London's Imperial Stage

🇬🇧 London Steps In

The 1934 British Empire Games, the second edition of what is now the Commonwealth Games, were held in London, England, from August 4–11. While originally awarded to Johannesburg, South Africa, the venue was changed due to significant concerns over the discriminatory treatment of Black and Asian athletes by South African authorities. London became the host, with major events centered around Wembley Park.

🏟️ Venues and Events

A total of 500 athletes from 17 nations competed in 68 events across six sports. The main venue was the newly constructed Wembley Park complex. Key locations included:

• White City Stadium: Athletics
• Empire Pool and Arena, Wembley: Aquatics, Boxing, Wrestling
• Fallowfield Stadium, Manchester: Track Cycling
• Paddington & Temple: Lawn Bowls

👑 Royal Opening & New Frontiers

The Games were officially opened by King George V, lending royal prestige to the growing multi-sport event. A significant development was the inclusion of women's events in athletics for the first time, expanding their participation beyond the swimming and diving events of the inaugural 1930 Games. The athlete's oath was taken by English hurdler Robert Howland.

👟 Athletics

Held at the historic White City Stadium, athletics was a cornerstone of the Games. This edition was particularly noteworthy for featuring women's track and field events for the first time, a major step forward for female athletes in international competition.

🏊 Aquatics

The Empire Pool in Wembley hosted the swimming and diving competitions. Canadian and English athletes dominated many of the events, with fierce rivalries in both men's and women's categories, showcasing the era's top aquatic talent.

🥊 Boxing & Wrestling

The Empire Arena was the stage for combat sports. Boxing and wrestling events drew large crowds, featuring intense bouts between athletes from across the Empire. England, Canada, and South Africa were particularly strong in these disciplines.

🚴 Cycling

Uniquely, the track cycling events were held outside of London at the Fallowfield Stadium in Manchester. This velodrome provided a specialized venue for the high-speed sprint, time trial, and scratch races.

🎳 Lawn Bowls

A sport with deep roots in Britain, lawn bowls competitions for men were held at greens in Paddington and Temple. These events showcased precision and strategy, with England and Scotland performing exceptionally well.

🤝 A Stand Against Discrimination

The decision to move the Games from Johannesburg to London was a pivotal moment. It represented an early, significant stand by the international sporting community against racial discrimination, predating the formal establishment of apartheid in South Africa. This action helped cement the Games' identity as an event built on values of friendship and equality.

📈 Growth and Inclusivity

The 1934 Games marked a clear expansion from the inaugural event. The increase in participating nations and, most importantly, the addition of women's athletics, demonstrated the growing appeal and importance of the British Empire Games. This set the stage for future growth into the major international festival of sport that the Commonwealth Games are today.

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