Though the Olympic flame has ancient roots, the relay itself is a relatively modern affair. There wasn t a torch relay, in the way that we know it, for the ancient games (though) there might have been an altar burning, said sports historian and author of The Story of the Olympic Torch, Philip Barker, in a video interview.
In fact, this symbol of international unity was in fact born out of nationalism it took place in Nazi Germany during the 1936 Summer Games.
Conceived by the Berlin Olympics chief organizer Carl Diem, the first relay traveled over land from Olympia to the German capital via Athens, Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, Vienna and Prague. Over the course of 12 days, the torch was passed along, hand by hand, for almost 2,000 miles.
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Sports Life - The rocky road to the Tokyo Olympics - part 2
What are the new guidelines?
For the first time, athletes can express themselves before starting a competition or after, but not during a game. In that limited period, athletes can take a knee or raise a fist.
Political statements during events, victory ceremonies, and at the Olympic Village are still not allowed, the IOC said.
IOC also stressed that protests must not be targeted, directly or indirectly, against people, countries, organizations and/or their dignity, and they cannot be disruptive to other competitors.
Athletes who violate the revised guidelines face sanctions, including disqualification and being stripped of medals.
Olympics: Do you know how Everything started? February 8, 2021 9:45 AM by Y.Z
Ancient Greeks described the origin of the Olympic Games in several legends. They were held every four years, which in ancient Greece became a unit of measurement of time. Thus, in some writings, it is possible to find records like “the third year of the eighth Olympiad” or “the first year of the ninth Olympiad” etc. Home of the contest, Olympia, belonged to the Greek city-state Elijah in the Peloponnese.
Games had great importance in the Hellenistic culture. During the games was the Olympic Truce, when all the wars were interrupted, and spectators and competitors were able to pass freely through the arena. Messengers from Olympia went to all parts of the country to spread the news of the start of the games. The truce initially lasted for a month, and later for entire three months.