In the nineteenth century, French and German archaeologists were excavating Olympia. Their discoveries caught the attention of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French nobleman. Coubertin believed the Olympics were a way for young French people too build their strength and pride. He also believed The Olympic Games could create greater international cooperation and friendship. Therefore, Coubertin devoted himself and most of his wealth to recreating The Olympics, and he succeeded. In 1896 the first Modern Olympics were held in Athens Greece. There were 42 events with 285 all-male competitors. Thirteen countries participated in all, the United States and twelve European countries.

Women were not permitted to compete in the Olympics until 1900. Eleven female athletes competed in the second Olympic Games, which were held in Paris, France. Charlotte Cooper of Great Britain won the first women’s title in tennis.

The Olympics consist of the Summer Games and the Winter Games. The Olympic had normally been held every four years, with both the Summer and the Winter Games included. However, beginning in 1944, the Summer Games and the Winter Games were scheduled to occur on four-year cycles each two years apart. For example, the Winter Games were in 1994 and 1998, and the Summer Games were in 1996 and 2000.

The Winter Games were first held in 1924 at Chamonix, France. They usually held in January, and last about sixteen days. Some sports at the Winter Olympics are the biathlon, bobsledding, figure skating, ice hockey, luge, skiing, and speed skating. A sport must be very popular in at least 25 counties on two continents to be considered for the Olympics. More than 1200 athletes representing over 60 nations take part in the Winter Olympics.

The Summer Olympics are held in various months, but like the Winter Olympics are held over about a sixteen-day period. Some events that are included in the Summer Games are, archery, badminton, basketball, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, fencing, field hockey, gymnastics, judo, rowing, shooting, swimming, diving, table tennis, team handball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, equestrian sports, yachting events, baseball, boxing, soccer, weightlifting, wrestling, and the modern pentathlon. The Games changed significantly since 1896, when Pierre de Coubertin started them. In 1896, there were 42 events and 285 all-male competitors. Thirteen countries were represented. In the Summer Games at Atlanta in 1996, 10,768 men and women competed in 271events. They represented 79 different countries.