When and where were the first Olympic Games held in history?

Inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, which date back to the 8th century BC and were organized in the ancient Greek city of Olympia, at the end of the 19th century, in 1896the officers known as Games of the I Olympiad. Athens hosts the first Games of the Modern Era between April 6 and 15, which includes the participation of 241 male athletes —no female participation—, 14 countries different. In total, 43 different competitions in nine sports were held: athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, weightlifting, wrestling, swimming, tennis and shooting. Rowing and sailing disciplines were also planned but were canceled due to strong winds on the day of the competition.

The center of the competitions is Panathinaiko Stadiumwhich became the first major stadium in the modern world with an ambient capacity 80,000 spectators and which still stands majestically in the center of Athens, converted at the same time to one of the great tourist attractions from the Greek capital. The success of the first edition of that Game, sponsored by Baron Pierre de Coubertinwho wanted to recover the idea of ​​the old Games in an international event, was absolutely and ever since, every four years executed, only suspended on occasion of great wars. Even him king george, at the closing ceremony, affirmed his desire that the Games will always be held in Athens, this is not the case and become ‘world heritage’, to be celebrated throughout the planet. In fact, in 1900, they were already held in Paris, which will host them for the third time in 2024.

Proper names: Connolly, Spiridon…

The Americans James Connolly He became one of the great names of this first edition of the Games and went down in history as he was the first Olympic champion, winning the triple jump on April 6, 1896. In addition, he was also the second tallest jump. and third in the long jump. Spyridon Louis He became a national hero in Greece after becoming the marathon champion. Thomas Burke (United States) was another standout, winning the 100 meters, with a time of 12 seconds, and the 400 meters, with a time of 58.4 seconds. Furthermore, he was a precursor in that he was the only one chosen to appear bowed, with knees bent, which became common in later editions.

The United States leads the medal table

Of the 14 countries participating in the first edition of the Olympic Games in modern history, although other sources suggest that there were finally 12, USA He leads the medal table, thus marking a good start. With a total of 20 medals (11 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze), the North American country took first place despite a total of 47 medals. Greece (10 gold, 18 silver and 19 bronze). The medal podium is over Germany, with 13 medals (6 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze). They also got a medal France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Austria, Australia, Denmark and Switzerland.