Competiton, awards, travel. These are three components of the Summer and Winter Olympics. The discussion topic for today’s post is: What’s the Point of the Olympics?. First, a little bit of background to these competitions.

The first Ancient Olympics were held April 6, 1896 in Athens, Greece. Ancient Olympics were first only a 1 day event 684 BC, when they were expanded into 3 days. In 5th century BC, the Ancient Olympics landed a 5 day spot, almost a whole week! The sports held were running, long jump, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, pankration, and various equestrian events.

Olympics are coming up very soon in 2020 and will be held in Tokyo. Keep in mind, we’re talking about the Summer Olympics. We just had the Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang, Korea. Though Tokyo is holding the Summer Olympics, in 2022 Beijing will hold  the Winter Olympics. For more info on the Olympics check out their website.

Ok, so what’s the point? Lots of training and effort goes into this event that only happens every 4, 2 years. Why put in so much work? Yeah, ok, because you’re super passionate and that stuff. Good for you. All the Olympics are is a tradition, ex- religious ceremony, and one major competiton.

“The purpose of the modern Olympic Games is to promote peace and unity within the international community through the medium of sports. The founder, Pierre de Coubertin, saw the games as a way to bring political enemies together.”-anonymous user on Quora.

I’ve thought about this being a reason to hold Olympic Games, and I guess someone else has too. I mean, if it weren’t about unity, you could just have your own State Olympics.

What do you think? Is there a solid point to the Olympics?