In 1948, London hosted the first Olympics in 12 years, which have become known as the Austerity Games. Athletes were required to bring their own towels and slept in barracks and college dorms. Whale meat was one of a few unrationed foods. Some teams chose bring their own supplies, including the French who sent a trainload of meat and air lifted claret to their athletes. No new facilities were built, but the Games were considered a success overall and turned a small profit on a cost of just GBP730,000.
