The modern revival of the Olympic Games is often credited by many to be due to Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s hard work. However, it is known that there was numerous more players in the execution of bringing the Games back. There is no doubt that all five men deserve credit for helping revive the Games, however the one that deserves the most credit is not de Coubertin, although he is typically credited by a large portion of the population. Similar to the luck-filled, improbable revival of the Games, the person that actually deserves the most credit has a background story that is just as rare. That person, a man who came from virtually no sporting background, is Demetrios Vikelas. As we continue, we will also see where each of the other men fell
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One could make a good argument that any of the other four men deserve the most credit, but not enough to outdo the contribution Vikelas’ made to his homeland’s Ancient festival. Demetrios Vikelas’ ability to be a contributor at the perfect time, with the necessary skills and profound commitment establishes him above his counterparts. Vikelas’ entered when the Olympics were becoming less of an idea and more of a plan. From there he became extremely resourceful and got Constantine to support him. He committed much of his time before the Games to simply deliver speeches to the Greeks. What is more impressive is how he was able to gain so much support despite the Zappas Committee not being in favor of the Games at first. Once they gained more support from Greek citizens, the Zappas Committee had no choice but to step aside. For someone to be that committed, it is almost shameful that more people are not aware of his contribution. He gave his homeland a feeling of renewal and excitement, which is something that had not existed in Greece for a very long period. After discussing each of the five main contributors to the modern revival Games, it is nearly undebatable that Vikelas gave more to the effort than anyone else and deserves the most recognition for not only the 1896 Games, but a cultural, social and political reform of his time
One could make a good argument that any of the other four men deserve the most credit, but not enough to outdo the contribution Vikelas’ made to his homeland’s Ancient festival. Demetrios Vikelas’ ability to be a contributor at the perfect time, with the necessary skills and profound commitment establishes him above his counterparts. Vikelas’ entered when the Olympics were becoming less of an idea and more of a plan. From there he became extremely resourceful and got Constantine to support him. He committed much of his time before the Games to simply deliver speeches to the Greeks. What is more impressive is how he was able to gain so much support despite the Zappas Committee not being in favor of the Games at first. Once they gained more support from Greek citizens, the Zappas Committee had no choice but to step aside. For someone to be that committed, it is almost shameful that more people are not aware of his contribution. He gave his homeland a feeling of renewal and excitement, which is something that had not existed in Greece for a very long period. After discussing each of the five main contributors to the modern revival Games, it is nearly undebatable that Vikelas gave more to the effort than anyone else and deserves the most recognition for not only the 1896 Games, but a cultural, social and political reform of his time