“At the Olympic games, it isn’t the most beautiful or strongest who are crowned, but those who compete”

— Aristotle

The modern-day Olympic games are a global celebration of sport. However, the origins of the Olympics can be traced back to Greek mythology. The Olympics have changed a great deal since their first inception, in the ancient Greek times, however there are also many similarities between the ancient games, and the current games. This post will explore how the games have evolved, and also discuss the differences, and similarities, from the ancient Olympics, to modern day times, and athletes. 

Originally, the ancient Olympic games were a celebration for the Greek God, Zeus. The games were a series of athletic competitions between competing city-states, in Olympia. The games were held every four years- a tradition which has been upheld to modern day times. Another interesting similarity is how the Greek city states would use the games for political gain, to assert dominance. This can still be seen in modern day, one’s mind may jump particularly to the cold war, and soviet era, where there was a state led doping program, in an effort to gain political dominance by winning more Olympic medals. However, back in ancient times, winners were presented with wreaths, not medals. There was also only one winner for each event. There was always an immortal element linked to the Olympics, and victorious athletes were seen as being touched by the gods. 

The original Olympic games are rooted within Greek Mythology, making it tough to define exactly, when, why, and how they were started. However, one common theme is that they are deeply tied into religion, and as a festival for the Gods, particularly Zeus. Traditionally, the first games are dated back to 776BC although there is much debate between historians on this date. The ancient Olympics would run every four years, until the year AD 393, when emperor Theodosius stopped them, as the Romans started to impose Christianity as the state religion. This emphasises how the Olympics were very much seen as a religious festival, as much as a sporting festival. 

Running seems to be the first, and only event initially for the Olympics. The only event recorded at the first games was the ‘stade’. This is a linear sprint, of a bout 192m. Anecdotally, we get the word ‘stadium’ from the word ‘stade’. This is perhaps the origins of modern track athletics. The ‘double stade’ was later introduced, in the 14^th games, where it was suggested the athletes would run one ‘stade’, turn around a small pole, and run back. Not too similar a distance to the 400m of today. Interestingly, each runner had their own painted ‘lane’. This may be where the origins of a running track come from. A longer distance run, thought to be in the realms of 8km distance, was introduced the olympics after the ‘double stade’ was introduced. A ‘hoplite’ race was later introduced, where soldiers would run a distance between 400-800m in full military gear. This is where modern day events may differ, however parallels may be drawn between this race, and certain modern military training techniques. Modern day military uses weighted marches, in full equipment, as a regular training method. 

Modern day Olympic sports such as wresting, and boxing were introduced in the years 708BC and 688BC respectively. We then see the pentathlon introduced soon after. This was said to have consisted of the following five events: running, long jump, discuss, Javelin and wresting. This seems to show really interesting origins which lead to the modern-day Olympics, and many events, which were started initially in the ancient Greek times. One obvious modern day omitted event, is the Chariot race. However, there are still equestrian events at the modern-day Olympics, such as dressage, and show jumping. We can see many origins for modern day Olympic events by looking at the ancient Greek Olympic Games. Although rules, techniques, and equipment may vary now- we can still look at the original events as being rather innovative, and the foundation of many modern-day events. One example may be the differences between the long jump events. In ancient Greek times, this event was performed statically, by athletes holding rocks in each hand, and using the momentum gained by swinging the rocks, and jumping as far as they could. Although the modern-day long jump has evolved, it was first performed in ancient Greece. Other ways wresting events have evolved, is perhaps they are less barbaric now, than they used to be. The Pankration event for example, had only two rules- no biting, and no gauging. Many events were also performed naked. It can be up to the reader to decide whether or not they see this as a positive, or a negative! Perhaps something to put forward to the athletic committee to think about for future games?

Once stopped, it took over one thousand years for the Olympics to return. The first modern day Olympics was held in Athens, in 1896. Events included in this Olympics included athletics- with events such as the marathon, shorter sprinting events, shot put, javelin, among others. Cycling (both road and track), fencing, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling. Obviously, there are many new events from ancient times, as sport had come a long way. However, there are many similarities here with track and field athletics events such as running and throwing events such as the javelin, which may be traced back to ancient Grecian times. Wrestling as well is a clear similarity. 

Although the ancient Greeks are very famous for disciplines such as art, sculpture, poetry and philosophy, they always prioritised sport. They also appreciated the art of competition, and the glory associated with victory. A quote by the great philosopher Aristotle, which in my opinion, still rings true today:

“At the Olympic games, it isn’t the most beautiful or strongest who are crowned, but those who compete”