Episode 24: The Everlasting Flame: A Journey Through Olympic History
Welcome to The Mirror Project!
Welcome to The Mirror Project! Today, we are diving into the fascinating history of the Olympics, from its origins in ancient Greece to the modern spectacle we know today. With the Summer Olympics in Paris just around the corner, this episode is the perfect opportunity to explore the rich traditions and transformations of the games, and we can't wait to share our findings with you. Whether you're a history buff, a casual viewer, or just curious about the roots of this global event, we hope you enjoy this journey through time with us.
Personal Reflections
Before diving into the history, let's share our personal Olympic memories. What is your earliest memory of watching the Olympics? Do you have a favorite Olympic moment that stands out to you, and why? These personal reflections set the stage for a deeper appreciation of the rich history and significance of the Olympics.
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Before we dive in, make sure to hit that like, subscribe, or follow button on your favorite listening platform. Let's make this journey together!
The Origins of the Olympics
The origins of the Olympics trace back to ancient Greece, with the first recorded games taking place in 776 BCE in Olympia. These games were deeply intertwined with religious practices, honoring Zeus with grand ceremonies and athletic events such as the stadion race, pentathlon, and equestrian competitions. The games were a significant cultural event, marked by a sacred truce that allowed safe travel for all participants. Despite their decline under Roman influence and eventual ban by Emperor Theodosius I in 393 CE, the legacy of these ancient games set the foundation for the modern Olympics.
The Evolution of the Olympics
The revival of the Olympics in the modern era began with Baron Pierre de Coubertin's vision to promote international peace through sport. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896, featuring 14 nations and 241 athletes. Over time, the Olympics have evolved significantly, with the inclusion of women, the introduction of the Winter Olympics, and the expansion to over 200 nations. Technological advancements and global media coverage have transformed the games, but challenges such as commercialization, doping, and host city issues persist. Looking ahead, sustainability initiatives and new sports aim to keep the Olympics relevant and inclusive.
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Memorable Moments in Olympic History
The Olympics have given us unforgettable moments that transcend sport, from Jesse Owens' triumph in 1936 Berlin to Abebe Bikila's barefoot marathon victory in 1960 Rome. The Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1968 and Bob Beamon's extraordinary long jump that same year left lasting legacies. More recently, the dominance of athletes like Usain Bolt and the creation of the first Refugee Olympic Team in 2016 highlight the ongoing impact of the games. These moments showcase the spirit of resilience, unity, and excellence that define the Olympics.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the rich history and evolution of the Olympics. From its ancient origins to its modern-day global impact, the Olympics continue to inspire and unite us in ways that transcend borders and cultures. As we wrap up today's episode, we hope you feel as excited about the Olympics as we do. But don't go too far! Next week, we're diving into what Brene Brown calls the most terrifying emotion—joy. Why does joy scare us? How can we embrace it without fearing its loss? Join us as we explore these questions and more in an episode that's sure to leave you reflecting and smiling. Until then, keep celebrating those moments of joy, and we'll see you next time on The Mirror Project!
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Join Us Next Time
As we close, don't forget to hit that like, subscribe, or follow button on your preferred platform. Keep the conversation going, and we'll catch you on the next episode!
Hello and welcome to the mirror project.
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:We're your hosts, Alexandra.
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:Christine: And Christine.
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:Alexandra: you're joining us today.
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:We're diving into the fascinating
history of the Olympics from its
6
:origins in ancient Greece to the
modern spectacle we know today.
7
:With the Summer Olympics in Paris just
around the corner, this episode is
8
:the perfect opportunity to explore the
rich traditions and transformations
9
:of the games, and we can't wait
to share our findings with you.
10
:Whether you're a history buff, a casual
viewer, or just curious about the roots
11
:of this global event, we hope you enjoy
this journey through time with us.
12
:Christine: Before we delve into
today's riveting topic, make sure to
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:hit that subscribe, or follow button
on your Preferred listening platform.
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:Take a moment to do it now
before it slips your mind.
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:Trust us, we're not getting
started without you.
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:Let's make this journey together.
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:All right.
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:So before we get into all of the
history that Alexandra pulled together
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:for us around the Olympic games I
thought it would be fun to answer
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:some questions about the Olympics,
what the Olympics is for both of us.
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:So Alexandra, what is your earliest
memory of watching the Olympics?
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:Alexandra: I feel like the one that
stands out most vividly is when
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:my grandfather had a house in Lake
Tahoe, Nevada, and it was winter.
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:So I remember it being the winter Olympics
and I was staying in the sunroom because
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:I think we had a full house that trip.
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:And I remember the TV was in one
of those like things that you could
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:like a cabinet that you could close.
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:And I remember Closing all the doors and
just trying to be really quiet and just
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:turning on like the news or the Olympics.
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:And I remember watching curling.
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:I just, that was the first memory that I
have of the Olymp was just, I was, it was
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:cold, the sunroom was like mostly window.
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:So I saw all this beautiful snow
just gorgeous winter weather.
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:And then I was also watching
the winter Olympics and I just
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:thought it was so funny watching
the, I guess, athletes like sweep
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:the ice.
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:Christine: Curling's a funny one.
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:Alexandra: So I was like,
that's my first memory.
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:But Christine, what, which
one do you remember the summer
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:or the Olympic or the winter
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:Christine: I think I have earliest
memories is probably the summer
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:because similar to you, how you have
the memories being at your family's
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:vacation home, I have Similar ones at our
family's beach house in the summertime.
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:And we had the kid's room where my
sisters and I stayed the bedroom.
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:There was a TV in there and I remember
watching swimming and gymnastics and track
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:and field events and things like that.
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:But yeah, I, for me, I associate.
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:I think first of the summer games before
I do the winter games because my earliest
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:memories were of the summer games.
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:So that's kind of, kind of cool
that we have different, like
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:your first memories are of the
winter games, mine are the summer.
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:That's kind of cool.
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:Alexandra: think it's also very
valid in terms of our friendship.
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:Like of the two of us, I think I'm much
more of a winter and you're much more
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:of a summer, like vibes and just in
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:general.
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:So it's
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:Christine: that is funny.
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:That's cool.
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:Were there, so were there any specific
Olympic events or athletes that like
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:stuck with you when you were a kid?
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:Alexandra: No, not as a kid.
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:No, I didn't.
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:Christine: That's okay.
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:Alexandra: Yeah I think I
was like, this is so cool.
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:Like these athletes have reached
essentially a peak in their athletic
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:journey, like making it this far
in terms of competition wise.
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:So I thought that was really cool,
but I don't think that there was
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:any specific event or athlete.
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:I did get an opportunity
in high school, college.
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:Yeah.
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:I was home for the summer and had an
internship in Laguna beach and my boss,
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:her brother, I think was a like No, a
documentary director and it was doing
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:a documentary about Carrie Jennings.
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:I feel like I probably have to
check, but the beach volleyball
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:player who at the time was
preparing to go to the Rio Olympics.
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:And so that was really cool.
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:We went down for half an hour and watched
her practice and that was really awesome.
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:Christine: That
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:Alexandra: So I think that's
the only memory I have for that.
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:was there a specific event
that inspired you, Christine?
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:Did
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:Christine: I definitely athletes.
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:Like for instance Michael Phelps,
I remember just being in awe of his
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:ability and the, particularly the 2008
Beijing Olympics was a pretty historic
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:one in terms of what he accomplished.
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:And as an athlete, I think he's one of
the most, if not the most decorated.
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:A gold medal Olympian or Olympian
in general, like across all of his
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:medals, which is pretty, I mean,
it just, it was amazing to see.
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:And I think back to
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:the U S has been pretty dominant in
gymnastics for the last several decades.
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:But I go back and I think about like
Shawn Johnson, like she was and that
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:Nastia Liukin, like that was my.
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:When I think back to gymnastics as a,
when I was a kid, that was my team.
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:And it's so amazing to see the team today
with Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, what
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:she did in London and Rio and With the
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:Tokyo Olympics with everything that
happened with Simone not being able to
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:compete and seeing Sunni come out and
she became the all around champion.
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:And it, you know, it's been very
cool to sort of see how the games
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:In terms of gymnastics has affected
so many people, not only in America,
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:but around the world with what
these athletes have accomplished.
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:And then also I think about like when
I was little for the winter games, I
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:always loved skating because it was,
I was a dancer and as a kid, and it
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:was the closest that I could relate
to in terms of a sport that I could.
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:So I think about Michelle,
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:Alexandra: you prefer the
pairs or watching solo dancers
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:Christine: you know, I loved them.
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:I loved watching both of them.
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:I think certainly solo washing
the big, you know, jumps and.
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:Turns and those big moments and seeing
that now they're doing like quads and just
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:in my mind Defying the laws of physics
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:It's pretty amazing to watch but I also
loved the storytelling that came out
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:of pear dancing pair ice skating it's
truly a beautiful art form and honestly,
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:the fact that they make it look so
effortless, knowing how difficult it is to
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:do, Is pretty, I'm like, wow,
what do I do with my life?
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:Alexandra: Like, I'm pretty
stable on solid ground,
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:right?
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:But then you throw in some ice and
a single blade and I'm like, you're
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:jumping and I'm not sure that I
would land on that jump normally.
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:So it's, uh,
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:Christine: never.
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:Alexandra: it's incredible to
watch those athletes do that.
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:Cause I'm like, well,
this is so beautiful.
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:And it's a beautiful and an
appreciation of I don't think I will
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:ever, I don't Could do that or want
to attempt it, but it is so, it's so
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:interesting what people can do with
their bodies and how, you know, just
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:in any sport, but what they can do.
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:Christine: Yeah, definitely.
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:Awesome.
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:Well, yeah, I'm excited to dive
into today's history topic.
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:Alexandra, why don't
you take us away here?
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:Alexandra: say, you know, for my
lovely internet searching this week.
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:I think as we probably all know
that the Olympics has their
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:origins in ancient Greece.
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:The first recorded Olympic
games took place in
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:BCE in Olympia, Greece.
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:I'm going to take a stab in the
dark that's where we get the
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:name from, but that's just me.
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:It was held at a sanctuary
for the site of the gods.
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:Olympia was a place of major religious
significance to the ancient Greeks.
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:And so the purpose of the games were
to honor Zeus, who was the chief.
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:Deity of Greek mythology.
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:And the grand temple of two Zeus
was constructed at Olympia, housing
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:a massive statue at the gods.
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:So we can really kind of see the
ties between not the veneration, but,
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:you know, that it was held in honor
of, and it was really tied, not just
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:physical, you know, sports, but also
tied to the religious ceremonies.
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:The events in the first Olympics
included a state and race.
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:Hope I'm saying that correctly.
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:A short sprint of about 192 meters
equivalent to the length of a stadium.
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:So that's pretty cool.
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:A pentathlon, which included
running long jump, a discus throw,
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:javelin throw, and wrestling.
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:Also included combat
sports wrestling, boxing.
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:and pancreation.
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:Hope I'm saying that correctly, but
my notes say that it was a brutal
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:combination of boxing and wrestling.
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:So I'm sure that was rather an
interesting spectator sport.
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:And then of course it had
equestrian events like chariot
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:racing and horse racing.
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:So,
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:Christine: That's really
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:Alexandra: going to guess that it was a
bit more brutal than the current games.
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:Going to
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:Christine: Yeah.
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:Well, yeah, I think so.
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:Sounds like it.
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:At least when it comes to
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:combat sports.
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:Geez.
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:Alexandra: You know, and they didn't
have nearly the amount of protective
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:wear that people have today.
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:So who knows participants those who could
participate in the Olympics were only
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:freeborn Greek men and they were, they
actually competed in the nude to celebrate
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:the human body and ensure no one cheated.
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:So that comment about the protective
wear, yeah, there was none of that.
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:So that would be, I don't know, I feel
like that would be slightly uncomfortable
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:to Compete in the new just like if
you were on a horse or just anything.
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:Anyway, that's
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:Christine: I can't imagine
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:Alexandra: but hey I guess if you made
it that far you might as well the games
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:were held every four years and that
which And that's known as an Olympiad.
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:Initially, the games lasted for
just a day and eventually expanded
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:into a five day event as more
competition and events were added.
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:So it's really interesting to see that
origin compared to what it is today,
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:where I think it's what, two weeks?
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:Christine: Yeah.
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:Alexandra: so it's really gross.
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:Christine: Well, there's
so many sports now.
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:Alexandra: Yeah.
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:Which I know I have a list later down.
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:Cause even when I was researching, I was
like, what is included in the Olympic
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:games?
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:so briefly
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:we talked about, Oh, go ahead.
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:Christine: It's 19 days.
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:The Olympics lasts.
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:Alexandra: Wow.
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:So it's even longer than I remember.
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:Interesting.
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:As you mentioned previously, there was
a religious significance to the games.
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:So The Olympics usually included
various religious rituals including
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:sacrifices to Zeus and other gods.
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:Athletes and spectators
participated in these ceremonies.
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:I really do hope I say this, right?
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:And Ikera was a sacred truce and that
was always observed during the games,
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:allowing for athletes and spectators
to travel safely to and from Olympia
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:without fear of conflict, which is kind
of cool in a time where people were, I
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:don't want to say grabbing for land, but
in the sense of, you know, you didn't
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:really get along with your neighboring
cities and countries and peoples.
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:So that was really cool.
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:Awesome that history of not just
truce, but peace, and that this was
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:something to bring people together.
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:I like how that's still a theme today.
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:And so I have a note here that the
games continued for nearly 12 centuries.
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:However, they declined as
Roman influence grew in.
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:And in 393 CE, so common era Emperor,
Theodosius I banned the games as part
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:of his efforts to promote Christianity
and suppress pagan festivals.
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:So I feel like we're seeing some
very similar Themes as we did in
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:our last history episode with St.
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:Patrick's and just like the shift from
previously predominant, uh, religious
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:traditions to more Christianized versions
and what that means for something that
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:had been going on for 12 centuries.
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:I'm like, that's incredible.
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:You're like, all right, now
we're just going to stop
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:this, shift it off the side.
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:Cause it doesn't fit with our agenda.
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:so which.
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:You It's kind of the main thing that's
interesting because a lot of the
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:games was also about peace and truce.
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:And so for that to just kind of go
away is really fascinating to me.
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:Christine: Right.
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:Yeah.
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:I mean, it's kind of, interesting to sort
of think about how long also, how long the
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:Roman, like Roman empire held its power.
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:If you think about, okay, if the
Olympic games lasted for 12 centuries
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:and then I think sometimes I don't
necessarily have a clear map in
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:my head of how events unfolded.
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:So to think about okay, it wasn't until
393 common era that the Roman empire
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:was at its peak of power to suppress
12 centuries worth of tradition.
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:It's kind of crazy.
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:To think about
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:Alexandra: Well, and you look at 776
BCE and I go, Oh, that's not a super
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:high number that's not too far back.
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:Right.
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:Then I'm like no, Alexander.
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:We're in 2024 CE.
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:That was a long fricking time ago.
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:Christine: a very long time ago.
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:Isn't it amazing that we can like.
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:dig up history from that far back.
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:Someone was able to pinpoint when
exactly the Olympics first began.
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:That's just incredible.
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:I mean, history's wild, man.
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:Yeah.
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:Alexandra: and like how old it is and
that, you know, it was a Oxford college
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:and university was around when the Aztec
empire was coming to peak of power.
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:And I'm like, I'm sorry, what it's like
those two events in time, don't in my
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:mind seem to go at the same period.
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:Um, so that's.
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:I'd love to do other history focused
episodes where we can just kind of blow
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:not only hopefully our audience's minds,
but our own minds of what was actually
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:happening.
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:Cause I understand the point of
learning history very linearly,
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:Sometimes, and while I know other
things are happening in the world,
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:it's just I don't necessarily piece
them all together at the same point.
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:Christine: You don't see how,
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:you don't see how what's happening
here in South America is happening
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:at the same time over here in Europe,
like in your mind, like they're
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:two separate things in history.
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:So like when you build that bridge and
sort of say, okay, so at this time in the
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:world, X, Y, and Z, we're all happening,
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:Alexandra: All happening.
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:I remember in oh gosh.
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:I think it was my art
history class in high school.
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:So this was like a while back
and we were, it was the first
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:time they'd ran this course.
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:Like it was the first time they ever
offered it, but the teacher I think had
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:taught other history related courses.
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:And she said she had a class previously
that once they finished like the
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:Babylonian empire or the mess of
like the different periods and
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:groups of that you study in history.
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:She had one class who literally thought
that entire group of people just died.
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:And then miraculously, like a new
group of people sprouted like that.
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:It wasn't continuous.
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:And I'm like, okay, at least I've
never I've never gone that far, but
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:sometimes, you know, like I know other
stuff is happening, but I just don't
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:piece it together with that piece.
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:But I was like, that's an interesting
way to think of human history.
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:Yes, this group and now they're dead
and this group and now they're dead.
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:That's
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:Christine: I think it speaks
to how we've been taught, how.
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:we've been, how we've been taught history.
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:Like we're, I think back to when,
let's say when we were, I was first
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:learning world history, you know,
each chapter focuses on a specific
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:point in time, let's say, But I don't
think it maybe was as clear how it
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:all connected and how, so that's
why you had that situation of people
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:thinking like, Oh, so that group died.
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:And now this group is over
here and it has risen to power
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:or whatever the case may be.
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:But no it's how the history
of events occurred and how it
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:affected every, not just that one
group, but everything around it.
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:So, It was I also heard a very interesting
fact yesterday about how I think it
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:was 71 percent of college graduates
haven't read a book since college.
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:So if you think about it, People stop
expanding their knowledge their source
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:of knowledge at the age of 22 years
old, which I think is insane is quite
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:great, like baffling and sane to me.
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:But also I think it just
sort of goes to show how.
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:Our world is sort of set up right
now in terms of okay, once you finish
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:college, you go, you get into the
workforce and for a lot of people
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:stop becoming a student, essentially.
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:But I think what's truly important is to
continue learning to continue expanding.
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:Your worldview, in a sense
by, by reading or by listening
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:to audio books or watching.
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:I mean, I remember as a kid, my dad
still to this day loves to put the
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:history channel on and just, you
know, just continue to not only learn
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:new things, but remind yourself of.
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:you've already learned because even though
it still is in your brain somewhere it's
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:sometimes you forget about stuff anyway.
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:That was just a little fun
fact that I heard yesterday.
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:I was like, well, I gotta keep
reading guys keep reading.
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:Alexandra: Well, maybe this
episode will inspire you to
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:read more about the Olympics at
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:some point or the history
of ancient Greece.
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:But since those were the origins of
the Olympics, why don't we kind of
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:move into how it is evolved since,
you know, it started many years ago.
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:Christine: That sounds perfect.
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:Alexandra: craving more of our company.
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:Join the fun over on YouTube at near
project pod, dive deeper into our world,
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:engage with us on a whole new level.
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:Don't miss out on the excitement Okay.
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:So we talked about how with the rise
of the Roman empire and power that the
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:games were suppressed and discontinued.
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:So kind of the revival of the Olympics
and the modern era began with.
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:Baron Pierre de Cupertine, who inspired
by those ancient Greek games aimed
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:to promote physical education and
international peace through sport.
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:So I like that.
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:Again, we see that bridge
of peace and treaty brought
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:back to the more modern day.
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:So he founded the international
Olympic committee, the IOC in:
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:And to me, that still seems.
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:Like a while ago.
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:So, you know, it's been going
strong for, can I do math?
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:Like two, almost two centuries.
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:With who Alexander can do math.
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:Like maybe she needs to go back to school.
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:So the first modern Olympics were
held in Athens, Greece in:
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:the modern Olympics featured 14
nations and 241 athletes competing.
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:Competing in 43 events, which
include athletics, cycling, fencing,
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:gymnastics, shooting, swimming,
tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.
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:So we see some of the older games,
like the wrestling really the wrestling
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:athletics.
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:Christine: sports.
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:Yeah.
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:The field sports.
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:Yeah.
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:Track and field.
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:Alexandra: So, but how much it had
expanded, even from, you know, when
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:it discontinued to when it picked up.
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:So that's really awesome.
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:So the Olympic charter established
a set of rules and guidelines
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:for the modern Olympics and
emphasized amateurism and fair play.
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:So that's pretty cool.
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:But, you know, it's like now, when I
think about it I don't know that I would.
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:Equate the Olympics with amateurism
because you think of, you know, people
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:who have competed throughout years
of prep to, to make it that far,
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:Christine: Yes.
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:And these are athletes who are
the best of the best in the world
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:competing for their country.
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:So yeah.
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:Wow.
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:Alexandra: which I think
that's also interesting, right?
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:Because some.
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:Some athletes don't compete
with teams or for teams that
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:are from their home country.
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:So when it comes to the Olympic games,
then they're, you know, if they're on
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:a team sport, they're put in with the
team that they don't normally play with.
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:So I think that's actually pretty
interesting in that you might be
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:playing against your normal teammate
who's playing for a different country.
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:Christine: Yes.
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:Alexandra: so some growth and changes
to the games over time, obviously
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:the inclusion of women was a big one.
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:And women were first allowed
to compete in the 19.
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:1800 Paris Olympics and events such as
tennis, sailing, croquet equestrianism.
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:That's a fun word to say.
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:And golf over time, women's participation
has expanded significantly to include
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:many of the sports that we now see today.
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:I'm trying to think of I think most
of the sports I do watch mostly watch
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:the women compete, not so much the
390
:men.
391
:Christine: Me too.
392
:Alexandra: so even from.
393
:1894, the, there has been a lot of global
expansion in the game, so it's grown to
394
:over 200 nations and thousands of athletes
competing every time in the games.
395
:New sports and disciplines are regularly
added to keep the games relevant and
396
:exciting, so that's kind of cool as
people's taste change in sports or.
397
:You know, new things come
up, then those get added.
398
:So
399
:that's pretty
400
:Christine: I think it might've been
401
:the 2020 Olympics or maybe the
one before, maybe it was Rio where
402
:they added surfing and some other
other sports as well, which I think
403
:skateboarding was another, so, very cool.
404
:Yeah.
405
:Alexandra: And then of course, with a
lot of technological advancements comes
406
:the innovations of, you know, live
television and broadcasting the game.
407
:So people can more widely enjoy it.
408
:Like you don't have to be
physically at the event to see it.
409
:Which a lot of technology and
logistic advancements have
410
:also improved sports equipment.
411
:You know, because earlier we had to
talk about, you know, The ancient
412
:Greeks competing in the nude.
413
:People now have protective gear
for sports that require it.
414
:And training methods.
415
:I mean, think about how much you know,
if I think about sports, different
416
:sports athletes, you talk about see
videos or biographies of their training,
417
:and it's a lot of video of them and
they'll watch and replay to see how
418
:they can improve, which wouldn't have
been possible before some of this.
419
:So that's pretty awesome.
420
:Christine: Yeah.
421
:Alexandra: And as we mentioned,
it's still a platform for promoting
422
:peace and international cooperation.
423
:So I like that
424
:a lot.
425
:That's really Amazing That
has stayed throughout time.
426
:Christine: Absolutely.
427
:Do we have any info about
the first winter games?
428
:Alexandra: let me dig
through my notes here.
429
:Okay.
430
:So interestingly, the winter
and summer games were held
431
:in the same year until 1992.
432
:And then starting in 1994, the
winter games moved to a different
433
:schedule alternating every two
years with the summer games.
434
:So each set of games is on a four year
rotation, but we have the Olympics every
435
:two years, depending on the season.
436
:Christine: cool.
437
:Alexandra: So that's pretty cool.
438
:Also, wow, that it'd be
done in the same year.
439
:You think about what an event the Olympics
is today to do that twice in a year.
440
:Christine: I can't imagine that.
441
:Especially seeing what it's grown to.
442
:Couldn't imagine.
443
:Alexandra: So some other things I'll
briefly go through with the expansion
444
:of the games and the evolution is
the growing influence of commercial
445
:interests, sponsorship deals and the
economic impact on host cities that have
446
:raised concerns about the games in them.
447
:recently seen more of this, I think in the
past couple of years, when you talk about
448
:the impact of host cities, how much they
like infrastructure they built to host,
449
:um, the different games from the arenas.
450
:And then it's such a, can be
such a drain on the hosting city.
451
:I think I once saw recently a
graphic of saying that London,
452
:when they had held the games had
an estimated budget of 5 million.
453
:Pounds to, to create the
infrastructure, set it up, but
454
:they ended up spending like over 15
455
:Christine: Yeah, I wasn't, I was
about to say 5 million isn't a lot.
456
:Alexandra: Yeah no, it wasn't.
457
:And so that's been a lot of concerns
is about the impact of the games
458
:on the different countries and
host cities and potentially sustain
459
:sustainability initiatives and
efforts to make them more friendly.
460
:You know, sustainable materials,
reducing carbon footprints, ensuring
461
:long term benefits for host cities.
462
:I've even heard something about
different groups trying to determine
463
:ways to create almost collapsible
stadiums in some ways, or seating so
464
:that they can set them up and then tear
them down without having host cities
465
:having to build entire complexes.
466
:So that's pretty cool.
467
:And I feel of course we've heard
you know, about doping scandals
468
:and other things throughout the
history of the modern Olympics.
469
:And from what I was looking at, it
looks like the IOC has very strict anti
470
:doping measures, which is why there
are such scandals when they happen.
471
:To think Christine, you mentioned
new sports and inclusivity, and
472
:adding the skateboard and surfing.
473
:They even added sport
climbing and karate and Yeah.
474
:So that's pretty interesting.
475
:But of that, what did you find most
interesting, Christine, from the evolution
476
:from what it was in three 93 CE to now,
477
:Christine: What I found most interesting
was just hearing how the games have
478
:evolved over the last 130 some odd
years since the first games began.
479
:And, you know, Seeing that even, Two,
four years ago, games are sports are
480
:added to the games and seeing, being
able to see people who are at the
481
:top of their game in surfing or BMX
sports or You know, I think about the
482
:winter games and some of those sports.
483
:I'm like, I've only ever seen
these games, these sports at the
484
:Olympic games, and I don't really
know much about them beyond that.
485
:So for me, I find that most interesting.
486
:I learned so much more about
the world of sports in general.
487
:And I find that it's so inspiring
to see it all come together and
488
:how the world comes together to, to
compete in sportsmanship, which is
489
:kind of really cool to think about.
490
:To the point you made about
infrastructure issues.
491
:You know, something like a parallel
situation to the Olympics, I think
492
:is like the world cup because
you know, each time that comes
493
:around, that's in a different city.
494
:So while there are like issues in
terms of the drain on resources and the
495
:displacement it can cause it also, you
know, for every country around the world,
496
:they, Vi for the opportunity because of
the impact in terms of tourism and what
497
:that can mean for their account, their
local economy unfortunately, it's not
498
:a lasting it's a very, you know, short
amount of time, so it's not a lasting
499
:increase to the, to their economy.
500
:But I can also see why countries
buy for that opportunity.
501
:They do have to pay for it though.
502
:Alexandra: Mean, clearly with the
example of England and spending
503
:well past their estimated budget,
it makes me do wonder, like, how
504
:much does the boost in, in, Tourism
actually benefit or offset the costs.
505
:I'd be curious to dig into that
a little bit more, but I was,
506
:Christine: Break down the numbers.
507
:Alexandra: did not research that.
508
:Christine: Numbers, okay.
509
:No, it's just interesting.
510
:It's you know, like a lot of things.
511
:A lot of issues, there's two sides
to the issue, so you have to weigh
512
:the pros and cons of each issue.
513
:So for, anyway, we can talk
on and on about all that.
514
:But for me, those are the, those are some
of the things that stick out the most.
515
:Alexandra: So before I jump into fun facts
that found out about the games, let me
516
:do a quick rundown of the list of sports.
517
:I don't know that this is the most
comprehensive, but this is what I found
518
:this week for the winter and the summer.
519
:So summer includes archery, track and
field athletics, batman, baseball,
520
:softball, basketball, boxing,
canoeing, kayaking, cycling, road,
521
:track, mountain bike, BMX, diving,
equestrian fencing, field hockey,
522
:football or soccer, golf, gymnastics,
artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline,
523
:handball, judo, modern pentathlon,
rowing, rugby, sevens, and more.
524
:Not sure what that is.
525
:Sailing, shooting, skateboarding, sport,
climbing, surfing, swimming, table tennis,
526
:Taekwondo, tennis, triathlon volleyball,
both indoor and beach weightlifting
527
:and wrestling freestyle or Greco Roman.
528
:Whereas the winter Olympics
is a much more concise list.
529
:Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh,
cross country skiing curling,
530
:figure skating, freestyle skiing.
531
:Ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined.
532
:I actually don't know what that is.
533
:Short track, speed skating, skeleton.
534
:I'm not sure what that is either.
535
:Ski jumping, snowboarding,
and speed skating.
536
:But from that list, luge
always freaks me out.
537
:Like I, I don't know how those
athletes do it, like just to get
538
:on a tiny anyways, but yeah, I
539
:Christine: Well, what's even more
scary, you said you, skeleton,
540
:that's when they get on a tiny sled
head first and go down super fast.
541
:That's skeleton.
542
:Alexandra: Why?
543
:Christine: I don't know.
544
:Alexandra: You know, sometimes I have to
wonder the people who develop these sports
545
:are like, yeah, that's a great idea.
546
:Just Ooh, is it, or it's that quick death
547
:sentence.
548
:Christine: you have to be a certain
kind of person, crazy, to do that.
549
:Alexandra: that is very true, Christine.
550
:Let me wrap up into some quick
fun facts because I know Christine
551
:had done some research on some
pivotal moments and things
552
:throughout the history of the games.
553
:So fun fact about the Olympic flame
this tradition dates back to ancient,
554
:the ancient Greek games where the
flame burned throughout the event.
555
:So the modern torch relay was first
introduced in the:
556
:So that's kind of a cool nod or homage
to the original in a, I think a much
557
:more, I was in sometimes dramatic event
because I feel like if I'm going to
558
:watch the Olympics, I always want to
watch the opening ceremony and that
559
:relay.
560
:Christine: Really interesting to think
ut that was introduced at the:
561
:Berlin Games because that
Olympic Games was held right
562
:before the second world war.
563
:So, learning about the history of that
games in particular was it's interesting
564
:to, to see the correlation there.
565
:Okay.
566
:Continue.
567
:Sorry.
568
:Yeah.
569
:Alexandra: specifically talking about
this event, but what we talked about
570
:earlier, it's like talking about this in
a more linear fashion, but then going, Oh
571
:yeah, what is also going on at that time?
572
:So the gold medals are not currently
made entirely of gold since:
573
:They have been predominantly
silver with gold plating.
574
:The last solid gold medal was awarded
in the:
575
:if you've ever wondered why all the
Olympic rings are different colors, that's
576
:because the Olympic flag represents the
five inhabited continents of Africa,
577
:the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
578
:And we're designed by the man who
Kind of founded the IOC, Baron
579
:Pierre de Coubertin in 1913.
580
:And so the colored rings are blue,
yellow, black, green, and red.
581
:And along with a white, black, along with
a white background, it includes at least
582
:one color from every country's flags.
583
:So I like that, that again, kind
of ties back into that piece and
584
:international cooperation aspect.
585
:Christine: Absolutely.
586
:Alexandra: That's really fun.
587
:The youngest Olympian was 10 years
ld competing in gymnastics in:
588
:and his name was Demetrios Londras.
589
:Whereas the oldest Olympian was Oscar
Swain, a Swedish shooter who competed
590
:in 1920 Antwerp games at the age of 72.
591
:So
592
:I like how that
593
:Christine: Oh,
594
:Alexandra: probably
depending on your sport,
595
:Christine: and he won a medal.
596
:Alexandra: silver
597
:medal in team shooting.
598
:Christine: so cool.
599
:Good for him.
600
:Age is just a number.
601
:Alexandra: certainly is.
602
:and while I was researching this, I was
like, why is there something in my head?
603
:I feel like like a sport or
event was named after something.
604
:Like an ancient Greek, you know, battle.
605
:And so that was sticking around
in my head, but it actually makes
606
:sense because the first marathon was
troduced into the Olympics in:
607
:And the the distance was
approximately 40 kilometers or 24.
608
:85 miles and was inspired by This
is where the, you know, the distant
609
:ringing bells were like something here.
610
:It was inspired by the legendary
run of, phytopides, I hope I
611
:said that correctly from the
battlefield of marathon to Athens.
612
:So the standard marathon
distance is now 42.
613
:195 kilometers
614
:or 26.
615
:2 miles established in 1908.
616
:Christine: Etymology is awesome.
617
:Can I just say etymology is awesome?
618
:Okay, that's really cool.
619
:I had no idea.
620
:Alexandra: Yeah.
621
:Because I was
622
:Christine: Marathon to Athens.
623
:Whoa,
624
:Alexandra: Right.
625
:Christine: that's a fact I had no idea.
626
:So I don't know how many other people did.
627
:If you knew that,
628
:cool.
629
:Alexandra: And I, feel like
that was the only thing I kind
630
:of knew about the Olympics.
631
:I was like, okay, there's
something tied to marathon.
632
:And it was tied to this
person who made a run.
633
:I couldn't remember where from
clearly marathon to somewhere
634
:else in ancient Greece.
635
:I was like, there's something about this.
636
:So when I found that
fact, I was like, Oh, wow.
637
:This is it.
638
:This is the thing.
639
:I got super, super geeked out on that.
640
:Um, and for a short time between
relatively short between:
641
:and 1948, the Olympics included
a competition in the arts.
642
:So that's kind of interesting.
643
:Medals were awarded for
architecture, literature,
644
:music, painting, and sculpture.
645
:Christine: Wow.
646
:Why did they take it away?
647
:I guess it's not sport.
648
:Alexandra: Yeah, that would be my guess.
649
:Christine: Bring it Back!
650
:I love the arts, but that's it.
651
:Because I've been,
652
:Alexandra: and so We're recently talking
about the impact on the host cities
653
:and some of that impact is due to the
Olympic village which was a concept
654
:first introduced in 1932 in the Los
Angeles games where all the athletes
655
:from different countries live together.
656
:Christine: I think that's really awesome.
657
:Have speaking of I follow the Olympics
on Instagram and I've actually been
658
:following it for a long time, but just
seeing all the things coming out of this
659
:upcoming game in terms of they gave a
look inside the Olympic village in Paris.
660
:It's just really incredible to see
and to think about all, how all
661
:these athletes will be able to just.
662
:be together.
663
:I think that's really kind of cool.
664
:It really encourages one of the things
I love most about sportsmanship, which
665
:is the fact that What is bringing you
all together is this game, but then
666
:beyond that it's a chance for you to
sort of get to know people who you
667
:otherwise wouldn't be able to meet.
668
:That's kind of really cool to think about.
669
:So before we head into our last
section here I have a couple
670
:more questions for us to answer.
671
:Alexandra.
672
:Alexandra: Sure.
673
:Christine: How do you think the Olympics
have influenced global culture and unity?
674
:Alexandra: Well, I think in many
ways, like we've talked about that,
675
:it really kind of that tradition of
peace and international cooperation.
676
:I think we can continue to see that
throughout, whether it's a bunch
677
:of different athletes from many
countries all over the world going
678
:to one central location to compete.
679
:I mean, in a different country
that may not be their home
680
:country, which is pretty cool.
681
:I think sports also gives a People,
even people who are not participating
682
:in the sport, it's a sense of identity.
683
:So that's really interesting to say
Oh, my team is, you know, at the
684
:Olympics and this is what their compete.
685
:So I think that's kind of an interesting
way for people who are not actually
686
:like the spectators to participate.
687
:But yeah, other than that's the
first thing that came top of mind.
688
:Christine: I think also to your point
about unity the fact that your team
689
:is your country, like you're wearing
your country's flag as your uniform.
690
:I think that is such,
691
:it's so cool.
692
:It's so cool to think about.
693
:That's really quite impactful to
sort of step back and think about
694
:you know, your, you are representing
the country that you come from.
695
:I think it's kind of,
696
:Not only unifying in terms of the
world, but also for your country.
697
:I think, you know, the last several
years, several years here in
698
:America has been quite at times
699
:the opposite of unifying.
700
:So I, it's nice to sort
of have something to.
701
:Rep to sort of represent what
we could become again, I guess.
702
:So that's sort of, what I
think about in terms of how it
703
:influences culture and unity.
704
:But are there any moments that you can.
705
:Think of that have significantly impacted
societal issues or brought about change.
706
:Alexandra: Not off the top of
my head because I'm only like a
707
:light follower of the Olympics.
708
:But I do think I'm going to hold on
that because I'm pretty sure you've
709
:got some fun facts coming up and some
interesting things in the next section.
710
:So I'm going to put a pin in that one
711
:Christine: Yes.
712
:Yeah, that's a good point.
713
:But I mean, you can see
a couple of years ago.
714
:I think there's a lot of
people who say like athletes
715
:shouldn't be there.
716
:They're for the games, they're
there for sport but also it's an
717
:incredible opportunity for athletes.
718
:They have a voice and if they have
something they want to share, I feel
719
:like that should be respected whether
you agree with it or you don't.
720
:So I always sort of find it very
721
:in my mind, it's a very I think it's
quite brave of them for not only are
722
:they at the top of their game in terms
of their sport that they're competing
723
:in, but the fact that they're putting
themselves out there to talk about
724
:something that is an important issue
that they want to bring attention to.
725
:I think that's for and as a result
open themselves up for criticism I
726
:think that's quite, That speaks volumes
to, to, to their character as well.
727
:All right.
728
:So I feel like that is a perfect
opportunity for me to open this
729
:next section which is talking about
memorable moments in Olympic history.
730
:So the first one that I wanted to bring up
happened in:
731
:And Jesse Owens.
732
:So in the, for some context in the
midst of Nazi Germany, so this is right
733
:before this to right before world two
began African American athlete Jesse
734
:Owens defied Hitler's ideology . He won
four gold medals in track and field.
735
:Incredible.
736
:Also, can we just stop and think the, all
of the athletes competing in these games
737
:from America, they took a boat to Germany.
738
:There was no plane flying them.
739
:That's how that's how they were
able to travel at the time.
740
:So, yeah, so his performance was a
powerful statement against racism and
741
:a defining moment in Olympic history.
742
:At the 1960 Rome Olympics, a
Bibb bikila co competed in the
743
:marathon, but did it barefoot.
744
:Originally from Ethiopia.
745
:He, won the gold medal and set a new
world record all while being barefoot.
746
:He became the first African to
win an Olympic gold medal, and
747
:Inspired future generations of
athletes from that continent.
748
:Alexandra: I mean, but earlier we
talked about how far, you know,
749
:a marathon and how long of a
distance this and to do so barefoot.
750
:Whoa.
751
:I mean, granted, I say that as somebody
who has pretended and tried to be a
752
:runner in the past and has not succeeded
with any great success, who has not
753
:done well with any great success.
754
:So
755
:hats off to him.
756
:My goodness.
757
:So what other interesting
facts and stories and
758
:pivotal moments do you have for us,
759
:Christine: Okay next one I have is
at the:
760
:Komanec achieved a perfect ten.
761
:In gymnastics.
762
:She was 14 years old from Romania
and she stunned the world when
763
:she scored the first perfect 10
in Olympic gymnastics history.
764
:This then raised the bar for excellence in
gymnastics, inspired future generations.
765
:And I don't know if since a perfect 10
has been awarded at the Olympics, I feel
766
:like they're always able to find something
to, I mean, you know, You see Simone
767
:Biles and she's not awarded Perfect Ten?
768
:I'm sorry.
769
:It's crazy to me.
770
:The bar for Olympic gymnastics
anyway the next one I actually
771
:love the movie Disney made.
772
:It's from the 1980 Winter Olympics
and it's known as The Miracle in Ice.
773
:So for those that don't know for
context, this is Cold War era.
774
:The Winter Olympics
was held here in the U.
775
:S., and the U.
776
:S.
777
:hockey team was facing the
heavily favored Soviet team.
778
:At the time the Soviets were sort
of ruling the world of hockey.
779
:Hockey in the Olympics.
780
:The U.
781
:S.
782
:Then I unexpectedly beat them and
wound up winning the Gold medal.
783
:And this, you know, the impact of this
symbol symbolized American's resilience
784
:and became an enduring sports legend.
785
:And I Encourage you if you are at
all interested in learning about this
786
:Disney did a wonderful film called The
Miracle on Ice with oh, what's his name?
787
:Kurt Russell.
788
:Kurt Russell as the head coach of
the team and also another fun fact
789
:about this, I think this was the last
Olympics where they used amateur, I
790
:use amateur uh, amateur hockey players.
791
:And also I think that expanded to a
lot of sports for the Olympics and
792
:they started using, creating what they
call great dream teams, which is where
793
:they take professional athletes who
can, who, You know, who are part of
794
:the sports teams across the country to,
to create quote unquote dream teams.
795
:So, anyway very cool story.
796
:That one speaking of dream teams 1992
Barcelona Olympics the U S meds basketball
797
:team featured stars like Michael Jordan,
magic Johnson, and Larry bird, three
798
:Titans of basketball history to be a
part of what was called the dream team.
799
:The team dominated the competition,
winning the gold medal, and it's
800
:considered the greatest basketball
team ever assembled and helped
801
:popularize the NBA around the world.
802
:Which is super cool.
803
:Let me see.
804
:Also at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics,
Derek Redmond he was a British
805
:sprinter who tore his hamstring
during the 400 meter semifinal.
806
:Despite the injury, he continued the
race with the help of his father who
807
:came down to the track to support him
which is Pretty emotional to think about.
808
:This moment is celebrated as
a symbol of perseverance and
809
:strength of the human spirit.
810
:Alexandra: Well, I love that, right?
811
:You had talked about most impactful
moments of games and stuff, and I
812
:think I like that about Olympics and
sports and stuff when people help
813
:other people finish what they start.
814
:And it makes me think of, I think,
something from, I think, the Olympics
815
:Games Creed or their I guess one
of the IOC documents, I'm guessing.
816
:But I remember hearing the most
important thing in the Olympics game
817
:is not to win, but to take part.
818
:And I feel like that's a
beautiful representation of it.
819
:And that, you know, somebody who even his
father, you know, hopped on the track and
820
:was You finish.
821
:I think that's a beautiful, instead
of people going, you know, or giving
822
:up, I'm not going to finish just
somebody helping you get there.
823
:And I think that's kind of, you
said an emotional finish, but
824
:Christine: yeah.
825
:I
826
:also,
827
:Alexandra: I love, moments like
828
:Christine: yeah, absolutely.
829
:Well, it's
830
:Alexandra: not that he was injured.
831
:Not that he was injured, but
832
:Christine: shows the beautiful
humanity and in all of it.
833
:And to the point of, to your point,
I also love seeing those stories
834
:of when athletes help each other,
835
:despite the competition you know, at the
end of the day, we're all human beings.
836
:That I think is more, more
important than any metal.
837
:So supporting one another.
838
:Absolutely.
839
:All right here, I'll go
through a couple more quickly.
840
:I mentioned this earlier, but at the
:
841
:had a record breaking performance.
842
:He aimed to break the record
for most gold medals in a single
843
:Olympics, and he achieved just that.
844
:He won eight gold medals, surpassing
Mark Spitz's record who won, I believe,
845
:seven at the 1972 Munich games
846
:and this solidified him as one of
the greatest Olympians of all time.
847
:I think if you ask anybody
848
:for a an Olympian in modern history, I'm
sure Michael Phelps is in the top, if
849
:not number one, the top three for people.
850
:So yes, just an incredible
athlete seeing what he achieved.
851
:And to this day, how he still
supports the Olympics and, you
852
:know, as a commentator now, and I
mean, it's just kind of cool to see.
853
:Alexandra: Really?
854
:Christine: Okay.
855
:I would be remiss if I don't talk
about Usain Bolt's dominance at the
856
:2008, 2012, 2016 Summer Olympics.
857
:For those who don't know who Usain Bolt
is, he's a Jamaican sprinter and is
858
:widely regarded as the fastest man alive.
859
:He won eight gold medals across three
Olympic games, setting world records in
860
:the hundred meter and 200 meter races.
861
:And his, Electrifying performances
and charismatic personality made
862
:him a global superstar and a
symbol of athletic excellence.
863
:Very cool to see.
864
:Also, just Jamaica in general, their
competition, both men and women, in track
865
:and field sporting events, they dominate.
866
:Olympics.
867
:Alexandra: That's incredible.
868
:Mm
869
:Christine: Alexandra mentioned, Earlier
about teammates who end up competing
870
:against each other because they go
back and compete for their home country
871
:in two at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
872
:That was when we first saw
the refugee Olympic team.
873
:this was created in response
to the global refugee crisis.
874
:The IOC created a team for those athletes.
875
:The team competed under the Olympic flag.
876
:Raising awareness for millions
of displaced people worldwide.
877
:And if you haven't heard about
this story on, this movie on
878
:Netflix, called The Swimmers.
879
:It is about The story of two Syrian
sisters who fled their home of Damascus
880
:and ended up swimming for hours in the
Mediterranean sea to reach Greece to
881
:be to seek asylum ended up going on
to compete at the Olympic games in Rio
882
:as part of these first refugee team.
883
:And ever since this team has
been competing at the Olympics
884
:the impact of this, I mean.
885
:It's highlighted the unifying power
of sport and resilience and the
886
:resilience of the human spirit.
887
:And, you know, my, my hope is that
one day this team won't be needed,
888
:but until then, I'm so, so glad to
see that a place for those athletes to
889
:sort of represent where they've come
from and what they've been through.
890
:And finally, We've mentioned
her many times throughout
891
:this episode, but why not?
892
:Why not end my list here with the
amazing Biles and her dominance.
893
:Every game she's been a part of, not
only as an athlete, but as a teammate.
894
:You look at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,
she did not actually compete.
895
:She was struggling with something
that kept her from competing.
896
:You know, and ultimately I think
you have to put your health first.
897
:So, Simone Biles, we know her
for her incredible skills and
898
:pioneering new moves in gymnastics.
899
:She's won multiple gold medals,
breaking barriers for female athletes
900
:and is an major advocate for mental
health and represents the evolving
901
:role of athletes in society.
902
:To speak to the point I was making
earlier I think back to:
903
:we were watching the games I've
never heard of what the twisties.
904
:I think that's what it's called.
905
:When she was, you know, mid
air doing these honestly
906
:dangerous feats of athleticism.
907
:So the fact that she was losing
herself in the air, her call to take
908
:herself out of the competition is one.
909
:I respect greatly.
910
:Because.
911
:I'm sorry, a medal isn't worth your life.
912
:So she could have majorly injured herself.
913
:Alexandra: Well, Christine, before we
end well, it seems like we have a couple
914
:other questions here for us to answer.
915
:Is there any particular sport or
athlete that you're excited to
916
:watch in the Paris 2024 games?
917
:Christine: I mean, Simone Biles is back.
918
:She's come back for another Olympics.
919
:She'll be a part of the incredible
women's gymnastics team.
920
:Along with Sunni Lee, Jordan
Childs excited for that.
921
:I'm excited for Katie Ledecky who
will be competing in women's swimming.
922
:I always also love watching diving
I also love beach volleyball
923
:and volleyball in general.
924
:So I'm, there's a lot
I'm looking forward to.
925
:How about you?
926
:Alexandra: Well, it's funny that
you mentioned beach volleyball,
927
:cause that's pretty much the
only volleyball I like to watch.
928
:I'm not a huge fan of
watching indoor volleyball.
929
:So if I'm going to watch a
sport, it's probably, it would
930
:probably be beach volleyball.
931
:I enjoy watching diving if I catch it, but
it's not something I actively seek out.
932
:Go back to this here.
933
:Hold on to find what's in this summer.
934
:I love Taekwondo.
935
:So if I catch that, I would.
936
:Yeah.
937
:Sometimes I think archery is interesting,
but if I was actually going to seek
938
:out any, it would probably be the
beach volleyball or the taekwondo.
939
:Um, otherwise I would just
be like, Oh, this is cool.
940
:You know, and watch it for a few minutes.
941
:But with that if you could
compete in any Olympic sport,
942
:which one would it be in life
943
:assuming that you've done
all the training, all the
944
:Christine: yes, if I could actually
compete in a sport, I would, I think
945
:I'd like to do a beach volleyball.
946
:Alexandra: Okay.
947
:Christine: I think beach volleyball,
I could never, but if I was at a
948
:peak athlete in that sport, I would,
I think I would really enjoy it.
949
:It's don't get me wrong.
950
:I love volleyball too.
951
:I think.
952
:It's a wonderful team sport, but
something about beach volleyball,
953
:it's just you and one other
teammate covering the entire court.
954
:You're in sands, so you're sinking.
955
:You got to find it within yourself
to reach up high with your jumps.
956
:It's kind of
957
:Alexandra: think it's so much
more fun to dive in sand though.
958
:It is than it is on like a
959
:basketball wood court.
960
:Yeah.
961
:Yeah.
962
:I'm like, I'd rather dive in sand.
963
:It's so much beach volleyball is fun.
964
:Christine: It's, it is a lot of fun.
965
:How about you?
966
:Which would you compete in?
967
:Alexandra: well So much.
968
:Yeah.
969
:I'd like to do beach volleyball,
but practically I think I would
970
:do Taekwondo mostly because I have
experience in Taekwondo and I made it,
971
:I think it was the junior Olympics.
972
:Yeah, made it to the junior Olympics
in Taekwondo here in the States
973
:when I was, Still doing that.
974
:Christine: Wow.
975
:Alexandra: was a long time ago.
976
:Christine: That's great.
977
:I had no
978
:idea.
979
:Alexandra: yeah, my school went
to a few of us went to the junior
980
:Olympics in Atlanta and that was fun.
981
:I think, I don't think
I competed in sparring.
982
:I don't remember, but I know I
competed in Poomsae, which is
983
:forms and that was really fun.
984
:I think it's just so incredible the
grace and speed and precision that
985
:people can move their bodies with.
986
:So I think practically
that would be something.
987
:If I could, I would do.
988
:And why?
989
:Because I loved it.
990
:It was beautiful to perform.
991
:And I liked performing it Poomsae,
because it was, it's just you.
992
:And that's your body.
993
:And, it's just, it's gorgeous.
994
:Anyways, so, that's probably
why I would choose and why.
995
:So, I do Poomsae.
996
:Partially where I like to watch it.
997
:Watching some of the, I wouldn't call them
tricks necessarily, but set up performance
998
:like the cookie one from South Korea.
999
:They have a demo or competition
team that will set up these
:
00:53:48,542 --> 00:53:50,912
incredible like board breaks.
:
00:53:50,982 --> 00:53:53,962
And it almost looks like
acrobatics in some sense.
:
00:53:54,032 --> 00:53:55,262
It's just amazing.
:
00:53:55,632 --> 00:53:55,862
Anyways.
:
00:53:56,392 --> 00:53:57,482
That's probably what I would do.
:
00:53:57,872 --> 00:53:58,972
Last question for you, Christine.
:
00:53:59,192 --> 00:54:02,662
How do you think the Olympics
can continue to inspire future
:
00:54:02,662 --> 00:54:04,392
generations of athletes and people?
:
00:54:04,392 --> 00:54:07,172
Christine: First things that come to
mind is when with the broadcasting of
:
00:54:07,172 --> 00:54:11,316
the games, sharing the story of the
athletes, where they come from the
:
00:54:11,376 --> 00:54:13,376
trials, tribulations they've been through.
:
00:54:13,636 --> 00:54:17,741
I think for a lot of people
the story of perseverance.
:
00:54:17,751 --> 00:54:22,901
It's the story of defying
expectations and the odds against you.
:
00:54:23,391 --> 00:54:26,581
And if you want something
bad enough you'll achieve it.
:
00:54:26,991 --> 00:54:31,691
So I mean, that is the story,
I think, at the heart of all of
:
00:54:31,691 --> 00:54:34,131
this and we'll continue to endure.
:
00:54:34,961 --> 00:54:35,401
So.
:
00:54:35,595 --> 00:54:36,055
That's what I
:
00:54:36,065 --> 00:54:36,105
think.
:
00:54:36,135 --> 00:54:36,425
Alexandra: cool.
:
00:54:37,805 --> 00:54:38,295
Christine: What about you?
:
00:54:38,738 --> 00:54:40,758
Alexandra: Well, I don't think I
could say it any better than you,
:
00:54:40,758 --> 00:54:42,098
so I'm going to leave it on that
:
00:54:42,268 --> 00:54:42,928
Christine: All right.
:
00:54:43,218 --> 00:54:44,068
Sounds good.
:
00:54:44,349 --> 00:54:44,919
perfect.
:
00:54:44,919 --> 00:54:49,108
Thank you so much for joining us
on this journey through the rich
:
00:54:49,128 --> 00:54:51,378
history and evolution of the Olympics.
:
00:54:51,818 --> 00:54:56,058
From its ancient origins to its modern
day global impact, the Olympics continue
:
00:54:56,058 --> 00:55:00,258
to inspire and unite us in a way
that transcends borders and cultures.
:
00:55:00,718 --> 00:55:04,661
As we wrap up today's episode,
we hope you Feel as excited
:
00:55:04,661 --> 00:55:05,941
about the Olympics as we do.
:
00:55:06,411 --> 00:55:09,651
It's right around the corner,
so, get excited about it.
:
00:55:10,111 --> 00:55:15,761
And if you enjoyed this history focus
episode, let us know, we would love to
:
00:55:15,761 --> 00:55:20,381
do more of these and maybe even suggest
some topics you'd like us to research
:
00:55:20,391 --> 00:55:24,801
more about, be sure to join us next week
where we'll be diving into what Brene
:
00:55:24,811 --> 00:55:26,721
Brown calls the most terrifying emotion.
:
00:55:27,022 --> 00:55:29,332
Joy, why does joy scare us?
:
00:55:29,672 --> 00:55:32,312
How can we embrace it
without fear of losing it?
:
00:55:32,732 --> 00:55:35,792
Join us as we explore these questions
and more in an episode that's
:
00:55:35,792 --> 00:55:39,772
sure to leave you reflecting and
smiling until then, keep celebrating
:
00:55:39,772 --> 00:55:41,552
the moments of joy in your life.
:
00:55:41,582 --> 00:55:42,572
And we'll see you next time.
:
00:55:43,637 --> 00:55:46,037
Alexandra: Are you enjoying the
banter and insights we're serving up?
:
00:55:46,557 --> 00:55:50,497
If so, consider tossing some support our
way through our buy us a coffee page.
:
00:55:50,857 --> 00:55:53,477
Every bit helps in fueling
this passion project of ours.
:
00:55:53,987 --> 00:55:56,623
Find the link in our show
notes and visit our link tree.
:
00:55:56,823 --> 00:55:59,093
We are immensely grateful
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:
00:55:59,280 --> 00:56:02,560
As we wrap up, remember to hit
that like subscribe or follow
:
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button on your preferred platform.
:
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Until next time, let's keep the
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:
00:56:07,360 --> 00:56:08,749
catch you on the next episode.