The 33rd edition of the Summer Olympics is set to commence in Paris, France from July 26 and will run till August 12. This momentous event marks a century of evolution for the Games, showcasing a remarkable transformation from its humble beginnings.
The history of the modern Olympics dates back to 1896, with the inaugural Games held in Athens under the aegis of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The event featured just 14 countries and nine sports — athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, swimming, shooting, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling. Fast forward to Paris 2024, and the Games will witness a staggering 205 nations participating, a testament to the Olympics’ global reach. The event will feature 45 sports with 329 events, a stark contrast to the initial nine.
Gender equality has also come a long way since the inaugural Games, which saw only male participation. While the 1900 Paris Games saw women participate in five sports, it was not until the 1904 Games in St. Louis that gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded. The upcoming edition in Paris will see 5,250 female athletes competing for medals, a number that mirrors their male counterparts.
Pierre de Coubertin, the second president of the IOC, is widely regarded as the father of the modern Olympics. The French baron played a pivotal role in shaping the Games, designing the iconic five-ringed symbol that came into effect in 1920. He also pronounced the first Olympic oath, a tradition that continues to this day. The Olympic flame, another defining symbol of the Games, was lit for the first time at the Amsterdam Games in 1928. The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron signifies the commencement of the Games, and its extinguishing marks the end of the event. The Olympic torch, which is now an integral part of the Games, was first introduced at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
De Coubertin is also credited for devising the Olympic motto – “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – which translates to “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” This motto, adopted since the inaugural Games in Athens, encapsulates the spirit of athletic excellence and striving for greater heights.
While the Olympic Games are a testament to the pinnacle of athletic achievement, the Paralympics, a parallel sporting event for athletes with disabilities, has also gained immense recognition. Sir Ludwig Guttmann, considered the father of the modern Paralympic Games, held the first Stoke Mandeville Games in London in 1948. The first official Paralympics took place in Rome in 1960, a week after the conclusion of the Rome 1960 Summer Games, featuring 57 events across eight sports.
The evolution of the Olympic Games over the past century is a testament to human resilience, athletic excellence, and the unifying power of sport. Paris 2024 promises to be another spectacular chapter in the rich history of the Olympics, showcasing the very best of humanity and the relentless pursuit of athletic triumph.
