The Olympic Games are a long-standing custom that originated in ancient Greece and were celebrated there in Zeus’ honor. The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, in 776 BC, and they were held there until 393 AD when Roman Emperor Theodosius I outlawed them.
The modern Olympic Games weren’t established until the late 19th century. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a Frenchman, promoted the concept of recreating traditional games because he thought that athletics could be utilized to advance peace and understanding between nations.
The contemporary Olympic Games are the biggest and most prestigious sporting event in the world, drawing competitors from all over the world. In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were staged in Athens, Greece, ushering in a new era in world sport.
From April 6 to April 15, 1896, Athens, Greece, hosted the first modern Olympic Games. 241 competitors from 14 nations competed in 43 events in nine sports while they were at the Games. Track and field, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, fencing, shooting, and tennis were among the sports offered.
The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, which had been created for the 1896 Games, hosted the opening ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games. To celebrate the first modern Olympic Games, the stadium, which was created for the ancient Olympic Games, was rebuilt in marble.
The marathon, which was held from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, served as the opening event of the Games. Greek runner Spyridon Louis, who later became a national hero, won the marathon. The American track and field athlete Robert Garrett, who won two gold medals, and the Swedish wrestler Carl Schuhmann, who won three gold medals, were two more famous competitors at the 1896 Games.
The first contemporary Olympic Games were a huge success and contributed to the Olympic Games becoming a significant worldwide sporting event. Since then, except for the years of World Wars I and II, the Games have been held every four years. The Olympic Games continue to unite athletes and viewers from all over the world in the spirit of sportsmanship and global cooperation. They are one of the most watched and celebrated events in the world today.