Ancient athletes, willing to fight for glory, laid the foundation for what we know today as the Olympic Games. This tradition, imbued with the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence, has undergone many changes to become a global show. The history of the Olympic Games is a fascinating journey from antiquity to the present day, filled with dramatic moments, inspiring examples and unexpected twists and turns.
The Ancient Olympic Games: the story of the birth of a legend
Every four years since 776 BC, the city of Olympia has been transformed into a centre of sporting and spiritual events. Dedications to Zeus, the mighty supreme god. Athletes gathered in Olympia to undergo numerous tests of strength and endurance, and only the best could claim the title of champion.
Sacrifices and solemn oaths were important parts of these games. Bulls and rams were sacrificed to placate the gods. The contestants swore before a statue of Zeus that they would observe honesty and compete without cheating. The public watched running, wrestling, javelin and discus throwing, and pankration, a mixture of wrestling and boxing that at times resembled a real battle.
These events didn’t just demonstrate physical strength – they symbolised the ideals of ancient Greek society: honour, courage and harmony between body and spirit. In those games, not only people, but entire cities participated, trying to strengthen their reputation and confirm their right to leadership.
Who founded the Olympic Games?
Legend has it that the Olympic Games were founded by Hercules himself, the great son of Zeus. He set up the competition to honour his father and awarded the winners with olive wreaths, a symbol of peace and greatness. But archaeological evidence tells us that the games probably originated as a means of political and cultural unification of the Greek polities. Pelops, the legendary hero, is also linked to the history of the Olympic Games. According to legend, he defeated King Oenomaus in a chariot race and established the games in honour of his victory.
The evolution of the Olympic Games: from antiquity to modernity
With the fall of the Roman Empire in 394 AD, the Olympic Games fell into decline and were later banned by Emperor Theodosius I as a pagan manifestation. Over a thousand years later, the idea of a revival reappeared thanks to French Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
In 1896, the first modern competition took place in Athens. Coubertin wanted to use sport as a means of peace and unity between nations. Since then, the events have changed dramatically, from only 14 countries participating in the first games to over 200 countries today.
Modern performances have come to symbolise progress, tolerance and the human spirit. In 1924, the Winter Olympics came into being, adding new sports such as skiing and figure skating.
And while the ancient games were exclusively for men, since the 20th century the Olympics have become a platform for gender equality, with women not only participating but also setting world records.
Modern Olympics: the global arena of sport
There are summer and winter Olympic Games. The Summer Games include classic sports such as athletics, swimming and gymnastics. The Winter Games offer spectators the chance to enjoy ice hockey, figure skating and biathlon.
Interestingly, the atmosphere at the Winter Games is formed not only by the athletes, but also by the very conditions – ice, snow and mountain tracks create unique challenges for the participants. Each athlete going out on the ice or descending from snow-covered mountains must not only show their physical fitness, but also cope with the natural conditions.
What sports were in the first Olympics
Participants competed in a pentathlon, which included the following disciplines:
- Running. Several distances, from short sprints to long marathons. Running competitions were held in a stadium 192 metres long, which corresponded to the ancient Greek ‘stadia’, a unit of length from which the word ‘stadium’ was derived.
- Long jumps. Athletes jumped while holding weights in their hands, which helped create inertia. These weights weighed from 1.5 to 2kg and were released at the right moment to increase the range of the jump.
- Spear Throwing. The javelin, about 2 metres long, was thrown using a leather loop that served to give rotation and improve aerodynamics.
- Disc throwing. The disc, made of bronze or stone, weighed about 2-3 kg. The competition required high coordination and strength, as well as knowledge of rotational techniques for the longest possible throw.
- Wrestling. The discipline was a combination of technique and strength. Bouts took place in a sand ring and the winner was the one who took his opponent to the ground three times.
The Olympic legacy and its significance today
The heroes of their time inspire millions of people to new achievements, becoming an example that nothing is impossible. Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles – they didn’t just win medals, they showed the world the importance of hard work, determination and self-belief.
Usain Bolt:
- Set a world record in the 100 metres with a time of 9.58 seconds.
- He was an eight-time Olympic champion, inspiring millions with his desire for speed and discipline.
- His charisma and positive attitude made him a true ambassador for the sport.
Michael Phelps:
- Won 23 Olympic gold medals, making him the most decorated Olympian in history.
- His swimming record showed that constant training and sacrifice can lead to unprecedented results.
- Since the end of his career, he has been an active advocate for supporting the psychological health of athletes.
Simone Biles
These champions not only raise the profile of their countries, but also shape new standards and values. Their stories are paths of overcoming that motivate young athletes.
The role of the International Olympic Committee
The Committee, founded in 1894, plays a crucial role in the organisation and conduct of the OIs. The IOC ensures that competitions are conducted in a spirit of fairness and equality, striving to create conditions in which every athlete, regardless of nationality, race or gender, can prove themselves.
The IOC has also been active in the fight against doping, implementing strict rules and testing to keep sport clean. It is through its efforts that the Olympics remain a symbol of peace and fair competition.
A legacy that inspires
The history of the Olympic Games is a journey of courage, unity and the pursuit of excellence. From the ancient rituals of Olympia to today’s multi-billion dollar shows, the competitions continue to inspire millions of people around the world. They are a reminder that despite all differences, people can come together and celebrate the best qualities of humanity: strength, will and the desire to be better.
