More Than Games
The one thing that unites over 200 of the world’s countries, The Olympic Games, originates as early as 776 BC. While wars, robberies, murders, kidnappings, and other sadness dominate the news; people often forget to appreciate the sense of unity that the world has for two weeks every two years. For these two weeks most people in the world, no matter their origin, race, culture, or class, fixate their attention on the miracle that is The Olympic Games. From 776 BC continuing into today not only have the Olympic Games changed, but the athletes that compete amaze the entire world through not only their skills in the arena, but their ability to easily adapt to different activities.
Ancient Games
For nearly twelve centuries the ancient Olympic Games paid tribute to the Olympian gods, and took place in Olympia. One of the oldest religious centers for ancient Greeks, Olympia, was not only a logical location for a recurring athletic competition, but it also was easily reachable by ship. This attracted many different Greek colonies to participate, such as modern-day Spain. Throughout the ancient years, these games expanded from one-day events to five-day events. During the middle of these five day events, due to the religious background of the Games, 100 oxen were sacrificed, and many athletes made their own sacrifices to their gods (The Ancient Olympics). Immediately after each competition each victor received their awards. The victors had a palm branch placed in their hand by the Greek judge, the herald, while flowers rained down on them. The victor then had red ribbons tied on his head and hands to display his victory. On the last day of the Games, the official award ceremony took place at the temple of Zeus. Here the herald announced the name of the Olympic winner, then his father’s name and home, and then the sacred olive tree wreath, kotinos, would be placed on the winner’s head. There were multiple events such as running, chariot racing, wrestling, boxing, and more. However only Greek speaking free men could participate, limiting those able to compete. Not only could women not compete, but married women were banned from attending the Games punishable by death ("Ancient Greeks: The Olympic Games"). In 393 AD, Emperor Theodosius banned the Games calling them, “pagan cults”, ending the period of the Ancient Olympic Games (The Ancient Olympics).
Modern Games
Nearly 1600 years later, in 1896, the Olympic Games were reborn, taking place in their birthplace, Athens, Greece. Athletes from fourteen nations craved to compete against the best and prove their ability. This time around the Games introduced new events such as gymnastics, cycling, shooting, swimming, and tennis. The Olympic anthem written by Spiros Samaras and Kostis Palamas was first introduced during the opening ceremonies ("Athens 1896"). Then in 1924 the world introduced the Winter Olympic Games with their initiating Games held in France. This added even more sports to the Games including: Skiing, bobsleighs, curling, speed skating, and figure skating ("Chamonix 1924"). It was eventually decided to hold both the winter and summer Games every four years, but each one separated by two years so that there is an Olympic Games every two years. 116 years after the first modern Olympic Games, the games have expanded, been held in 40 different cities, have over 43 sports overall, and last two weeks.
One of the binding aspects of the ancient and modern Olympic Games are the athletes themselves. Olympic athletes not only excel in their sport, but they excel in many other sports and aspects of life.
Milo of Kroton
In the ancient Olympic Games, Milo of Kroton stood out as one of the ancient world’s most legendary athletes. He won the title of victor in at least six Olympic Games in wrestling. However his strength exceeded what he showed in the Olympics. Often outside of the Games, Milo would stand on a
greased iron disk and see if others could push him off, but he always managed to win even these small competitions. Furthermore, Milo proved his strength in warfare. When his homeland of Kroton was attacked by neighboring towns, Milo ran into the action and led his town to victory numerous times ("Athletes' Stories"). This proves that Milo was much more than just an athlete. He proved his strength many times outside of the Olympic arena, and in addition, saved lives.
greased iron disk and see if others could push him off, but he always managed to win even these small competitions. Furthermore, Milo proved his strength in warfare. When his homeland of Kroton was attacked by neighboring towns, Milo ran into the action and led his town to victory numerous times ("Athletes' Stories"). This proves that Milo was much more than just an athlete. He proved his strength many times outside of the Olympic arena, and in addition, saved lives.
Shawn Johnson
In modern-day, Shawn Johnson won four gold and three silver medals in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics in gymnastics ("Shawn Johnson"). In addition to gymnastics, Shawn competed in the 8th season of Dancing With The Stars, a dancing competition where professional dancers teach celebrities how to dance. Shawn was crowned champion with the help of her partner, Mark Ballas. Sadly in 2012, Shawn had to end her gymnastics and Olympic career due to a knee injury, however she would not let that hold her back. Shawn now competes with her partner Derek Hough in season 15 of Dancing With the Stars, All-Star Season, for the chance to be the first 2-time champion of the show. In doing this Shawn proves to the world that there is more to her than gymnastics.
From 776 BC to 2012, the Olympic Games have held a greater purpose than simply finding the best athletes. The Olympic Games have tied the world together in a way that only sports could. Moreover, these athletes that compete learn to apply their skills to other sports or aspects of their lives. All together, this makes a stronger world with strong ties to its past.