The ancient Olympics lasted over 1,000 years, then stopped. But in 1896, a Frenchman named Pierre de Coubertin brought them back to life! The first modern games were held in Athens, Greece — the perfect place to restart them.
Some things stayed the same: the games still happen every four years, athletes still train hard, and the world still cheers for champions. The Olympic flame is even lit at ancient Olympia and carried by runners to each new host city!
But much has changed. Today, athletes from more than 200 countries compete — men AND women (in ancient times, married women could not even watch!). Winners get gold, silver, and bronze medals instead of olive crowns. And there are winter games too, with skiing and skating — sports the ancient Greeks never dreamed of!
1. When and where did the modern Olympics begin?
2. Where is the Olympic flame lit?
3. Name two things that changed from ancient to modern games.
Write THEN for ancient games, NOW for modern games, or BOTH.
| Statement | THEN, NOW, or BOTH? |
|---|---|
| Held every four years | |
| Winners get an olive-leaf crown | |
| Women compete in events | |
| Held at Olympia to honor Zeus | |
| Athletes train hard to win | |
| Gold, silver, and bronze medals |
1. The modern Olympics began in the year .
2. The first modern games were held in .
3. The Olympic is lit at ancient Olympia.
4. Winners today receive gold, silver, and bronze .
5. The games happen every years.
1. If you could add ONE new sport to the Olympics, what would it be? Why?
2. Why do you think people wanted to bring the Olympics back after 1,000 years?
Draw yourself competing in your favorite Olympic sport — ancient or modern!
| I learned... | Circle one |
|---|---|
| How the modern games began | YES / NOT YET |
| What changed and what stayed the same | YES / NOT YET |