- The marathon is an event named after the run of a Greek soldier, Pheidippides. Ln 490 B.C.E. Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens (about 26 miles, or 40 kilometers) to deliver news about the Greeks ‘success in a battle against the Persians. Running through the mountains and rocky land was extremely difficult. After Pheidippides arrived in Athens and delivered his news, he fell down and died. The first modern Olympics in 1896 included a race of 26 miles (40 kilometers), called a marathon, to commemorate Pheidippides’run.
- Because the Greeks originated the Olympics, the Greek team always leads the procession of athletes during the opening ceremony of the Olympics Games. They are followed by the other teams in alphabetical order. The hosting country gors last.
- Dropping sports from the Olympics is not uncommon. Ln fact, many popular sports have been dropped through the years, including rugby, golf, baseball,and softball. Adding a new event can only happen if another one is dropped.