Olympic games

Athens 1896

A total of 275 athletes from thirteen countries participated in the first Olympic Games of the modern era, played in 1896 in Athens.

US athletes arrived in the Greek capital just a day before the start of the competition, as they suffered a confusion arising from the differences between the Greek and Gregorian calendar, which did not prevent them from getting good sports results.

The first marathon was held. The race started from the same place where the famous Battle of Marathon took place, to go to Athens. It was also won by a Greek runner: Spiridon Louis.

James B. Connolly, athletic team US made history as the first Olympic champion of the modern era.

Only silver and bronze medals were given.

Greece medals with a picturesque swimming test ensured, the 100 freestyle for sailors, which called for a requirement to be a sailor and Greek

The shepherd Spiridon Louis was the hero of the first Olympics since toured in less than three hours the distance between Marathon and Athens. Baron de Coubertin led to the conclusion of that trial in homage to Filípdes, the warrior who ran that distance to announce the Athenian victory at the Battle of Marathon.

Spiridon Louis was also bricklayer, water carrier, baker and postman and among the prizes won by his sporting success found the assurance eating, cut his hair and he cleaned shoes free throughout their lives.

Paris 1900

Those held in Paris over five months Olympics, between May and October 1900, were the first in which there was women's participation, but also had so little Olympic trials as sack races, the jump frog or rupture of the pot.

Reggie Doherty refused to play the semifinals of the tennis tournament against his younger brother, Laurie, for this disputed and won the final.

Spanish first success in the Games, Santiago Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, took second place in the unofficial test archery.

The lack of material to reward the winners resources was reflected in the absence of medals and some winners were rewarded with pipes, sticks or portfolios.