Today’s Google doodle illustrated the anniversary of the first ever modern Olympic Games, held in Athens, Greece in 1896. It was officially titled the “Games of the I Olympiad,” with Greece considered an appropriate venue given it was where the inception of the Games occured.
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French historian Pierre de Coubertin was responsible for deciding the venue, and it was at this meeting that the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which still stands today and oversees all activities related to the Olympic Games and participating nations and athletes, was first formed.
The event, held at Athens’ Panthanaiko stadium, saw American James Connolly win the first ever gold medal in the history of the modern day Olympics for the triple jump. Greek athlete Spyridon Louis won the first ever marathon, with Germany’s Carl Schuhmann taking a four-medal sweep, winning at wrestling and gymnastics.
The Google Doodle depicts American athlete Robert Garrett, who won gold at the shot put that year. Maryland-born Garrett, the first ever modern-day shot-put Olympic champion, also held that title in the discus throw.
All of the sports held at the 1896 Olympics are still part of proceedings today. Much like modern-day Olympics, the Games also saw celebrations and musical performances at the opening and closing ceremonies. Winners were awarded silver medals rather than gold, with an olive wreath and a diploma commemorating their victory.
2016 Olympic Games Venue:
The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this August, with 161 nations already qualifying.
