Olympics Fun Facts!

The Olympic Games - a beacon of global sportsmanship and competition - have a rich history filled with intriguing stories and triumphs. Over the years, 23 countries have hosted Olympic Games. English and French are considered the official languages of the Olympic Games, as well as the language of the host country. Let's look at some fun facts about the Olympics and celebrate its unique blend of history, culture, and athletic achievement.

1. The Origins of the Olympic Games

The Olympics date back to 776 BC in ancient Greece. They were originally a festival held in Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Unlike the international spectacle we see today, the ancient games were primarily a local event, with only Greek male citizens allowed to participate. The whole competition lasted for up to six months and included games like wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, running, and chariot racing.

2. A Long Interruption and a Modern Rebirth

The ancient Olympic Games were abolished in 393 AD by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, who wanted to suppress pagan cults. It wasn't until 1896 that the Games were revived in Athens, thanks to the efforts of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. He is known as the "Father of the Modern Olympic Games."

3. The Olympic Symbolism

The iconic Olympic rings, produced in 1913 from a design created by de Coubertin, symbolize the union of the five inhabited continents (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Australia). Their five colors, along with the white backdrop, reflect colors found on the flags of all participating nations, so everyone is represented. The overlaps also represent international cooperation, and the coming together of athletes from all over the world.

4. The Olympic events change over time.

Over time, different sports and events are voted into, or out of, the Olympic Games. Some disappear, then return (like golf and rugby), while others (like hot air ballooning, tug-of-war, and dueling pistols) go out of fashion forever. In fact, between 1921 and 1948, musicians, artists, and architects, among other creatives, competed in the Olympic Games by making works of art. This year, look for break dancing ("breaking") at the Paris Olympics! Cricket will make a return, after its last turn at the Olympics in 1900. Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing will return after their debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but with a few changes.

5. Women's Participation

Women were not allowed to compete in the ancient Olympic Games, and it took until the 1900 Paris Olympics for women to participate in the modern era. The first woman to compete at the Olympic Games was Helene de Pourtales, from Switzerland. The inclusion of women was limited at first, but has grown exponentially; the 2012 London Olympics were the first in which every participating country included female athletes. This year, for the fourth consecutive summer Olympics, the USA will be sending more women than men to compete.

6. Breaking Records

The Olympic Games have been a platform for many world records in various sports, highlighting extraordinary human physical achievements. Additionally, four Olympians have won medals in both the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. They are Eddie Eagan (USA), Jacob Tullin Thams (Norway), Christa Luding-Rothenburger (East Germany), Clara Hughes (Canada), and Lauryn Williams (USA).

7. Refugee Olympics Team

The Refugee Olympics Team (ROT) was established by the IOC to provide an opportunity for athletes who are refugees to compete in the Olympic Games. The idea for the Refugee Olympic Team was proposed by the IOC President Thomas Bach in October 2015, and the team made its debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. Mr. Bach said, "This will be a symbol of hope for all refugees in the world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society." The IOC, through its Olympic Solidarity program, provides funding and support for training and preparation - including access to facilities, coaching, and competition opportunities. This year in Paris, the Refugee Olympics Team will consist of 37 athletes representing 15 National Olympic Committees, competing in 12 events.

Conclusion The Olympic Games' motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together" highlights their ability to inspire the best athletes from around the world in a celebration of sports and culture. The Games strive to foster an international spirit of cooperation, peace, and good sportsmanship. This motto is perhaps best illustrated by the men's high-jump event at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Throughout a tough competition, the Italian and Qatari high-jumpers kept tying for the gold medal. Eventually, instead of doing yet another jump-off, the two men asked for and both received a gold medal for their performances. "I've been at his wedding," explained the Italian, Gianmarco Tamberi. "It's not just two opponents. It is two friends who can share the best moment of their life together and I think it is magical to have done it. We were good friends before the Olympics. But now it's like we are blood brothers." With each iteration, the Olympics build on a deep historical foundation and contribute to a global legacy of excellence. Whether you're a sports fan or just a curious learner, the Olympics hold a treasure trove of stories worth exploring.