The Melbourne Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, took place in 1956. It was the first Olympic Games held in the Southern Hemisphere and featured athletes from 72 nations competing in 16 sports. The event was notable for its innovative use of television, allowing millions to watch the games live. The Melbourne Olympics were also significant for their unique scheduling, as equestrian events were held in Stockholm, Sweden, due to Australia's quarantine laws. The games were marked by the emergence of new sports and the participation of notable athletes, including Cassius Clay, who later became known as Muhammad Ali.