The Olympic Games

When comparing any two things, in this case the Ancient Greek Olympics to the current Olympics, there are two main areas of discussion: Similarities and differences. Even though Ancient Greek Olympics occurred so long ago, they share some similarities with the Olympics that athletes partake in today. Oddly enough one tradition that has stood the test of time is that of treachery and bribery. Athletes tried to cheat back then and bribe the other competitors out of trying their best, and they payed the price much as current athletes do. A positive aspect of the Games that still occurs today is the pride that a victor brings to his country. The victor was recognized by all of the other nationalities in that event and still is in fact. It was a prestigious to win an event in the Olympic games, past and present.
While some traditions may have prevailed through the ages, many things have changed. The most obvious visible difference is the shift in clothing. Competitors in the Ancient Olympics were speculated to have been scantily clad or completely naked. This is based on depictions that show these athletes in this way, though other primary sources do show them with at least loincloths. In today's Olympics athletes wear uniforms that usually sport their home nation's colors. Another contrast in Olympic traditions from the ancient past is the view of women in accordance to the Games. Women were not permitted to participate in the same Games as the men were and had their own single event Olympics in which they ran five sixths of the length of th stadium. Today, though, women compete in the Olympic games just as men do, though not competing against the men and vice versa. Women today even have some sports that men do not and are praised just as highly as the opposite gender. The Olympic Games have changed a bit throughout the millennia, but the joy that people receive and the fun they have watching the Games has been present throughout history.

"BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: The Olympics: Ancient versus Modern." Ow.ly - Shorten urls, share files and track visits - Owly. Web. 13 Feb. 2010. <http://ow.ly/156BA>.


"File:1908 Olympic medal.jpg -." Wikimedia Commons. Web. 13 Feb. 2010. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1908_Olympic_medal.jpg>.