APRIL 6

On this date in 1896, the opening ceremonies of the first of the Modern Olympic Games (Summer Games) were held.  The Olympiad had been stopped by Roman Emperor Theodosius 1,500 years earlier.  These games lasted 10 days and were held in Athens, Greece.  All participants came from the U.S. or European countries.  More participating athletes were Greek than all the others combined.  No women participated.

Here are the categories which were held (each with multiple events): Athletics (track and field and marathon), Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastics, Shooting, Swimming, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Winners were given a silver medal and runners-up a copper medal. The Olympic Committee has retroactively awarded their standard gold, silver and bronze medals as appropriate. The U.S. won more events than any other nation.

Like clockwork - every four years - only the world wars could stop the Olympic Games from then until now - now, a pandemic.

124 years ago today!