The History of the Games

Welcome to the XXIX Olympiad

The Modern Olympics

In 1896, the games of the 1st Olympiad were held in Athens and were officially opened by His Majesty King George I.
The first Olympic Champion of the games was the American, James Connolly in winning the triple jump. In doing so, he became the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years.
He also achieved 2nd in the high jump and 3rd in the long jump events.
Winners then were awarded an Olive branch in recognition of the ancient games’ traditions and also a Winners Silver Medal.

Past Olympic Games

In all, there were 43 events, 14 competing Nations and 241 athletes, all of whom were men.

The Ancient Olympics

The ancient City of Olympia was the location of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.
Olympia was a central meeting place for worship of the gods at the temples. Religious events were practiced there. The first political assembly in the 10th century B.C. was also located in Olympia.
The ancient Olympia stadium could host over 40,000 spectators. Auxiliary buildings in the surrounding area were continually developed up until the 4th century B.C. and were used as training sites for the athletes or for temporary lodgings to the sponsors and dignitaries invited to the Games. Massive temples were erected in tribute to the ancient gods.
The Olympic Games were always held at the time of the festival of the God Zeus, the Greek ancient Greek god of war.
Before the games, the Athletes were anointed and prayed to gods for their blessings in the events.
Sports competed in the ancient Games included running events, equestrian events, boxing, the long jump, the javelin, the shot put and the pankration.
The Olympic Champion would receive a sacred wreath of Olive leaves (kotinos), placed on his head and his family’s name and hometown would be celebrated.
Women were prohibited from attending the games.