How the modern Olympic Games began

The ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, for more than a thousand years, until they were abolished at the end of the 4th century.

Coubertin and the revival

French educator Pierre de Coubertin believed sport could bring nations together. On his initiative the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894, and the first modern Games were held in Athens in 1896.

Around 240 athletes from 14 countries competed there — all of them men. Women took part for the first time in 1900 in Paris.

Five rings

Coubertin himself designed the Olympic rings in 1913. The five interlocking rings stand for the five inhabited continents, and the ring colours together with the white background can be found on every nation’s flag.