The history of the Olympic Games

The Olympic Games were originally held in Olympia, a city in Greece. The first recorded Olympic game dates back to 776 BC. It only had one event, a stadium race that a cook named Coroebus won. The first thirteen times the games were played they only had this event. Over time they added more sports to the events. They added the hoplithodrome which is a foot race where the players would run in their armor and the pentathlon where the athletes would compete in five different events which were the sprint, discus, wrestling, jump and javelin. They had also had an event called pancration which was a mix of boxing and wrestling. It usually ended when a man gave up or was unconscious. As more and more sports were added, more buildings were built to accommodate people.

At first, only free men and boys who were Greek citizens were allowed to participate in the events. Anyone else was strictly prohibited, including women who could have received the death penalty for participating. All participants had to pay all expenses out of their own pocket. When the game was over and he was declared the winner, he was presented with a wreath of olives and people threw flowers at him. He also received many material gifts from the people. This continued for a few centuries until Rome conquered Greece and the games slowly diminished until it was completely gone.

In 1890, a Frenchman named Pierre de Coubertin wanted to revive the Olympic Games. At first no one was really interested and it was unsuccessful. However, he refused to give up and started an organization called “Union des Societes Francaises de Sports Athletiques” or the USFSA. He delivered a speech during a meeting with members of his organization on November 25, 1892, where he implored the people to relive the Olympic Games. However, they were not interested and it was not successful. However he persisted and two years later he convened another meeting of 79 delegates from nine different countries where he again asked them to relive the Olympic Games. This time it was successful and all 79 delegates voted in favor. The International Olympic Committee was founded and they held their first game in Athens.

Today the Olympic Games are held every two years alternating between summer and winter sports. The host city is chosen by the International Olympic Committee, who then organizes the event in accordance with the Olympic Charter. It is a great honor to be chosen as the city where the Olympic Games will be held, as it promotes the prestige of cities and helps them financially. Athletes from almost every country in the world participate in the events. The first winner of each event receives a gold medal, the second winner a silver medal, and the third winner a bronze medal. It is something that sports fans around the world follow and enjoy.