Athens 1896 - Olympic Games Winners

Start:

06 Apr 1896

End:

15 Apr 1896

Countries:

Athletes:

241

Sports:

Events:

City:

Athens, Greece

The first modern Olympic games were revived as international competitions in June 1894 at the first session of the International Olympic Committee.
A French enthusiast of Olympic Movement, Baron Pierre de Coubertin became the first president of the IOC.
Athens, the capital of Greece, was selected to host the first Olympic games of a new era.

His Majesty, King George I of Greece, officially opened the first modern Olympic games at the newly reconstructed Panathenean Stadium with a capacity of 80 thousand people.
Only men took part in the competitions. James CONNOLLY from the USA won the triple jump and became the first Olympic champion of a new era.
The award ceremony took place on the last day of the Games. According to the ancient tradition, laurel wreath was placed on the head of the winner, and he had received an olive branch from a sacred grove at Olympia, a medal, and a diploma.
Since 1896 the national anthems in honor of the winner were played, and national flags were raised.