Modern Olympic Games

On April 6, 1896, the first modern Olympic Games opened in Athens, Greece, organized by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and the International Olympic Committee, which he had founded in 1894. Approximately 280 male athletes from 12 countries competed in 43 events across nine sports at the Panathenaic Stadium. American James Connolly won the triple jump, becoming the first Olympic champion in over 1,500 years. Greek runner Spyridon Louis won the inaugural marathon. The Games have been held every four years since, suspended only during the two World Wars.