24 Curious facts about the olympic games

The history of the Olympic Games dates back to ancient Greece, where athletes competed for glory at the games in Olympia. Today, the Olympic Games are the largest sporting event in the world, where countries from all over the world come together to support their best athletes.

During the Olympic Games, there are many unusual facts and stories that you may not know about. Did you know, for example, that the Olympic Games were originally for men only? Or that the youngest Olympian of all time was only 10 years old?

In this article, we’ll uncover 24 curious facts about the Olympics, from the first modern games in Athens to the latest competitions in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the world of the Olympic Games and be surprised by these fascinating facts!

24 Curious facts about the olympic games

Olympic Games – A Legacy of the Greeks

The Greek Olympic Games are one of the oldest and most famous sporting events in the world. They were hosted in ancient Greece in honor of Zeus and were an important event in people’s lives. The games were held every four years and lasted five days. They included various athletic competitions and contests such as track and field, wrestling, boxing and pankration.

However, the Olympic Games were not only a sporting pleasure, but also a sign of unity and peace among the Greek cities. The games brought people from different regions and tribes together and helped to solve political and religious tensions.

Over the years, the Olympic Games changed and were adopted by different countries and cultures. Today, the Olympics are a global event that brings together athletes from all over the world. The games are also a symbol of cooperation and competition between nations.

In the ancient Olympic Games, only men were allowed to participate. Women had their own games, the so-called Heraia.
The Olympic rings symbolize the five continents and the unity of athletes from around the world.
The Olympic flame was first lit at the 1928 Games in Amsterdam and has burned at every opening ceremony since then.

The Olympic Games in the professional image of the ancient world

The Olympic Games were of great importance in ancient Greece. They were held every four years and were a festival celebrated by athletes and spectators alike. However, unlike today, there were no professional athletes. The athletes were mostly amateurs and participated in the games to gain fame and glory.

The Olympic Games were not only a sporting event, but also a platform to establish political and diplomatic relations. The games were organized by city-state representatives and often funded by the state. Athletes were seen as representatives of their cities and often wore their colors or insignia.

The participants had to compete naked. This rule applied to both men and women.
The games consisted of different sports, such as boxing, running, chariot racing and wrestling.
There were no medals. Instead, the winners received a wreath made of olive or laurel branches.

The Olympic Games were also an important part of the profession in ancient times. For they served as a platform to showcase one’s skills and talent and build a reputation as a successful athlete. Many athletes were supported by wealthy patrons or even received financial support from their city-state.

The tradition of the Olympic Games lasted until the 4th century. Century n. Chr. when they were finally discontinued due to political upheavals and religious conflicts. Only in the 19. Century they were then revived in the modern form. But even today they are a platform to bring out the best in each other.

Curiosity of the Olympic Games: The venue is always changing

One of the most striking features of the Olympic Games is that they are held in a different city or country each time. Since the first Olympics in Athens in 1896, the Games have been held in a total of 23 different cities and countries. The reason for the constant change of venue lies in the idea of making the Olympics a global event and uniting people from all parts of the world.

The decision on the venue is made by the International Olympic Commission (IOC), which reviews and selects applications from cities and countries. The choice of venue was often influenced by political and economic factors, as the Olympics are capable of boosting a country’s international reputation and economy.

However, the changeability of the venue also has its challenges. Each new venue must be able to meet the exacting requirements of the Olympics, from the provision of suitable sports facilities and accommodation to security and logistics. It is also important that the venue takes into account the cultural and social needs of the athletes and visitors to ensure a successful and memorable Olympic experience.

Fun Fact: Changing venues is so characteristic of the Olympics that there have been several countries that have bid to host multiple times after having hosted once in the past.

Athletics and their curious achievements

The Olympic Games are the biggest sporting event in the world and produce many incredible performances. However, some athletes have made special achievements that were very curious even for the games. Here are some examples:

Thomas Hicks – Marathon, 1904: Hicks won the marathon even though he nearly collapsed at the end because he had ingested only a mixture of eggs and strychnine (a poison) given to him by his coach during the race.
Eddie Eagan – boxing, 1920 / bobsledding, 1932: Eagan was the only athlete to win a gold medal in both boxing and bobsledding.
Konstantinos Kenteris and Katerina Thanou – Athletics, 2004: Greek sprinters Kenteris and Thanou officially claimed to have been injured in a motorcycle accident during the Games, only to be disqualified later for doping.

These achievements are just the tip of the iceberg of the curious facts that the Olympic Games have to offer. From animal competitions to “ball bar throwing” in ancient times, there are many other interesting stories about this global sporting event.