The Olympic Games have a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, tracing back to the Peloponnese region of Ancient Greece. The birthplace of the Games was Olympia, an ancient site located on the Peloponnese peninsula. The first recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 BC, and every four years, Olympia played host to this grand athletic spectacle until 393 AD. This four-year period, known as the ‘Olympiad,’ served as a unit of time calculation during ancient times. The Games were halted after 393 AD but were revived in 1894 thanks to the initiative of French educator and historian Charles Pierre de Fredy, Baron de Coubertin, more commonly known as Pierre de Coubertin. He spearheaded the founding of the International Olympic Committee, leading to the first modern Olympic Games being held in Athens in 1896.
In the modern era, the Olympic Games continue to be held at four-year intervals, honoring the ancient tradition of Olympia. However, the cycle of an Olympiad now starts on January 1st of the first year and ends on December 31st of the fourth year. The recent Summer Games in Tokyo were held after a five-year gap due to the coronavirus pandemic, marking a significant deviation from the traditional four-year cycle. Despite this disruption, the Olympic spirit continues to inspire athletes and spectators worldwide, showcasing the enduring power of sportsmanship and global unity.
