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Olympic Games - 1896 Athens

Olympic Games - 1896 Athens

It is universally accepted that Baron de Coubertin masterminded the Modern Olympic Games.  Modern, when applied to the Olympic Games, is a relative term to distinguish them from the ancient Olympic Games.  My point is that the games of Athens 1896 were different from those 40 years later in Berlin and the Games of Sydney in 2000 have evolved into a different animal from either of those two earlier games. 

What struck me in my brief study of the history of the games, is the paradox that the early celebrations with their amateur status produced more fascinating sporting incidents than the slick professional games of the last 20 years.

On 6 April 1896, the American James Connolly won the triple jump to become the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years.  For these first Olympics, winners were awarded a crown of olive branches and a a silver medal.  The people of Athens greeted the Games with great enthusiasm. Their support was rewarded when a Greek, Spiridon Louis, won their most popular event, the marathon.  Naturally the race stated in the city of Marathon and Louis must have been able to enjoy his fantastic reception since he was 6 minutes clear at the end.

Alfr? Hajos won both the 100m and the 1,200m events.  For the longer race, the swimmers were shipped out into the lake and then swam back to shore.  According to Hajos, 'I must say that I shivered at the thought of what would happen if I got a cramp from the cold water. My will to live completely overcame my desire to win.'

An Olympic Anthem composed by Spyros Samaras was played at the Athens.  For the next 60 year a variety of musical compositions provided the backgrounds to the Opening Ceremonies until 1960, when the Samaras composition became the official Olympic Anthem.