The Olympics: 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know
How long have you been a fan of the Olympics?
In my case, I have been watching the Olympics for many years now. Every time I watch thousands of athletes compete and showcase their talents and I feel euphoric.
Whenever the teams or players I have been supporting stand on a podium and receive their awards, I feel like I am victorious, too.
During the Olympics, many sports take place. Baseball, archery, basketball, boxing, cycling, diving, golf, and weightlifting are among my favorites. What’s yours? For sure, you have a wider list of sports than mine.
Now, how much do you know about the Olympics? As a fan, I believe I know everything. But I was wrong. Here are some interesting things you did not know yet about the Olympics. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Olympic Winners Bite Medals to Show Purity
When I watched the Olympics for the first time, I wondered why the winners bite their medals. Later I found that biting medals show their purity. But do not be disappointed. Today’s gold medals are not really gold. Yes, you read it right. Research has shown that Olympic gold medals are made of 92% silver. They also have some gold content, but it is only2%. How much do gold medals cost if you would sell them? It is not as much as you think. The 2016 gold medal is only worth $500. Let us hope that gold medals would have higher gold content than silver soon.
Before, the Olympics organization did not present winners with gold medals. But everything changed in 1904. Yes, finally, the presentation of winners is one of the much-anticipated events during the entire competition.
Winners were also awarded certificates, olive branches, and silver medals. On the other hand, the runners-up received laurel wreaths and bronze medals. Unfortunately, the third-place finishers didn’t receive anything.
Only Men Participated in the Ancient Olympics
It is sad to know, but women were not allowed to participate or even watch the ancient Olympics. Only the male Greek citizens were entitled to join the competition.
Fortunately, unmarried women could watch the ancient game. In fact, the priestess of Demeter was given a chance to sit beside the Stadium altar.
Everything changed in the modern Olympics. In the 1900 Summer Olympics, for example, women were allowed to participate. But only 22 women out of 997 athletes competed in sailing, equestrianism, golf, croquet, and tennis.
In the 2012 London Olympic Games, however, all competing countries have female representatives in different sports, of course. I consider it as one of the best years for every young aspiring female athlete.
The 1908 London Olympics Lasted for 187 Days
Usually, the Olympics lasts for 16 days, consisting of around 300 events. But in the 1908 London Olympics, it has lasted for more than six months. How is that possible? In 1908, the Olympics was originally scheduled to be held in Rome. However, Mt. Vesuvius erupted during that time. So, the Olympics committee changed and rearranged the venue. The city of Naples was devastated. But despite the casualty, the Olympics was still successful. Also, the athletes, organizers, and coaching staff were safe. Eugene Grisot bagged gold in archery under the men’s continental style category. For 100 meters, Reggie Walker of South Africa won gold. In Bantamweight, A. Henry Thomas of Great Britain also won gold.
Bebe Bikila Won the Marathon in the 1960 Rome Olympics Barefoot
Have you ever tried running barefoot? I have tried before, and it was uncomfortable. But Bebe Bikila is different. During the 1960 Olympics held in Rome, he ran barefoot and brought home the bacon. During that time, Adidas was the shoe sponsor. But when Bikila tried some pairs, he ended up with shoes that did not fit properly. So, he ran without shoes and defeated other marathoners. He is truly an epitome of a hardworking athlete for every aspiring player to emulate.
Bolivia Never Won an Olympic Medal
The players from all around the world have been very competitive, giving Bolivian athletes no chance to bring home an Olympic medal ever since 1964. But there are also other countries that never win a medal in the Olympics. These are Bangladesh, Barbuda, Albania, Myanmar, Congo, and more. But let’s cheer for them for the upcoming Olympics and pray that the Covid-19 would come to an end soon.
