The Olympic Games have long enthralled the attention of people all over the world as a symbol of human athleticism, global unification, and cultural legacy. From their beginnings in ancient Greece to their current renaissance, the Olympics have changed dramatically over time, mirroring broader socioeconomic improvements and shifts.
The Evolution of the Modern Olympic Games
The sprint event at the first Olympic games in 776 BCE was won by Coroebus of Elis, the first Olympic champion. Every four years, from August 6 to September 19, a religious festival honouring Zeus, the deity of the sky and weather, included these antiquated sports as a central component. Sports included wrestling, boxing, discus, long jump, javelin, and chariot racing were all part of the six-month-long competition.
Because of its pagan components, the Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned the games in 393 CE. However, Pierre de Coubertin brought them back in 1896. Originally open only to amateur athletes, the first modern Olympic Games were staged in Athens, which is where the current games got their start.
The Olympic Games became open to professionals in the 1980s to represent modern cultural and sporting circumstances. Symbolising the event's Greek roots, the Olympic Torch Run was first held in 1928 and honours the Greek goddess Hestia by keeping a flame alive throughout the Games. At the beginning, there were just 14 participating nations, 11 of which were in Europe, Australia, Chile, and the United States. While there were no art competitions during the Olympics from 1921 to 1948, artists were still producing posters and other artifices for the events.
The contemporary Olympics have grown exponentially since its revival. These days, thousands of participants from various countries engage in different sports during the event. The emergence of new sports and disciplines, such as surfing and skateboarding, is a reminiscent part of the shifting ideas and cultures around the globe in which they have developed into an important part of the Olympic movement, showcasing the physical prowess of competitors with impairments and promoting inclusivity.
The Olympic Logo and Flag
The five rings on the Olympic emblem, created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, stand for the five participating continents: Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and America. The colors—green, yellow, black, red, and blue, can be reciprocated to represent equity and unity on the flags of all participating nations. The Olympic flag, which features five interlocking rings on a white backdrop and was initially flown at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, has remained mostly unaltered throughout time, symbolising the global meeting of athletes and the activities of the Olympic Movement.
The unanimity of the five continents and the gathering of international athletes at the Olympic Games are both represented by the rings, as this is one of the most identifiable emblems in history due to the simplicity and elegance of its design. Thus, symbolising the ideal values of fair play, mutual respect, and pursuing greatness.
Olympics Facts
The Olympics was a festival in honour of the Greek god Zeus that was held in Ancient Greece in the year 776 BCE. This came to an end in 393 CE after Roman Emperor, Theodosius I, banned it due to it not inheriting the Christian culture, viewing it as a Pagan type of culture; a culture or religion that was frowned upon during its time.
Centuries later a man named Pierre be Coubertin decided to continue the games in 1896. After 30 Years of the Games being continued, a new tradition was put back, The Olympic Torch Run which gives a representation of its roots from Ancient Greece. During past times, only 14 nations took part, 11 European Countries, including Australia, Chile, and the United States. From 1921 to 1948, the Olympics included art competitions, until 1948 when they discontinued it. Nonetheless, many are still producing posters and other art-related items for the games.
The Olympics has played a major role for many significant historical events and accomplishments. Jesse Owens, was one of the first African-Americans to win in the 1936 Berlin Olympics in defiance of the racial superiority theories of Nazi Germany. Later in the year 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos who were also African-American Athletes, raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to draw attention to civil rights problems in the United States.
More recently, the importance of athletes in larger cultural issues has been highlighted by Simone Biles' support of mental health and Naomi Osaka's stance against racial injustice.
Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Olympic Medals
Team GB and Northern Ireland have won around 958 medals at the Olympics, finishing fourth overall in the competition's history, behind the former Soviet Union which had 1,009 medals at that time, and above China which holds 663 Olympic Medals respectively.
Great Britain's consistent Olympic accomplishment is a result of their subsidised and organised sports initiatives. Money from the National Lottery, which became available in the 1990s, was mainly utilised to support sportsmen while enhancing venues. Famous British Olympians have inspired future generations of athletes and have become national heroes. Examples include Sir Steve Redgrave, who won gold in five straight Games, and Dame Kelly Holmes, who won gold in the 800 and 1500 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Selection of Host Cities
The Winter and Summer Olympics contain two seasonal competitions. A national Olympic committee proposes deserving contenders for the role of host city. Voting is not permitted for Honorary, Honour, or Suspended Members. The candidate receiving the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated until a majority is obtained if no city wins a majority. World War II forced the cancellation of the 1940 and 1944 games, highlighting the influence of world events on the Olympics.
To be ready for the Games, host towns frequently see major changes. New infrastructure, housing, and sports facilities can boost local economies and leave enduring legacies. But discussions over the viability of holding the Olympics have also been triggered by the cost and possibility of underutilised venues after the Games. Cities that leveraged the 1992 Summer Olympics to spark urban renovation and increase tourism, like Barcelona, are frequently mentioned as successful examples.
Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
Among the stars attending the Paris Olympics opening ceremony were Zendaya, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, and Celine Dion, who gave a standout performance on top of the Eiffel Tower. Drag performers imitating the Last Supper sparked controversy, but the performance was eventually explained to be a representation of the ancient Greek painting "Feast of Dionysus."
A magnificent display of French culture and creative flair took place at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony. Utilising famous sites like the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower gave the event a special touch by fusing modern and traditional design.
In addition to laying the groundwork for the Games that came after, the event emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability, peace, and unity.
The 2026 Winter Olympics: Milano-Cortina, Italy
The dates of the upcoming Winter Olympics are February 6–22, 2026, in Milano-Cortina, Italy. With Cortina d'Ampezzo, Verona, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme, and Rasen-Anthoiz serving as host cities, this will be the first Winter Olympics with several host cities. Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be held in San Siro Stadium and Verona Arena, respectively. Covering a large area over several Italian regions, the event will feature 116 events in 16 different sports disciplines.
Gender equality will be a major focus, with a target participation rate of 47% female. Italy's rich sporting legacy and stunning scenery will be celebrated when Milano-Cortina hosts the Winter Olympics. To reduce its impact on the environment and guarantee sustainable resource usage, the event will make use of already-existing locations. It is anticipated that the games will strengthen regional economies and encourage winter sports in a nation primarily recognised for its accomplishments in summer sports.
Next Winter Olympics: The French Alps in 2030
The 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics will take place in Nice, close to the French Alps. World-class winter sports facilities and stunning landscape are promised at this charming setting. The competitors' performances will take place against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Alps, which are renowned for their high peaks and pure snow.
The French Alps were chosen to symbolise the region's dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability. The building and management of the venues will make use of sustainable materials and renewable energy sources in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the Games.
Where is the Next Olympics?
After hosting the Olympics twice in 1932 and 1984, Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics for the third time in 2028. Los Angeles, which is well-known for its entertainment sector and pleasant climate, guarantees to provide both competitors and fans with an unforgettable experience. Modern venues and infrastructure are being developed by the city in advance, guaranteeing that the 2028 Games will be an unforgettable occasion.
Los Angeles will hold the Summer Olympics a third time in the year 2028, having earlier organised the games twice, in 1932 and 1984. Los Angeles, which is well-known for its film and television industry and nice environment, guarantees to provide a lasting impression to both rivals and supporters.
The city is actively building new venues and infrastructure to ensure that the 2028 Games will be an unparalleled opportunity.
Conclusion
The Olympic Games have evolved significantly from their archaic origins to become an international celebration of sports and culture. They are an image of our society's evolving social dynamics, embrace new sports, and promote inclusivity and sustainability. To all those completing, the College of Contract Management wishes you the best of luck!
The upcoming Games in Milano-Cortina, Paris, Los Angeles, and the French Alps are anticipated to continue this legacy, inspiring spectators and competitors equally.
For more information and updates, visit the Olympics homepage.