第一届奥运会克服重重困难，终于在1896年4月6日开幕了。这是历届奥运会举行月份最早的一次。东道主雅典之所以将开幕式选在这一天，是为了纪念希腊反抗土耳其统治起义75周年。

KEY FACTS

Opening date: 06 April 1896

Closing date: 15 April 1896

The host city: Athen (Greece)

Sports: 9

ATHENS  1896 Games of the I Olympiad

The revival of the ancient Olympics attracted athletes from 14 nations, with the largest delegations coming from Greece, Germany, France and Great Britain. On 6 April 1896, the American James Connolly won the triple jump to become the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years.

Winners were awarded a silver medal and an olive branch. The German athlete Carl Schumann finished in the top five events of three different sports. The people of Athens greeted the Games with great enthusiasm. Their support was rewarded when a Greek shepherd, Spyridon Louis, won the most popular event, the marathon.