These ancient Games were the influence to the modern Olympics, which the world gathers for every four years — of two, if you now count that each Winter Olympics are two years after their summer counterpart, but nevertheless, also on their own. The modern Olympic were created after the formation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894. Two years later, the first modern Games were born and hosted in Athens in 1896.
Since the introduction of of the Modern Olympic Games, the Games itself have evolved heavily. In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix. Winter sports, such as figure skating and hockey, were offered at the 1920 Summer Olympics. This Olympic Games was the first one after World War I and if it was not for this event, the first Winter Olympic Games would’ve been planned for earlier.
There have also been the introduction of Paralympic Games for disabled athletes, which started in 1988 in Seoul, and the Youth Olympic Games for young people ages 14-18, which started in 2010 in Singapore.
The Games have also heavily expanded the amount of sports that are available for competition. The Summer Games now feature 32 sports and the Winter Games at 16. There is also a constant evolution of sports, with new ones tested during each edition. Breaking will be making its debut this summer, and four years from now flag football and squash will be introduced for the first time.
In today’s modern Games, there are still many traditions that honor the ancient Games. The Olympic torch relay begins months prior to each edition of the game and starts in Olympia, the site of the ancient Games. Additionally, during the opening ceremonies, Greece always walks first in the Parade of Nations, once again paying homage to the ancient site.
So as the flame is lit on July 26th, not only are the Olympic Games a celebration of sports at one of its highest pinnacles, but it is also an ode to the ancient world and its traditions.