Today’s Google Doodle, by Olivia Huynh, is a throwback to the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896, which started April 6.
The games were held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, which also hosted some competitions of the 2004 Summer Olympics when the games returned 108 years later. The famed stadium holds the finish line of the Athens Authentic Marathon, which starts in the town of Marathon. The 1896 games featured nine sports, 43 events, and 241 athletes.
The four iterations of the Doodle show competitions in athletics, weightlifting, and gymnastics: Spyridon “Spyro” Louis of Greece (the winner of the modern marathon), Launceston Elliott of Great Britian (heavyweight one-hand lift), Louis Zutter of Switzerland (pommel horse,) and Robert Garret of the U.S. (shot-put.) The other competitions held in 1896 but not depicted in the Doodle are swimming, cycling, fencing, shooting, tennis, and wrestling.
In the first-ever modern Olympic marathon, Louis won the race by more than seven minutes.
David Roche Smashes Leadville Course Record.
Google did not respond to requests for comment.
CA Notice at Collection Runner’s World, The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a nine-time marathoner with a best of 3:23. She’s also proud of her 19:40 5K and 5:33 mile. Heather is an RRCA certified run coach.
