Baron Pierre de Coubertin

Founder of the Modern Olympics

Modern Olympics

• Founded by Pierre de Coubertin.• Influenced by Cotswold Olympicks and

Wenlock Games.• Liked the Ideals of English Public Schools.• Aims were friendship, patriotism and

athleticism between nations.

Cotswold Games held in Gloucester at Whitsun from 1612.

Robert Dover’s

Cotswold

Olympick

Games

1896 Athens. Gymnastics

1896 Athens. Cycling

1896 Athens. Swimming.

In the sea!

1896 Athens

Team U S A

In the stadium

1896 Athens

Spiridon Louis

Greece

Marathon winner

1900 Paris.

Enter the ‘Ladies’ Tennis & Golf

1900 Paris.

Equestrian Events

1904 St Louis

Pole Vault

Where’s the crash mat?

1904 St Louis.

The marathon!

1904 St Louis

First Black athletes

1908 London

The crowd

1912 Stockholm. Running Deer Shooting

1916

The Great War

1920 Antwerp. Swimming, outdoor pool

Chariots of Fire1924 Olympics in Paris

The story of Harold Abrahams 100m

and Eric Liddell 400m

Harold

Abrahams

Eric Liddell

Harold Abrahams

Chariots of Fire

• Issues:

• Place of University in British Sport.• Amateurs and Professionals.• Level of organisation in the Olympics.• Religion in Sport.