THE SPIRIT OF THE OLYMPICS:
“In ancient days, nations stopped wars to compete in the Olympics. Nowadays we stop the Olympics to continue our wars.” These words, spoken by former IOC President Avery Brundage, reflect the impact of political conflict on the Olympic Games.
Since its beginning in 1896, the modern Olympics have faced many political crises, and their demise has been often predicted. However, the Olympic movement has survived two World Wars as well as numerous political conflicts. Today, the Games have become the greatest and most spectacular sporting even in the world. To take part in the Olympics and win glory often remains an athlete’s supreme ambition. This embodies the magnificence and enduring spirit of the Olympics.
This issue traces the heroic world of the Olympics-form its ancient traditions to the forthcoming Beijing Olympics in 2008. It narrates the fascinating stories of Olympics athletes, and traces their trials, tribulations, and glorious triumphs.
FIRST RECORDED:
The first recorded ancient Olympics Games were held in 776 BC with only one event – the stade. The stade was a unit of measurement which was about 182 metres. This also became the name of the footrace, because it was the distance that was run by the contestants. In fact the word ‘stadium’ is derived from this word!
The winner of the first Olympic race to be held was a true amateur athlete. His name was Koroibos, and he was a cook!
