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France, our neighbor to the south, is hosting the Olympic Games this year. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on July 26, and will run until August 11. Athletes from approximately 206 National Olympic Committees are expected to participate, representing a wide array of countries from around the world.
The Olympic Games have a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, where they were held in Olympia from 776 B.C. until they were abolished in 393 B.C. The modern Olympic Games, as we know them today, were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian, with the first modern Olympics taking place in Athens, Greece, that year.
The ancient games were quite different from the modern Olympics in many ways. They were primarily a religious festival and athletic competition held as part of the larger celebration of the Olympian gods. The games featured events such as running, wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and the pentathlon, which included discus throwing, javelin throwing, long jump, running, and wrestling.
During the ancient Olympic Games, athletes competed in the nude, and the games were open only to freeborn Greek men. Women were not allowed to participate or even attend the games, with very few exceptions. The games were a time of truce between the Greek city-states, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia.
The victors were awarded olive wreaths or crowns made of wild olive leaves, along with great honor and recognition in their home cities. The games continued for centuries until they were abolished in 393 B.C. by Emperor Theodosius I as part of his efforts to suppress pagan rituals and festivals.
Since their revival, the Olympic Games have become a symbol of international unity and sportsmanship, bringing athletes from around the world together to compete in a wide range of sports. The games have been held every four years, with a few exceptions due to World Wars, since 1896. The Paralympic Games, which are for athletes with physical disabilities, have been held since 1960, following the initiative of Ludwig Guttmann, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries.
Germany has hosted Olympic Games twice. The first time in 1936 when the Summer Olympics were held in Berlin. Despite the controversial political backdrop, the games showcased remarkable athletic achievements, including Jesse Owens’ historic performance winning four gold medals in track and field. In the same year the Winter Olympics were held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, marked by memorable performances in winter sports history.
The second time Germany hosted the summer games was in 1972 in Munich. U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz broke all records by winning seven gold medals, while the United States won 33 gold medals and Germany 13 in total.
The United States has hosted Olympic games a total of eight times and holds the record as the most frequent host country. Summer games were held in St. Louis in 1904, Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984, and Atlanta in 1996. Winter Olympics took place in Lake Placid in 1932, Squaw Valley in 1960, again in Lake Placid in 1980 and Salt Lake City in 2002. The upcoming Winter Olympics will be held in two cities in Italy, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are significant as they mark the centennial celebration of the last time Paris hosted the games in 1924.
The Olympic summer program consists of various disciplines spanning across sports, with a mix of traditional and newer events. Some of the staple disciplines include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and cycling. Additionally, newer disciplines such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing have been introduced to add a contemporary flair to the games. Over 10,500 athletes are expected to compete for the desired gold, silver and bronze medals. Germany is sending 381 athletes in 27 disciplines and the United States 588 contestants in 34 sports.
The five Olympic rings, symbolizing the five continents, were mounted onto Paris’ most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, 50 days prior to the event to tune sports fans and the populace into the upcoming games. The torch for the Paris 2024 Olympics was lit on May 19, at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, continuing the tradition from ancient times. From there, it embarked on a journey, passing through significant landmarks and cities, symbolizing unity and the Olympic spirit. It made a special showing at the D-Day 80 commemoration events in Normandy in early June.
For the precise dates of competitions and your favorite discipline, refer to the official schedule released by the International Olympic Committee or the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. These schedules provide detailed information about when and where each sporting event will take place, ensuring spectators and participants can plan accordingly and not miss any of the thrilling action.
For details, visit: https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-games-paris-2024-full-schedule-and-day-by-day-competitions
