The Olympics has been and always will be an essential part of the sports community.
Dating back to 776 B.C.E, the ancient Olympic games were held as tribute and honor to Zeus, the king of the gods. Winning was also of high value as athletes were being idolized by many and even included in numerous ancient Greek myths and legends. Only men were allowed to participate during this, as women were unable to join or even watch the games. However, it eventually got outlawed by the Romans, which ended the Olympia-held event in 393 CE.
Many years later, on April 6, 1896, a new, modern Olympics was held, again in Athens, Greece, its place of origin. Since then, a total of 29 Summer Olympic Games and 24 Winter Olympic Games have taken place, alternating every two years in the span of a four-year period. Through this, athletes are given a chance to compete against the best of the best and bring honor and glory to their respective countries.
The Olympics does not only serve as an avenue for athletes and coaches to gain recognition from across the globe but also brings light to various pressing issues that are faced in the world today. Working actively to reduce and put an end to them, the Olympic Movement highlights issues such as Gender Inequality, Human Rights, and more. Along with the IOC or International Olympic Committee, this movement aims to make this happen by educating the youth through a non-discriminating practice of sports for the purpose of building a peaceful and better world.
All in all, the Olympics is truly more than just a competition amongst the world’s top, most elite athletes or an annual event held around the world. It is an impactful and monumental segment that’s of high regard in the past, present, and, hopefully, future society.
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