Ancient Sanctuary Gives Rise to a Legendary Name (Image Credits: Unsplash)
The term ‘Olympics’ stirs images of extraordinary feats and global unity as nearly 3,000 athletes converge for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.[1][2]
Ancient Sanctuary Gives Rise to a Legendary Name
Deep in the Peloponnese region of ancient Greece stood Olympia, a revered site near Mount Olympus where gods reportedly mingled with mortals.[1] Scholars describe it as a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. The inaugural games commenced around 776 B.C.E., marking the start of a tradition that endured nearly 1,000 years.[2]
Competitors stripped bare for events, enduring harsh penalties like whippings for sprint false starts. Victors claimed olive wreaths alongside silver or bronze tokens, absent the gold familiar today.[1] These contests blended athletics with religious fervor. The name derived directly from Olympia itself, evoking divine favor. Matthew Llewellyn, co-director of the Center for Sociocultural Sport and Olympic Research at California State University, Fullerton, highlighted its holy aura. The era ended abruptly with the Roman Empire’s collapse and ensuing Dark Ages.
Rediscovery Ignites Sporadic Revivals
Europe’s Renaissance sparked renewed fascination with classical antiquity, including Olympia’s ruins unearthed through digs. Sporting events dubbed ‘Olympic Games’ emerged by the late 1500s and early 1600s, spelled variably as ‘Olympic’ or ‘Olympick.’[2] England’s Cotswold Olimpick Games, launched in 1612, persist with rustic challenges such as tug-of-war and shin-kicking.
Later, in the 1800s, Greek philanthropist Evangelis Zappas funded revivals in his homeland. Historians debate these efforts’ influence on the modern iteration. Some credit Zappas’s 1856 plea to King Otto. Others, including the International Olympic Committee, emphasize Pierre de Coubertin’s 1894 proposal. Athens hosted the first official modern Games in 1896, blending ancient spirit with contemporary scale.
Legal Battles Over an Ageless Word
Ownership disputes have shadowed the term in recent decades. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee pursued lawsuits against Puma in 2021 over ‘PUMA TOKYO 2021’ and ‘PUMA PARIS 2024’ marks, alongside a 2024 action against Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration for ad usage. Courts dismissed both cases.[3]
Llewellyn decried such claims as overreach: “I don’t think you can own a word. And you certainly can’t own a word that was first used thousands of years ago by the Greeks.”[2] Neither the U.S. committee nor the International Olympic Committee responded to inquiries. These clashes underscore tensions between heritage and commerce.
A Childhood Spark Fuels Olympic Dreams
Four-time judo Olympian Ashley McKenzie traces his path to a playground brawl at age 11 over a Pokémon card. His rival executed a deft judo throw, prompting McKenzie to storm a local dojo in pursuit. The coach suggested he train instead. The mere mention of ‘Olympics’ captivated him. A decade later, he competed for Great Britain at the 2012 London Games.[1]
McKenzie reflected, “The word ‘Olympics’ to me, it opened my eyes to new doors and new things. When I first heard it, it gave me hope.”[3] Upon arrival, national backing erased personal insecurities: “It didn’t matter what I looked like… Everyone, the whole country, got behind me.”[2] This universal embrace defined his experience.
- Olympia: Sacred Greek site near Mount Olympus, games’ birthplace circa 776 B.C.E.
- Cotswold Olimpick Games: Ongoing since 1612 in England.
- Zappas Olympics: 19th-century Greek revivals.
- Modern debut: Athens, 1896.
- McKenzie’s entry: Judo via Pokémon dispute, 2012 London.
Key Takeaways
- The word links directly to Olympia, a divine gathering place in myth.
- Revivals bridged ancient loss to today’s spectacle.
- For athletes like McKenzie, it symbolizes hope and belonging.
The ‘Olympics’ endures as a bridge from mythic origins to profound personal triumphs, reminding us of shared human pursuit. What personal connection do you have to this iconic word? Share in the comments.
