Olympics Past and Present

Objective Students will be able to –Explain the Olympic events and its value to ancient Greeks –Compare the differences between the Olympics in the past to the present

Question of the Day Why are the Olympic Games so important to the United States? Why do you think the popularity of the Olympics has declined in the past twenty years?

The Games (then) Religious Festival for Zeus Males from all the city-states in Greece. The first event was a foot race –The only event for 13 festivals –Festivals were held every four years Wrestling wasn’t introduced until the 18 th Olympics Nudity was common by the 8 th Olympics

The Games (now) A way for athletes around the world to demonstrate their talents Women participate as well There are winter and summer events alternating every two years Nudity is not accepted!

The Athletes (then) “One who competes for a prize” Most athletes not only did it for competition but also a prize –Bronze tripods –Shields –Olive Oil Some athletes won wealth once they returned home –Monetary –Or food for life Eventually they were given an olive leaf crown as a sign of honor

Athletes (now) Most athletes that win are given endorsement deals –Wheaties –Reebok, Nike, Addidas, Puma –Umbros –Sports Illustrated –Powerade, Gatorade –Hanes –Deodorant –Commercials Medals –Bronze, Silver, Gold

The Women Women participated in their own games honoring Hera Wore their hair down with a tunic down to their knees Unmarried women were allowed to watch the men as well as compete Married women were not allowed to do either

Women (now) First women’s marathon was held in 1984 First Softball game – 1994 Women’s hockey – 1998 In –Water polo –Pole vaulting –Trampoline –Synchronized diving –Hammer throwing

The Politics (then) Truce was mandatory during the Olympics – no war or you had to pay a fine to Zeus Constant battle between city-states on who would host the games Took out their frustrations during the competitions

Politics (now) There are not truces between countries for during the games. There have been a few games were some countries refuse to participate due to their political issues Let’s look at the timeline of controversial events Timeline

The Commercialism Then… –Faces on coins, statues, mentioned in poems Now –Endorsement deals, commercials, marketing