File: CHAP05, Lesson 5: Essay Questions
Essay
1. Briefly describe the origins of the modern Olympic games.
Ans: The Frenchman and fencer, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was convinced that athletic competition built moral fiber. He was commissioned by the French government to form a universal sports association, but he had a much larger vision.
In 1892, he publicly proposed the Modern Olympic Games. Soon afterwards, the International Olympic Committee was formed. Four years later, in April of 1896, 40,000 spectators traveled to Athens to watch the first Modern Olympic Games.
2. Describe some of the differences between the original, ancient Olympic games and the modern Olympic games. Ans: The differences are many. Students' answers could include descriptions of changes in the events, in the scope of the participation, and in the size of the games. They could describe the introduction of a commercial aspect to the games, the role of professional athletes, the formalization of rules of competition, and the role of technology. They could also discuss the changing international venues and the world-wide audience.
3. The idea of the modern Olympics is: "The important thing in the games is not winning but taking part. The essential thing is not conquering but fighting well." How does this compare to the idea of the ancient Olympics held in Greece.
