The 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games, the VII Olympiad, held in the aftermath of World War I, were imbued with a spirit of peace and remembrance. Hosted in Belgium, a nation heavily affected by the war, the Games took place from April 20th to September 12th and served as a symbol of resilience and international unity. Approximately 2,626 athletes, including 65 women, from 29 nations participated. Notably, the defeated Central Powers (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire) were not invited.

Antwerp introduced several enduring Olympic symbols and traditions. The Olympic flag, featuring the five interlocked rings representing the continents, made its debut. The Olympic oath, recited by a representative athlete on behalf of all competitors, was also introduced for the first time, emphasizing fair play and sportsmanship. A flock of doves was released during the opening ceremony, symbolizing peace.

The sporting program featured 22 sports with 154 events. These Games saw the introduction of sports like field hockey and ice hockey to the Olympic program. Women competed in archery, swimming, diving, and tennis. American swimmer Ethelda Bleibtrey was a standout performer, winning all three individual women's swimming gold medals. Italian fencer Nedo Nadi achieved an unprecedented feat by winning five gold medals in fencing events.

The United States dominated the medal table with 41 gold and 95 total medals, showcasing their strength across various sports. Sweden finished second, and host nation Belgium placed third. Finnish athletes continued their strong tradition in long-distance running, with Hannes Kolehmainen adding another gold in the marathon.

Despite the lingering shadow of the war and some organizational challenges, the Antwerp Olympics were considered a success in reaffirming the ideals of the Olympic movement. They introduced powerful symbols that continue to resonate today and demonstrated the unifying power of sport in the face of global conflict, paving the way for the future growth and development of the Games. The spirit of hope and international cooperation that characterized the Antwerp Olympics left a lasting impact on the Olympic movement.