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First recorded evidence of the ancient Olympic games.
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Englishman Richard Chandler discovered the site of ancient Olympia.
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The International Olympic Committee was founded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin who took the title of President of the committee.
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The first modern Olympic games was held in Athens, Greece. All winners were presented with an olive branch and a silver medal.
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Women competed for the first time.
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Winners of events were given a gold medal, second place a silver medal and third place a bronze medal.
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Pierre de Coubertin designed the Olympic symbol of 5 interlocking rings.
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Due to World War One(WWI) the Olympic games were cancelled.
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The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix France
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The Olympic flame was lit for the first time and burned throughout the entire competition
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First Winter Olympics in America
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First Olympics to be televised, however the footage could only be watched on local television. Basketball became an Olympic sport for the first time and was won by the USA.
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Cancelled due to World War Two
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Cancelled due to World War Two
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Snow had to be imported into the country before the games could even begin.
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First Olympics held in Asia
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31 nations boycotted the games as a protest against the New Zealand rugby team's recent game with South Africa
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61 Nations refused to compete in these games as a protest against Russia's invasion of Afghanistan.
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The Roman Emperor, Theodosius I, banned the Olympics.