Interesting facts about Olympics
Here are the few interesting facts about Olympics you should know.
How Olympics got its name?
The name of the modern Olympic Games was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece.
Who founded Olympics?
Greek legend Heracles or Hercules founded the Olympic Games in honor of his father.
History of Ancient Olympics
The written history records tell us that first Olympics were conducted in 776 BCE.
The participants of ancient Olympics are usually Male and are naked while participating.
Only the Greek men who were not born in slavery were allowed to compete in ancient Olympics. Married women were not allowed to attend ancient Olympics.
Who is first Ancient Olympic champion?
Coroebus (a cook from Elis) was the very first Olympic champion in history. He won the only event at the Olympics, a run of approximately 192 metres (210 yards). This victory made Coroebus the very first Olympic champion in history.
The ancient games were held every four years just as the modern ones are. Ancient Olympics was known as Olympiad.
Ancient Olympic Games were closely related to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus without being an essential component of a rite.
Who banned Ancient Olympics?
Over next 100 years, several other events were added, including longer footraces, long jump, javelin throw, discus throw, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing. Roman rule encouraged the Olympics. They lasted until 393 CE . Later the Christian Emperor Theodosius I banned all pagan festivals, including the Olympic Games. The emperor had taken this decision as part of a campaign to establish Christianity as the state religion of Rome.
Modern Olympics history
Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin inspired the modern Olympic Games. He saw sport as a way to create peace among nations.
In 1890 Pierre de Coubertin created a union called USFSA(Union des Sociétés Francaises de Sports Athlétiques). After four years later international delegates agreed to recreate the Olympic spirit. The International Olympic Committee decided to conduct Olympics.
Who designed modern Olympic symbol?
The Olympic symbol is called as “Olympic Rings”. The design consists of five interlocking rings, coloured blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white background. The symbol was originally designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, co-founder of the modern Olympic Games.
First modern Olympics was held at?
The first Olympics were conducted at Athens in 1896. 13 nations participated in this 1896 Olympics. 43 events were held with all male athletes.
Where will Olympic Torch lighted?
The modern Olympic flame is still lighted in front of the temple of Hera in Olympia. From the temple of Hera, the Olympic torch is transported to wherever in the world the games are being held.
Youngest Olympian to win Gold Medal
Kim Yun-mi is the Youngest Olympian Gold Medal winner at the age 13.She won gold medal in 3000 m speed skating event.
Oldest Person contested in Olympics
Hiroshi Hoketsu is the oldest competitor contested in 2012 Olympics when he was 71 years old.
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