The Olympic game has a long developing history. It is popular among 2 billion people. It is one of the most appealing sports and entertainment properties worldwide. It has allowed a lot of athletes to earn national as well as global recognition and fame. Therefore, it reached wide popularity and became one of the most watched international sports along with FIFA.
However, if we dig up the history of the Olympic tournament, there lies unknown facts and truths most of us have yet to know. Therefore, this content will be a perfect source material for you to learn 20 facts about the Olympics you should know.
Twenty Facts About The Olympics You Should Know
1. The first Olympic Games is Believed to Have Been Held in 776 BC
As I was saying, The history of the Olympics is ancient. Its origin is directly linked to the Ancient Greek festival. According to Greek mythology, The first and original Olympics was held to honor Zeus, the Greek God. Every fourth year between 776 (Before the Common Era) and 395 (Common Era), the Olympic Games were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus.
The festival initially includes multiple types of athletic games, for example, Boxing, Wrestling, High Jump, and many other games played in the present Olympics.
2. Participants Were Nude During the Ancient Era
It may feel weird, but knowing it is based on Greek Mythology, we can assume it happened. In the current Olympic Games, a specific dress code is determined for the participants. However, the history of the Olympics had no participant wearing clothes. According to the myths, they were to participate in every game without wearing clothes. Even the word Gymnasium is directly derived from its Greek origin, “Gymnos,” meaning Nude.
3. The Romans Canceled the Ancient Olympics in 393 A.D.
The Roman Emperor Theodosius I canceled the Olympics in 393 A.D., believing it to be a pagan festival.
4. The Olympics Made Its Debut In The Modern World On 1896
The modern Olympics games were introduced again in the year 1896. It was named “The Modern Olympics” and continues as one of the most prestigious international events held every four years.
5. Twenty-Three Country Host the Olympics Together
Yes! One or two countries do not host the Olympics. In fact, twenty-three countries in an adjunction become the Olympics’ host nations. Here is a list of 23 countries that host this event:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- South Korea
- the United Kingdom
- the United States
6. The Olympics Was Open For More Professionals Rather Than Gymnasiums
Before the twenties, the Olympic event had more medals in different fields, such as architects, painters, musicians, sculptors, and even writers had the opportunity to win gold medals.
7. The Winter Olympics Was Introduced After 1924
Believe it or not, before 1924, the Olympics were only held in the summer. The winter edition of the Olympics was launched in 1924 in Chamonix, France.
8. The Winter Olympics is Never Held in the Southern Hemisphere
The Southern Hemisphere is a zone where you won’t find snow and ice. Since the Winter edition of the Olympics requires an Icy environment, it is impossible to hold the event there.
9. The United States is Known For Being the Only County to Host the Summer Olympics Thrice
The United States is the only country ever to host the summer edition of the Olympics three times.
10. The Modern Olympics Was Canceled During World War I and II
In 1916, The Olympics was supposed to be held in Berlin. However, it was unfortunately canceled due to the unavoidable World War I situation. Later in 1940 (Tokyo) and 1944 (London) was canceled due to the challenging times of World War II.
11. The Rings in the Flag of the Olympics Represent Five Continents
Have you ever noticed why the flag of the Olympics has five rings with five different colors? The flag was designed by Pierre De Coubertin back in 1913. Based on the time and recognition during that period, its design was wholly based on the five continents: Africa, America (North and South America), Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Therefore, the flag entirely represents all the countries from these five continents.
12. Every Olympics is About a Different Motto
It’s about time we pay attention to the fact that every edition of the Olympics is about a different Motto. For example, The 2018 Winter Olympics Motto was Passion. In difference, 2022 had the motto “Together for a Shared Futur.”
13. Ancient Olympic Winners Used to Receive Olive Wreath as an Honor
It may not feel like something expensive, but in ancient times, winners of a game in the Olympics used to receive Olive Wreath in contrary to medals.
14. Modern-Day Olympic Medals Were Introduced Back In 1904
In 1904, the modern Olympics introduced its three-stage medals: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
15. In the Early 19s, the Olympic Gold Medals Were Actually Gold
The Gold medals given to first-place earners were made of pure gold. However, medals constructed of pure gold were stopped after 1912. Since then, it has mostly been made of silver; However, containing six grams of gold is the minimum requirement. However, some gold medals in the modern era contain more than six grams of gold.
16. Olympic Medal Designs Depend on The Host Cities
The host city’s Olympic organizing committee chooses the design of the medals. The design changes every 4 years depending on the host city. Therefore, if you see differences in the gold medals of every Olympic medal, don’t get confused.
17. The United States is the Only Country to Win the Most Gold Medals
The USA team is known for winning the most medals in the Olympics games. The total number will mesmerize you. The number of Gold medals won by the USA is 1,174 gold medals, whereas 954 silver and 832 bronze.
18. Olympics Winners Bite Their Medals to Test the Metal
Although unconfirmed, Olympic winners bite into their medals to test the metal. Historically, people used to nibble gold coins to create a groove. This guarantees that the medal is made of pure gold. Not at the moment, though. Nowadays, gold medals are mostly silver and contain at least six grams of gold.
19. The Winners Were Honored By Having Their Names Engraved on the Walls of the Stadium
Olympic winners get world and national praise as Olympic gold, silver, or bronze winners and write their names on the pages of history. Moreover, one of the honors they received was having their names engraved on the wall of the Olympic Stadium that year’s event.
20. The 2012 Olympics Were the First in History When Each Participating Country Sent a Female Competitor
Well, in 1896, when the first Olympics in modern times were held in Athens, women were barred from participating. Later, in 1900, the Olympics allowed women to participate in the tournament for the first time. Although then it was much less than the number of men. But history was made in 2012 when at least one woman from every nation competed in the Olympics.
Conclusion
In judgment, The Olympics has many unknown facts that many of us still don’t know. Therefore, in this article, we have addressed 20 Facts About The Olympics You Should Know. So, if you want more facts connected to the Olympics or other most-watched events, comment below and share your thoughts before leaving this article.
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