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Athens Olympic Games 1896

The first Olympic Games were held in Athen, Greece, in 1896. The first modern Games were hardly an international competition. Only 13 nations took part (or was it 14? see quiz answer), represented by about 245 men, competing in 43 events.

More than two-thirds of the competitors were Greek. There were nine sports contested: Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics Cycling (Road & Track), Fencing, Shooting, Swimming, Tennis, Weightlifting, Greco-Roman Wrestling.

Host country Greece won the most medals (47). See the full medal table for 1896.



Trivia

Alfred Hajos of Hungary Alfred Hajos of Hungary, who won the first Olympic Games Swimming Gold medal (credit: public domain)


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