The Olympics are a tradition that has been carried on since the
first ancient athletic competition was held in Olympia, Greece in 776 BC. At the ancient Olympics, the city-states of Greece sent their fastest young men to compete in the only event offered-a foot race sprint, which was less than 240 meters. The structure of the Olympic games has changed significantly since the ancient games in terms of the number of athletes competing, and the amount of sports and events offered has increased too. Although much has changed since the Ancient games, the basic values and traditions have carried on through time.
The Olympics are about national pride, and bringing together the best athletes in the world. At the Olympics, the three top placing athletes in each event receive a medal. Gold is first place, silver is second, and third place athlete receives a bronze medal. Winning the gold is the highest honor an athlete can receive, and the medal ceremony certainly reflects the significance of winning a gold metal. At the medal ceremony, the national flags of the three athletes are raised, with the winner's flag highest and at the center. The gold medal is not only the ultimate honor an individual athlete can receive, but clearly a huge honor for their nation as well.
In 1912 the Olympic flag was designed, and it has five
interlocking colored rings. The flag symbolizes the union of the five
continents, and to this day remains a symbol of the unity of the world that occurs when the games take place.
The modern Olympics begin with an elaborate opening ceremony, in which the athletes march carrying their nation's flags. During the
ceremony, typically the host country will have performances and music that is reflective of their culture. At the very end of the ceremony, the Olympic flame is lit by a torch that has been carried across the world. The Olympic torch is ignited several months before the start of the games at the exact location where the ancient Olympics took place in Olympia, and is a symbol of "peace and brotherhood.” At the Olympics in 776 BC a flame burned throughout the entire games, and this tradition is one that remains today.
