The first modern Olympic Games were hosted in Greece in 1896. It was held in Athens. The reason is quite simple – Greece was where the ancient Olympic Games started thousands of years ago in Olympia. So, when the Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin brought back the idea of modern Olympics, it only made sense to start in Greece.
In 1896, athletes from 13 countries took part. The number was very small compared to today’s Olympics, which have over 200 countries. But still, it was the beginning of something that united the world through sports. The games included sports like track and field, wrestling, gymnastics, cycling, swimming and fencing.
The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens was used, which itself was a historic place. The event was not very huge in terms of technology or media, but it created a symbol of peace and international friendship. Even though the world had conflicts and wars, the Olympics stood for unity.
The winner of the first marathon, Spyridon Louis, became a national hero in Greece. His victory showed how the Olympic Games could inspire pride and hope.
So, the 1896 Athens Olympics were important because they started a tradition that still continues. It wasn’t about records or big money like today, but about reviving the spirit of sports and brotherhood. That’s why Greece is always remembered as the first host of the modern Olympics.
