01: Swimmer António Bessone Basto and gymnast Esbela da Fonseca in Athens, a stopover during their journey to Tokyo.
02: Part of the Portuguese delegation in New Delhi, a stopover during the journey to Tokyo.
03: Portuguese swimmer António Bessone Basto (right) with his friend and coach Hermano Patrone in Athens, a stopover during their journey to Tokyo.
04: A 133-strong delegation from the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, including GDR sports leader Manfred Ewald (2nd from left) arrives in Tokyo on 30 September 1964.
05: Arrival of members of the Organizing committee of Tokyo 1964. Japanese representatives in the first row and the president of the Japanese delegation Mr. Takasima.
06: Arrival of the members of the Organizing Committee of Tokyo 1964 in the Athens's Airport. On the left the general secretary of HOC and the president of the Japanese delegation Mr. Takasima.
07: Departure of Bulgarian delegation from Sofia.
08: Departure of Bulgarian Team from Sofia to Tokyo.
09: From left: Laine Erik (6th place in 800 meters) and Elmar Martin (physiotherapist).
10: Arrival of the Czechoslovak Team to Tokyo. On the left Věra Čáslavská.
From 11 September onwards, all delegations from 93 countries successively flew to Tokyo. 5137 athletes came to take part in the competitions. For almost all of them, the journey to Tokyo was very long and exhausting. The athletes made many landings and departures before they finally reached the land of the rising sun. Everyone was already eagerly waiting for the opening ceremony.
Let’s remember some of the journeys!
Photos in this collection provided by the Czech Olympic Committee, the Olympic Committee of Portugal, the German Olympic Sport Confederation, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Bulgarian Olympic Committee and the Estonian Sport and Olympic Museum
