ON THIS DAY

■ 1908 – The Olympics opened at London’s White City. A total of 2,036 athletes from 23 nations took part in the games, which ended with the hosts topping the medals table with

145 medals – including 56 golds. ■ 1956 – Rocky Marciano retired as the undefeated heavyweight boxing champion of the world after 49 consecutive victories.

■ 1989 – Peter Scudamore became the first National Hunt jockey to ride 200 winners in a season.