A Diplomatic Mission: Spain and the 1948 London Olympics.

In 1948, Spain, under the regime of the General Franco, participated in its first summer Olympics since 1932, following the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. Sixty-seven Spanish athletes competed in nine different sports and the reasons why these sports were selected will be analysed here. Focusing upon Spanish participation, this article explores the historical importance of the London Olympics for Spain as an international showcase. In order to achieve a balanced view of the attitude of Spain on this Olympiad, it is necessary to analyse both the official documents and the national press, controlled by the state by means of an iron censorship with some signs of a slight openness. Historical analysis of these documents will result in a comprehensive and rigorous study on the Spaniards' perception of the Olympic Games, the athletes' achievements, the attitude of the press and the political use of the event by Franco to gain international acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]