Legacy Of The Olympics Game

The 2024 Olympics began on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. The Olympic Games have had their ups and downs, but we are here to explore the origins of this tradition of gathering every four years to compete in various sports. Let’s dive into some history.

The Olympic Games originated in 776 BC at Olympia, where the cult of Zeus was located. The first event, known as a Stadion, was a sprint of 192 meters held to celebrate Zeus, marking the birth of the Olympic Games. Every four years, an Olympiad (the term for the four-year interval) was held for Greek men in honour of Zeus. In 708 BC, the pentathlon was introduced, consisting of a long jump (without a running start and with weights attached to their hands and feet), the javelin throw, the discus throw, the stadion, and wrestling. Gradually, other events were added, such as the Hoplitodromos, a race of two stadions while wearing a helmet and carrying a shield.

In 580 BC, games for women called Heraia were held two weeks after the men’s games. Other games inspired by the Olympics included the Isthmian Games (in honour of Poseidon), the Nemean Games (in honour of Zeus), and the Pythian Games (in honour of Apollo). These four games were collectively known as the Panhellenic Games. Around 277 BC, after Alexander the Great's conquests, many countries and cultures mixed, leading to the formation of the Isolympics, which did not rival the prestige of the Olympics.

In 392 AD, the Roman Empire, undergoing a religious transformation to Christianity under Emperor Theodosius, banned all pagan rites and cults, ending the Olympic Games after more than 1000 uninterrupted years. The sites for the games were forgotten and destroyed by natural disasters.

In 1766, archaeologist Richard Chandler rediscovered the ruins of Olympia, reigniting interest in the games. In 1894, Pierre de Coubertin organized the first Olympic Congress in Paris, creating the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prepare for the modern Olympic Games. Although he initially planned to hold the games in France in 1900, the IOC decided to hold the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896.

These games lasted for ten days, with 14 countries participating in athletics, gymnastics, wrestling, cycling, weightlifting, tennis, shooting, fencing, swimming, and marathons. Unlike the ancient Olympics, which only awarded first place, the modern games awarded first, second, and third places. In 1900, despite de Coubertin's desire to host the Olympics in France, the Exposition Universelle's organizers held their own international sports competition, forcing the IOC to recognize some of the events as Olympic sports, including rowing, equestrian, rugby, golf, football, water polo, and tug-of-war (which was removed 20 years later). Women's events were also recognized despite de Coubertin's hostility towards them.

In 1912, the Stockholm Olympics saw 28 nations participate over 15 days, introducing artistic competitions such as architecture, sculpture, literature, music, and painting. The 1916 games, scheduled for Berlin, were canceled due to World War I. In 1920, Antwerp hosted 29 nations, raising the Olympic flag designed by de Coubertin for the first time and introducing ice hockey. In 1924, the Winter Games were held in Chamonix, France, and Paris hosted what became known as the Summer Olympics.

In 1928, the Amsterdam Games saw the introduction of new women's events, the lighting of the Olympic flame, and Germany's return after a 16-year absence. Football was reserved for amateur players, leading FIFA to organize its competition, the World Cup. In 1936, Berlin hosted 49 nations, introducing basketball as an Olympic sport. The games resumed in London in 1948 after World War II caused several postponements. In 1960, the Rome Olympics were the first to be broadcast live on television, featuring notable achievements like Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila winning the marathon barefoot and breaking the world record, and Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) winning gold in boxing at age 18. Rome also hosted the first Paralympic Games for athletes with disabilities.

The Tokyo 1964 games marked the first time many newly independent African countries participated, making Japan the first Asian country to host the Olympics. Apartheid South Africa was excluded, and judo and volleyball were added to the games, which were broadcast live worldwide for the first time. In 1968, despite civil rights demonstrations being suppressed, Mexico hosted the Olympics, where lower atmospheric pressure helped many athletes break world records.

In 1976, many African countries boycotted the Games because New Zealand’s rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa. In 1988, table tennis was recognized as an Olympic sport, and tennis returned after a 64-year absence. In 1992, nearly every nation participated after the dissolution of the USSR, and a mixed South African delegation returned to the games. Over a billion viewers watched the games, with baseball and badminton making their debut.

In 2008, Usain Bolt set world records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m relay, though the relay record was later nullified due to a teammate's doping. In 2019, the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with climbing, karate, skateboarding, and surfing making their debut.

The Olympic Games have a rich and colourful history, underscoring their significant impact on the world of sports. From their origins in ancient Greece, where they were a tribute to the gods, to their resurrection in the modern era as a symbol of international unity and competition, the Olympics have continuously evolved. Despite interruptions and challenges, including wars and pandemics, the spirit of the Olympics endures, celebrating human excellence, resilience, and the shared pursuit of athletic glory. As we witness the 2024 Olympics in Paris, we are reminded of this enduring legacy and the universal values of friendship, respect, and excellence that the Games promote. The Olympics are more than just a sporting event; they are a global tradition that brings the world together, showcasing the best of humanity and inspiring future generations.

Olajide Olamide