History of the Olympics

The first recorded evidence of Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C.E. in Olympia, located in the Western Peloponnese Peninsula. Documents said that there was only one event in the first Ancient Olympics, the 200 meter sprint for men. The purpose of the games was to honor Zeus, hence, it was an important religious festival for ancient Greeks.

The first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896 with 43 events. It was attended by 280 participants from 13 nations. Some of the events included weightlifting, gymnastics, wrestling, cycling, track and field, and swimming. In 1924, the committee added the Winter Games.

And that was just the beginning. Find out more from the infographic below, provide by Team Sports.

History of the Olympics

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