| 1896
ATHENS
In 1894 at the Sorbonne, Baron de
Coubertin, speaking to the athletic representatives of nine countries,
proposed the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens. Two years later,
in April of 1896, the first modern Olympic Games took place in the restored
“Panathinaiko" (Kallimarmaro) Stadium The Games lasted ten days at
low temperatures for the season, with the participation of approximately
300 athletes (only men) from 13 countries. Greece swept the medals
with 47 in total, in a competitive program very different from what we
know today. Even the prizes for the Olympic winners were different:
a crown of olive leaves and a silver medal for 1st place, bronze
for 2nd, and nothing at all for 3rd!
The greatest moment of the games
was the victory of Spiros Louis in the marathon. On entering the
Stadium for the finish, Louis found himself before a real pandemonium of
cheering. After the Games, he was offered among other things, free
shaves, and meals for the rest of his life (!)
In the Olympic Games of Athens, the
swimming competition did not take place in a pool but at the port of Piraeus
(!) The distances were calculated by approximation and the swimmers
dived into the water and waited for the starting shot to begin the race.
On the contrary, the first cycling competitions took place on a cycling
track. The distance which had to be covered was 100 km, in 300 rounds.
Eight out the of ten competitors had to abandon due to dizziness!
MEDAL
STANDINGS
| RANKING |
COUNTRY |
GOLD |
SILVER |
BRONZE |
TOTAL |
| 1. |
GREECE |
10 |
19 |
18 |
47 |
| 2. |
USA |
11 |
6 |
2 |
19 |
| 3. |
Germany |
7 |
5 |
3 |
15 |
| 4. |
France |
5 |
4 |
2 |
11 |
| 5. |
Great Britain |
3 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
| 6. |
Denmark |
1 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
| 7. |
Hungary |
2 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
| 8. |
Austria |
2 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
| 9. |
Switzerland |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
| 10. |
Australia |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
