The First Olympics Trivia Questions

Spyridon Louis, a Greek peasant and water carrier, won the marathon. His victory was a huge national triumph, as Greece had not yet won a gold medal.

No women competed in 1896. The founder, Pierre de Coubertin, opposed female participation, calling it 'impractical.' Women first competed in 1900.

The ancient Games began around 776 BCE as part of a festival for Zeus at Olympia. Events included sacrifices, prayers, and athletic contests.

The 1896 swimming races were held in the Bay of Zea, not a pool. Swimmers were ferried out to a boat and raced back to shore in chilly, choppy water.

The 1896 marathon was about 40 kilometers (24.85 miles). The modern 26.2-mile standard was set later, at the 1908 London Olympics, to please the royal family.

First place got a silver medal and an olive branch; second got copper. Gold medals were introduced for the 1904 St. Louis Games.

No cycling race lasted that long. The longest cycling event in 1896 was the 100 km race, which took about 3.5 hours. The 12-hour myth likely stems from early endurance events.

The U.S. won 11 golds, but Greece won 10 and had far more total medals (47). However, the U.S. dominated track and field events.