For centuries now the Olympics has been a prime centerpiece for countries to not only show off their citizens’ various athletic talents but also a look into their nation’s culture. Every two years, switching off between winter and summer sports, athletes compete against the very best competition to be crowned who is best. Over time the Olympics have changed drastically from what is was in 1896 to just two months ago. Not only have more sports been added, but even more importantly how different the athletes are treated now instead of back then. The film “Ancient Olympics” gives an insight to the first Olympic Games, not just the different sports, but also the effects of winning and losing.
Winning back then was the only possible situation. Losing was neither talked about or …show more content…
On the other hand if an individual was to come up short, whether it be second or last, it was hell. That athlete’s name was not only tarnished for the rest of his life, but also had to worry about the safety of himself. It’s been told that the losing athletes of the Olympics would take alternate routes home to one’s home to ensure his safety from the villagers from his town. Losing was by no means accepted by anyone. Today that is almost the complete opposite. Yes, losing is still frowned upon and not by any means the end goal, but people do not ban or shun athletes for losing championships. It seems ridiculous that an athlete could lose a race, and would be hurt for that. Regardless of how different times were back then, it makes no sense for one’s life to be in danger for getting second place. In today’s world of sports, many all-time great athletes never won a championship or got first in a race. Dan Marino, Ted Williams, or Karl Malone are some of the all-time greats at their sport and were never able to win a title. Although these athletes were never able to hoist a trophy that does not take
Winning back then was the only possible situation. Losing was neither talked about or …show more content…
On the other hand if an individual was to come up short, whether it be second or last, it was hell. That athlete’s name was not only tarnished for the rest of his life, but also had to worry about the safety of himself. It’s been told that the losing athletes of the Olympics would take alternate routes home to one’s home to ensure his safety from the villagers from his town. Losing was by no means accepted by anyone. Today that is almost the complete opposite. Yes, losing is still frowned upon and not by any means the end goal, but people do not ban or shun athletes for losing championships. It seems ridiculous that an athlete could lose a race, and would be hurt for that. Regardless of how different times were back then, it makes no sense for one’s life to be in danger for getting second place. In today’s world of sports, many all-time great athletes never won a championship or got first in a race. Dan Marino, Ted Williams, or Karl Malone are some of the all-time greats at their sport and were never able to win a title. Although these athletes were never able to hoist a trophy that does not take