The first Olympic Games of the modern era

It is Easter Sunday. On the eve of the commencement of the 1st Modern Olympic Games in Athens, King George is unveiling the statue of benefactor Georgios Averof. The next day, March 25, is the first day of the 1st Modern Olympic Games in Athens. The date has been chosen symbolically because of the importance of the anniversary in Greek history and according to the old calendar, which was in use at the time. A total of 311 athletes from 13 countries participate, of which 169 represent Greece (women-athletes were not allowed to participate). A total of 230 Greeks participate, some representing other countries. Greece wins ten gold medals, eight silver medals. There are 14 countries with 241 athletes present. 66% of them are Greeks!

American James Connolly, in the triple jump of the time, is the first modern Olympic champion. Panagiotis Paraskevopoulos wins the silver medal in discus throwing with an achievement of 28m.95, while Sotiris Versis wins the bronze with 27m.76. The discus is made of wood, and its circumference is covered by a metal casing. The shot follows the ancient Greek way, i.e., it is made from a standing position!