History of Olympic Games

History of Olympic Games

The five rings represent the five continents. they are interlace to show the universality of Olympism and the meeting of the athletes around the world during  Olympic Games. (Image from Google.com)

Based on Greek tales, the ancient Olympic Games were founded by Hercules, son of Zeus from Greek era.

History stated that the first Olympic Games were held on 776 BC although many believe it is happened long time ago.

Based on a record made by Coroebus, a runner who took part in the Olympic Games has won a 192 metres running event, making him the very first winner in the history of the Olympic Games.

The ancient Olympic Games rapidly expanded and were held once in four years for the next 1200 years. However, Emperor Theodosius 1, the Greek Emperor who believes in Christianity has abolished the Olympic Games in 393 AD because he believed the Olympic Games is the festival for the atheist (those who do not have any religion).

As a result of Theodosius action, the Olympic Games become standstill for thousands of years until it was brought back in 19^th century by a French aristocrat, Pierre de Coubertin.

Coubertin was born in 1863. He was only seven years old when German conquered France in Franco-Prussia war in 1870.

There are some opinion said that Coubertin was the one who contributed in the winning of France in Franco-Prussia war after realized the initial lost by France was because of the sluggishness of his army.

After couple of years with research and observation, Coubertin believes the sluggishness of his army due to lack of exercising.

Later, Coubertin established an USFSA sports organisation. Two years later, he suggested that Olympic Games should be held again and in 1892, USFSA held its first convention in Paris.

In those meeting, his voice was ignored until couple of years later when Coubertin organized a 79 delegation meeting from nine different countries which then formed International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A Greek representatives, Demetrious Vikelas was elected as the first president whereas Athens as the venue to bring back the Olympic Games.

The first Olympic Games were held again in April 1896 in Panathenaic Stadium which originally built in 330 AD as the first venue of the Olympic Games.