As a result of World War 1, the 1916 Summer Olympics in Berlin were cancelled and the 1920 Olympics were given to Antwerp because of the toll the war had taken on Belgium. During the Opening Ceremony, the newly created Olympic flag and the Athletes' Oath were incorporated into the celebration for the first time.

In the fencing competition, Italian swordsman Nedo Nadi won a gold medal in every fencing event but one in a record-setting performance that is yet to be surpassed. At the ripe old age of 72, Oscar Swahn of Sweden became the oldest athlete to earn an Olympic medal ever when he took second place in the running deer double-shot team event. In the medal count, the U.S. defeated Sweden 95-64.