The Olympic Games are famed for being the most competitive stage an athlete can compete on, where thousands of athletes worldwide participate in various competitions. The Games are considered the world’s foremost sports competition, with more than 200 nations participating. However, to be able to compete at the Olympics, an athlete must go through numerous selection camps, training camps, and pre-qualifying competition events, which makes it extremely difficult to do so.
The birth of the Olympic Games dates back to around 3,000 years ago when the Greeks gathered the most remarkable athletes and made them compete to celebrate their god, Zeus. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Since then, the Games have grown in size and scope, with the Summer and Winter Olympics alternating every two years.
Three thousand years ago, when the Olympic Games were created, there were only a few events, including Running, Wrestling, Boxing, Pankration (a form of martial arts), Chariot Racing, and a Pentathlon. Strict rules were also put in place for the competition. For instance, only men of Greek origin could compete, and no women were allowed to attend the games. However, the Olympics now include men and women in competition and have over 329 events, including water polo, fencing, handball, and table tennis.
However, the Olympics are not just about sports; they also promote peace, unity, and friendship among nations. The Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” embodies the spirit of the Games. Each edition of the Olympics also features cultural events, showcasing the host nation’s heritage and traditions. For instance, this year in Paris, the Olympic five rings, symbolizing the five inhabited continents of the world, are suspended on the Eiffel Tower, a staple landmark of France.
The Olympics will be streaming on all major sports networks and through the official website and app from July 26th through August 11th. Don’t miss the chance to see some of the greatest athletes in the world compete on the most significant stage for the infamous Olympic Gold Medal.
