1896 Summer Olympics (apr 6, 1896 – apr 15, 1896)

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The 1896 Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the I Olympiad or Athens 1896, were the first international Olympic Games held in modern history. Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the event took place in Athens, Greece, from 6 to 15 April 1896. Over 65% of the competing athletes were Greek, and winners received silver medals, while runners-up received copper medals. Ten of the 14 participating nations earned medals.

The Panathenaic Stadium was chosen as the main venue for athletics and wrestling, with other venues including the Neo Phaliron Velodrome for cycling and the Zappeion for fencing. The opening ceremony took place on 6 April, with most competing athletes aligned on the infield, grouped by nation. After a speech by Crown Prince Constantine, his father officially opened the Games.

The 1896 Olympics were considered a great success, with the largest international participation of any sporting event to that date. The Panathenaic Stadium overflowed with the largest crowd ever to watch a sporting event. After the Games, Coubertin and the IOC were petitioned by prominent figures, including Greece's King George and some American competitors in Athens, to hold all the following Games in Athens. However, the 1900 Summer Olympics were already planned for Paris, and the Olympics did not return to Greece until the 2004 Summer Olympics, 108 years later.

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