In the first London Olympic Games, 100 years ago (July 1908), Italian marathon runner Dorando Pietri collapsed 5 times from dehydration but kept going until finally deprived of his win by hasty aides who helped him over the finish line.  Pietri got a special award in recognition of his great showing of the Olympic Spirit.

With 300 days to go until the Beijing Games, and British eyes on London 2012,
TopFoto presents a gallery of every Summer Olympic Games throughout history.

0007216 - Italian marathon runner Dorando Pietri at the 1908 London Olympics ©Topham / TopFoto
0091573 - Passing the Olympic Flame on its way to the 1948 London Olympics ©Topham / TopFoto
0827960 - Kelly Holmes wins the 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics ©Professional Sport / TopFoto