Mexico City 1968
In the games held in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1968, 5,516 athletes from 112 countries participated, competing in 18 sports.
The choice of Mexico City to host the games was controversial since they were held at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, which gave an advantage to participants in jumping events, for example, but on the other hand caused many problems due to breathing difficulties for participants in aerobic events.
The games are especially remembered for the record (8.90 meters) of the American long jumper Bob Beamon.
The head of the Israeli delegation, Yosef Inbar, and the delegation manager, Shmuel Lalkin, joined 12 athletes in individual sports and the Israeli football team, which advanced to the quarter-finals.
The team was eliminated by Bulgaria in a coin toss after the match ended in a draw.
The swimmer Avraham Melamed advanced to the semifinals while setting an Israeli record in the 100 meters butterfly. Melamed finished in fourth place, just one spot away from qualifying for the finals.
