I originally posted this Wander almost exactly four years ago, when the Olympics were in full swing in Rio, the world celebrating together as it usually does. However, although the 2020 Olympics were scheduled to take place this month, things are much different. The Tokyo Olympics have been postponed until next year, but even that hasn’t been confirmed, as we live in such uncertain times. It’s such a shame, and I really feel for the athletes who have been working towards this for so long. I’m not much of a watcher of sport, but there is something about the Olympic Games that captures my imagination, and I find myself caught up in the atmosphere and excitement of it all. Therefore, as we have no Olympics to celebrate this year, I thought I might revisit a Wander that takes us to where the modern Olympics began…
I thought it might be fun this week to wander to Greece, where the Olympics began. Now, this is obviously not a stadium built for the 2004 Athens Olympics – rather, this is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.
The stadium, interestingly, was built on the site of an actual ancient Greek stadium, thought to have been constructed in around 330BC, for use at the Panathenaic Games (hence the name). This was a religious and athletic festival held every four years in honour of the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. The stadium was used for several centuries before being abandoned, then rediscovered and excavated in 1869, before being refurbished for the modern Olympic Games.
Here are some of my travelling companions, attempting to start a race… or something.
When the Games returned to Greece in 2004, the old stadium once again came to life, hosting several events. It’s also the place where the Olympic Flame is handed over to the host country, so holds a very special place in Olympic history. As Rio draws to a close, it’s nice to wander back to where it all began in the modern era – thanks for coming along with me.
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Helen Glynn Jones 
I agree, the Olympics always stirs up the imagination and passions. Sad for those aspiring athletes.
It’s so sad, isn’t it? Hopefully they’ll all be able to participate next year
Yes, let’s hope so.
Wow, now I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see this – I attended the Games in Athens in 2004 and visited many different venues to see a varied programme of sports, but I missed this!
As a professional sportswoman, I really feel for all those athletes who were qualified for Tokyo. Often, you only get one chance in a lifetime, and many of them will now lose out – the Olympics is the pinnacle of any athletes career, it is a truly special event.
Yes, I remember reading that some of them were saying this year was their one chance, and that they may not be able to compete next year, which must be absolutely heartbreaking. It’s extraordinary the global havoc a tiny virus has caused. And I hope you get back to Athens one day and go to see it! 🙂
Wonderful post, and I’m disappointed about the Olympics this year.
Yes, me too. And thanks, Craig 🙂 Hope you’re still keeping well x
Wonderful stadium, made out of white marble and blessed with great acoustics. At the 2004 Olympics, I went there to watch the archery competition. Will re-blog!
How wonderful! And I remember the acoustics – they were wonderful. The place was pretty much deserted when I was there, but I imagine it hums when filled with a crowd 🙂
Reblogged this on Letters from Athens and commented:
You might like to read about this wonderful stadium, made out of white marble and blessed with great acoustics. At the 2004 Olympics, I went there to watch the archery competition.
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Ah so very sad. 2012 was such a high point and The Olympics have me entranced each time. Tokyo has to be a real doubt doesnt it!
It does, sadly. I would be very surprised if it went ahead next year, unless some sort of medical breakthrough happens