1956 Winter Olympics

The 1956 Winter Olympics, officially known as the VII Olympic Winter Games, were held in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This was the first time the Soviet Union played in the  Olympics. They immediately showed their strength by winning more medals than any other nation.

 Participating nations 
A total of 32 nations sent athletes to Cortina d'Ampezzo. Bolivia, Iran, and the Soviet Union competed at the Winter Games for the first time. Korea, Liechtenstein, and Turkey returned after having missed the 1952 Winter Olympics. Argentina, Denmark, New Zealand, and Portugal did not compete at these Games, after participating in 1952.

Athletes from West Germany (FRG) and East Germany (GDR) competed together as the United Team of Germany at these Games, an arrangement that would continue for the next two Olympiads.

 References 

 Other websites 
 IOC page on the 1956 Winter Olympics

Olympics
Category:1956 in Europe
Category:1950s in Italy
Winter Olympics 1956
Category:Veneto
Category:Winter Olympics in Europe