The ancient Olympics were conducted at Olympia, Greece, from about 776 BC in the name of Zeus, the king of the gods. The first Games had a single running event, and soon wrestling and boxing were added, and a little later, chariot racing and others. More than in the field of athletic competition, the Olympics brought forth something holy the truce, which would eventually unite the rival city-states in days of peace concluded in peace.
The ancient Olympic Games started to lose popularity after the Roman Empire rose to power and were finally stopped in the 4th century AD. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the modern Olympic Games were reintroduced, thanks to the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian. The first modern Olympics took place in Athens in 1896, featuring a modest program of 43 events.
The Olympics have grown phenomenally in magnitude and reach ever since. Inducting women athletes was a landmark step in 1900, and the Games progressed to a whole host of sports to encompass most games popular across the globe. Adding to this came the Winter Olympics in 1924 to accommodate sports played on snow and ice.
Besides being an athletic competition, the Olympics have evolved over the years as a robust means of international cooperation and understanding. First, there is the torch of the Olympics, which, after its ignition at Olympia, is relayed to the hosting city, signifying unity and peace. Apart from this, the Olympic Village, where athletes of various countries stay together, provides the atmosphere to bond in brotherhood and friendship.
For decades, the Olympics have been dogged by issues like commercialization, drugs scandals, and political disputes. Yet somehow, the Games continue to interest the human imagination, inspiring athletes and spectators alike. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021 evidenced some resilience and flexibility in reaction to genuinely unique challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is still, while the Olympic movement evolves, one of the most vigorous symbols of human achievement, joining people from every corner of the globe in competition and the spirit of excellence. From its ancient past to these modern times of the great Olympics, it has continued to bear witness to the human spirit and the power of sport that binds people across cultures.
Quotes By Roger Federer - “There’s no way around hard work. Embrace it. You have to put in the hours because there is always something you can improve on”