The modern Olympics, as can be seen with the London Olympics held this year, have become one of the largest special sporting events on the international calendar. But what do we know about these games from a historical point of view?
With over 200 countries now competing the Olympics (summer and winter games) are held every two years, with the summer and winter Olympics alternating every two years, but each event (be it the summer or winter Olympics winter) occurs only every four years.
The creation of the Modern Olympic Games
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 and were inspired by the ancient Olympic sporting events held in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BC. Until the IV century d. The first modern games were organized by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who also founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
However, prior to the establishment of the modern Olympic Games there were several short-lived attempts to establish the games before 1896, the best known being:
- The Cotswold Olimpick Games established in 1612 in England
- The Olympiad of the Republic established in 1796 in revolutionary France
- Great Olympic Festival of 1862 in the United Kingdom
Did you know Actually, 4 Olympic Games are held, the Summer Olympic Games, the Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games (for athletes with physical disabilities) and the Youth Olympic Games (for the best teenage athletes in the world).
The rituals and symbols of the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are a celebration of sporting prowess and encompass many rituals and symbols that have become well known in modern everyday life. Take, for example, the ringed symbol of the Olympic Games that represents each of the world’s continents in unity, or the iconic Olympic torch that is used to fan the flames of sporting passion and daring. Both play an important role in the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, which have become a comprehensive and symbolic ceremony that represents everything that the Modern Olympics represent.
Did you know Although the International Olympic Committee is responsible for choosing the host city for the Olympic Games, it is solely up to that city to finance and organize the games. This must be done in compliance with the Olympic Charter established by the IOC.
The modern Olympic Games have now grown to a scale that far exceeded the expectations of its original founder. They have become part of the world’s sportsmanship and represent all that is good and honorable in modern sport.
