OLYMPICS: Origins

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Rewards:
At the ancient Olympics, the only prize was the crown of olive leaves cut from the sacred tree at Olympia.

What counted most of all was the fame and supreme glory of becoming an Olympic victor, embodying the concept of arête, or excellence.
There were no medals.
BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: Ancient Greek Olympics Gallery

 

I've always like watching the Olympics

 

Legend of the Marathon:

 

The marathon race was created in 1896 to honor the legendary run of Greek messenger Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens.
Whilst it is not known if this is a myth, based on a, or a factual event an even more impressive feat of endurance, that inspires many to achieve.
Pheidippides dug deep and found the energy to make it the near 25 miles to Athens, thus solidifying himself in history as the first official marathoner. “Nike, Nike,” he screamed as he entered the city, which - seriously - is the Greek word for ... Victory !!!

 

(A few years later)

 

The additional 385 yards was added at the behest of Edward VII who wanted mto witness the end of the 1908 marathon from the balcony of Buck House - arrogant bastard !!!

 

- That's a good one Vlad.
Why is the Marathon 26 miles and 385 yards in length?
The marathon is hailed as the ultimate test of endurance. But why is it exactly 26 miles and 385 yards long? The answer has less to do with ancient Greece, and more to do with the British Royal Family.

When London held the games in 1908, there was still no official marathon length. The British Royal family requested that it start at Windsor Castle and end at the Olympic Stadium's royal box. At a length of 26.2 miles, it was the longest marathon since the modern games began.

The race grabbed public attention when Italian front-runner, Dorando Pietri, collapsed in the stadium and had to be helped to his feet - which caused him to be disqualified. Semi-conscious, he stumbled across the finish line. False rumours of his death began to spread. The Olympics had found a new Pheidippides.

In honour of what was described as the most thrilling athletic event since the ancient Olympics, The International Amateur Athletic Association ruled in 1921, that all marathons must match the distance of the London 1908 Olympics - 26.2 miles

 

Famous Ancient Olympians:



Ancient Olympic Athletes - Leonidas, Melankomas, Milon (olympics.com)

 

Cool post. I remember doing a video project about the Olympic origins in high school with some friends. Lol. Pretty sure it was more cringeworthy than informative. Always loved the Olympics though