Only these countries participated in the first edition of the Olympic Games of the Modern Age

He April 6, 1896 James Connolly became the first Olympic champion of the Modern Age. The American won the triple jump discipline and later also managed to finish second in the high jump and third in the long jump. That same day the Opening Ceremony took place at Panathenaic Stadium in Athenswith more than 80,000 spectators in the stands.

In this way the 1896 Athens Olympics, promoted by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who wanted to recover the idea of ​​the ancient Games in an international event with several sports disciplines. The organization was an absolute success and those Games were the first stone of an event that will continue as one of the most important in history.

Naa 1896 Olympic Games 241 athletes from fourteen different countries participated. At first, eleven sports were chosen, but finally rowing and sailing had to be stopped because of strong winds. Thus, athletes competed in athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, weightlifting, wrestling, swimming, tennis and shooting.

There are differences regarding the number of countries that participated in the first Olympic Games of the Modern Age. He International Olympic Committee the participation of fourteen countries is acknowledged, although other sources indicate that there would have been twelve. Ten of them are safe because they appear in the official medal table. These are Germany, Australia, Austria, Denmark, United States, France, Greece, Hungary, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Greece was the country with the highest number of medals, with a total of 47.

Bulgaria, Chile, Italy and Sweden will also have Olympic representation. Currently, there are more than 200 federations that participate in the Summer Olympic Games every four years.