
The XIX Olympic Games, held in Mexico from October 12 to 27, 1968, were the first to be hosted by a "developing" country. A long struggle had preceded the awarding of the JJOO to Mexico.
On October 12, 1968, more than 5,500 athletes from 112 countries took part in the opening of the Olympiad. Olympic enthusiasm aside, the atmosphere in the country was one of repression and revolt.