Things suddenly got busy on the 1956 Olympics front, with the 50th Anniversary celebrations taking place in Melbourne during November 2006. A lot of press coverage ensued, some of which we have included here, as well as a lot of footage taken by our crew of the re-enactment of elements of the Opening & Closing Ceremonies at the MCG, including Ron Clarke lighting the cauldron – this time without burning himself!
More interviewees have joined the ranks of the documentary including Ron Clarke, Kevan Gosper and Alf Lazer.
The 50th Anniversary Reunion Dinner was a great chance to catch up with all of Franz’s 1956 squad, some of whom haven’t seen each other since the 1956 Games.
All the squad renewed their commitment to the Franz documentary, and all are looking out their memorabilia for our use in the film.
I was there at the MCG! It was great fun. How lucky you are to have an Olympian for a mother!
I loved watching Herb Elliot run out with the torch that day. And Ron Clarke lighting the cauldron – I was too young to see the first time around, so was really honoured to see it in a reenactment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it as well.
I remember Ron Clarke running up our street in Dromana – thank you for this trip down memory lane!
Great post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. I’m researching the 1956 Olympics for my high school project so any more stories would be great! Cheers!
Thank you for all this information on the blog and for your site on the whole. I’ve just shared it on my site. Fascinating man – have learned so much just from reading everything here – looking forward to seeing the film.
Thankyou for this brilliant site about an amazing man, I am glad I discovered this web site on yahoo. All the best with the film!
I am extremely inspired. Thank you for sharing and all the best with your project – look forward to seeing it on US TV!
I really honor what you’re doing here. Keep posting that way. Take care!