The Olympics: “legends Will Be Re-written”

This year, the Olympics returns to itís birthplace in Greece. The Olympics happens just every four years, and is the pinnacle of many athletes careers. It is the dream of such athletes, in all sports such as athletics, swimming, rowing, and even tennis, to get that Olympic Gold.

The Ancient Olympic Games were first staged in Olympia in 776BC, and were dedicated to the Olympian Gods. Such sporting events included were based on Greek myths, such as the Chariot race. The prizes then were not Gold medals, but olive tree wreaths, exemption from taxation and the “highest honour a mortal could obtain”. The Official presentation took place at the Temple of Zeus. The Ancient Olympic Games continued for nearly twelve centuries, until 393AD when Emperor Theodosius abolished them for being ‘too pagan”.

The Olympic Games were revived in 1896, in the Greek capital, Athens. It was at this point that the tradition of the Olympic flame and torch was established. Throughout the following century the Games moved to different locations all over the world, thus developing new cultures and challenges. The modern Olympic Games also marked new types of challenges and events such as tennis, swimming, track and field, and cycling. Winners received a silver medal, and also, in keeping to tradition, an olive wreath,

One of the most special traditions of the Olympics Games is the journey of the Olympic torch. This year the torch travelled from June 4th until July 8th, visiting five continents, twenty six different countries and thirty four cities. This year’s Olympic torch is designed to resemble an olive branch, bringing the meaning of peace to all the cities it visited. One of the stops of the Olympic torch this year was London, and Wimbledon. The middle Saturday of Wimbledon was honoured with this historic moment as Sir Roger Bannister, Tim Henman and Virginia Wade carried the torch throughout the grounds.

All this history and tradition is just a taster of the Olympics. The desire from athletes to win in Athens this year and at every other Olympics is enormous. Andy’s is no less. This is Andy’s first time at the Olympics, he won’t get many opportunities to repeat the experience. To revel in the anticipation and excitement that this year’s Games are guaranteed to bring, you can begin by tuning in to the Opening Ceremony this Friday!