the Games happened in the marathon when Italian runner Dorando Pietri passed the South African Charles Hefferon only one mile from the stadium, but collapsed five times on his way to the finish line inside it. Although he was ultimately disqualified from the race, his dramatic display of effort earned him the admiration of many and boosted the world's enthusiasm for both marathon running and the Olympics tremendously.