AS LONDON prepares to host the Olympics for the third time, News Shopper takes a look at Games gone by.

In the summer of 1908, London held it’s very first Olympics.

The White City Stadium in Shepherd’s Bush was built in record time and held 68,000 people, costing the government £60,000 to construct.

Meanwhile, the Organising Committee shelled out £15,000 on the Games, with more than one third allocated for entertainment.

There were 22 events, including archery, motor-boating and tug-of-war, compared to the 36 events today.

Britain ranked first and walked away with 56 gold medals, followed by the United States with 23.

But the Games were memorable not just for the long swimming shorts and bowler haircuts.

When Italy’s Dorando Pietri first entered the stadium to run the marathon, he collapsed several times and ran the wrong way.

Not far from the finish, two officials had to take him by the arms and bring him to the line - before disqualifying him.

The medal ended up going to American Johnny Hayes of the Irish American Athletic Club who had actually come second.

In 1948, London was again selected to host the Olympics, with 85,000 people attending the opening ceremony in Wembley Stadium.

But the Games were very different to what they are today.

Six years of war had left Britain rationing food and clothing, and housing was in short supply.

The Organising Committee was limited to £70,000 so no new venues were built and athletes were housed in existing accommodation instead of an Olympic Village.

As a result, the 1948 celebrations became known as the Austerity Games.

Great Britain walked away with a paltry three gold medals, while the United States reigned victorious with 38.

There were 20 events, including lacrosse, canoeing and water polo.