Even those who are not fascinated by the world of sports set aside some time to watch the Olympics. The union of people, each in their own country, cheering for their athletes, is contagious. The excitement of the games has the power to transform the atmosphere into something magical.
The next Olympics will be in 2024, held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. And, although we still have many days to get into the Olympic spirit, it is never too early to get excited and look forward to sharing moments with family and friends, cheering together for our country's athletes.
Check out some interesting facts about the Olympics below.
1- Where it all began
The first Olympic Games took place in Greece, in Olympia, in the 8th century BC. They were held every 4 years – as they still are today – and continued like this for about 12 centuries. But in the 4th century AD, all pagan festivals were banned by Emperor Theodosius I, and this also included the Olympics.
The tradition was only revived about 1500 years later!
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Greece in 1896. At that time, athletes competed naked and the games lasted 5 to 6 months.
2- The Olympic torch
One of the greatest symbols of the Olympics is the torch. It is lit in the old-fashioned way during a ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Greece. Actresses are invited to the simulation, where, dressed as Greek priestesses, they use the sun's rays and a mirror to light the torch.
After that, it is taken to the host city for its relay. Throughout the history of the Olympics, the torch has traveled by horse, plane, boat, canoe and even on the back of a camel.
The Olympic flame must be lit throughout the duration of the games. If it goes out, it can only be relit with a reserve flame that was also lit in Greece. It must never be lit with any lighter.
3- New sport in 2024
In the next edition of the Games, we will have the debut of breaking, a breakdancing competition that mixes athletic movements, swings and back or head turns.
During the routine, the athletes – also known as b-girls and b-boys – are judged on a variety of criteria, including creativity, speed, strength, style, rhythm, technical skills and agility.
The sport gained great popularity at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. In late 2020, the sport was selected for the Paris 2024 program, along with skateboarding, sport climbing (which debuted in 2020, at the Tokyo edition) and surfing.
In 2024, we will have a presentation schedule of 32 sports, covering 306 events.
4- Olympic surfing in Tahiti
In 2021, surfing proved to be a popular sport among Brazilians, who were thrilled with Ítalo Ferreira's gold medal. In Paris, we will be watching the competition live from Tahiti – the largest island in French Polynesia, a group of overseas territories of France.
The island was chosen as the host city from four locations in mainland France: Lacanau, La Torche, Biarritz and Le Landes. When the competition kicks off in 2024, it will break the record for the furthest Olympic medal from the host city; 15,700 kilometers from Paris.
5- 2024 Olympic and Paralympic emblem
For the first time, we have the same Olympic emblem being used for the Paralympic Games. The logo, revealed in 2019, is the combination of three icons: the flame, Marianne – an important symbol of the French Revolution – and the gold medal.
Did you enjoy learning a little more about the history of games and what’s coming up? Tell us in the comments what you already knew and what was new to you!