olympic games

My Olympic Games obsession

I don’t remember exactly when my fascination with the Olympic games started, but I do have a recollection of watching them with my grandmother. Grandma liked figure skating, and it was a must-see event when she was around. I don’t think anyone else in my family is as obsessed with watching them as much as I am, which doesn’t bother me as I binge-watch as much as I can.

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History of the Olympic games

Most people know the Olympic games as they are today. Some might remember when summer and winter games were held in the same year, every four years, until the early 1990s. Most probably don’t know too much about the original games held by ancient Greeks.

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Ancient Olympic games

The ancient games date back to 776 B.C. Their whole purpose was to celebrate Zeus, the ruler of all Greek gods. Every four years, athletes from Greek city-states flocked to Olympia, Greece, to compete. An Olympic Truce, enacted between the states for the games, ensured safe passage for the athletes.  Needless to say, even in those days, politics were a crucial part of the attached to the games as the various city-states used them for personal gain. Some things never change.

olympic games

Only freeborn Greek men were allowed to compete. Although, I’m surprised that they had enough of them, as all they did was fight in the years between the games. Nevertheless, the athletes competed in the nude and were all oiled up. I’m not quite sure how safe that was for various reasons. Plus, wouldn’t they burn in the more sensitive areas?

The games lasted under Roman rule till AD 393 when Roman emperor Theodosius I ended the celebrations.

Modern games

The revival of the official Olympic games in 1896 marked the beginning of the games we know today. The modern games are open to athletes from all over the world, both men and women. Unlike the original games, they are split into summer and winter games, and until the early 1990s, were held in the same year. Having them every two years helps with the withdrawals.

The games have had their share of controversies over the years. There always seems to be something going on around the games and the International Olympic Committee from doping issues, boycotts, and various scandals. However, that doesn’t diminish the fantastic performances and endurance of the athletes.

Summer vs winter games

While I enjoy watching both events, I must say that I prefer the winter games. I’m not sure why, but I love almost all the events. I definitely have my faves.

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Favourite summer Olympic games events

When it comes to summer games, I love everything gymnastics-related. The rings, the vault and everything in between. I’m always amazed by the runners who continue to set records and push boundaries. I can’t even imagine doing hurdles without breaking my legs.

While I did track and field while in school, nothing grabbed my attention enough to pursue it. I did relays and discuss, but that was the extent of my sports prowess.

Favourite winter Olympic games events

I love the winter games. Maybe it’s because I was born during the winter or because I’ve always lived in places with lots of snow. I can stay glued to the screen and watch tirelessly as athletes fly through the air, glide on ice and push limits to the max.

It was the 2010 games in Vancouver that inspired me to try snowboarding. It’s been a fantastic experience and one that I enjoy immensely. I would say that snowboarding is probably my favourite sport, followed by skiing, high jump, and figure skating. I am also intrigued by luge, skeleton and bobsled, which offer different types of thrills.

Olympic sites

While I’ve not been able to attend any Olympic Games yet, I’ve been fortunate to visit a couple of places associated with the games. I was in Rio before the 2016 games and had an opportunity to see them setting up the volleyball courts on the beach. This was probably the closest I’ve been to an actual venue. The other was the Parthenon in Athens, which I will count as a spot associated with the ancient games.

Have you ever been to the Olympic Games? What are your fave events? Let me know!

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