Over the past couple of weeks, you may have heard all you ever wanted to know about the Olympics.
But in case you missed something, here are 10 things you always wanted to know about the Olympics but were afraid to ask.
1. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. as a religious festival. They were banned in 393 A.D. for being too “pagan”.
2. The Olympics were revived in 1896. Would you believe that the Greeks won the most medals that year?
3. The five interlocking rings that symbolize the Olympics represent the five continents of the world. I’ll bet they were arguing over whether or not Australia is a continent even then.
4. So far, Canada is the only country that did not win a gold medal while hosting the Olympics.
5. Perhaps the most unusual event in the history of the Olympics was simply called “Shin Kicking.” I won’t describe it to you. You can imagine for yourself. It ran for a few years before it was phased out.
6. Among the discontinued sports is Dueling Pistols. Presumably the silver medal was awarded posthumously.
7. Women’s boxing is a new sport this year. Would you believe that it was a demonstration sport as early as 1904?
8. The word “gymnastics” comes from the word “gymnos” meaning nude. All competitors at the ancient Olympic Games took part in the nude – no clothes. Noting that London seems to be a bastion of “streaking” the London Organizing Committee decreed that anyone planning to duplicate the ancient tradition of running in the buff this year would be fined up to $20,000.
9. Pierre de Coubertin of France is given credit for reviving the games in 1896. He was a stickler for authenticity. When he circulated the rules of the early games, the British team was astounded that they were to compete in the nude. Never the less, orders were orders. When they took the field for their first demonstration before the public, they created quiet a sensation in stogy old London. Yes, saner heads prevailed and the first Olympic uniforms were created.
10. In case you were wondering, women were not invited to watch the ancient games. In fact, if a woman was caught peeking she was sentenced to death.
Perhaps there is no spectacle in modern sport to compete with the summer Olympics held every four years.
The theme of each Olympics is the same: peace. It’s something we have too little of in this troubled world of ours.
Dr. Mark L. Hopkins writes for More Content Now and Scripps Newspapers. Contact him at presnet@presnet.net.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOPKINS: Quick quips on the Olympics