Ancient vs. Modern Olympics
The athletes of the Ancient Olympic Games and the Modern Olympic Games are different in several aspects, including
their training, participation, and motivations. Ancient Olympic athletes primarily focused on combat sports such as
wrestling, training individually without the aid of modern scientific methods (Young, 1984). Only male Greek citizens were
allowed to compete, emphasizing the amateur status of the games, and participants often competed naked as a sign of
purity and honor (Kyle, 2007). Their motivations were rooted in religious dedication and the pursuit of personal honor,
with rewards typically consisting of olive wreaths and societal fame (Golden, 2004).
In contrast, modern Olympic athletes benefit from advanced scientific training techniques, often working in teams and
utilizing modern equipment and technology (Guttmann, 2002). The modern games are inclusive of all genders and
nationalities, reflecting a global and professional nature. Athletes compete in diverse events held in various cities
worldwide, with motivations extending beyond personal honor to include national pride and commercial success (Toohey
& Veal, 2007). Modern athletes are rewarded with medals and significant sponsorships and endorsements, marking a
stark difference from the more modest rewards of ancient times (Guttmann, 2002).
Learning about the differences between the athletes of the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games was interesting. I was
interested in learning more about the contrast in the inclusivity and professionalism of the modern games compared to
the ancient ones. It was surprising to learn that ancient athletes competed naked, driven by a blend of religious and
personal honor, which is in contrast with today's context of sophisticated sports gear and sponsorships. Additionally, the
transition from the exclusivity of ancient games, where only male Greek citizens could participate, to the modern
inclusivity that welcomes athletes of all genders and nationalities, shows significant social progress. This evolution reflects
broader changes in society's values, moving from a focus on individual honor and religious significance to a global
celebration of diversity, professional achievement, and commercial success.
References
Golden, M. (2004). Sport and society in ancient Greece. Cambridge University Press.
Guttmann, A. (2002). The Olympics: A history of the modern games. University of Illinois Press.
Kyle, D. G. (2007). Sport and spectacle in the ancient world. Blackwell Publishing.
Toohey, K., & Veal, A. J. (2007). The Olympic Games: A social science perspective. CABI Publishing.
Young, D. C. (1984). The Olympic Myth of Greek Amateur Athletics. Ares Publishers.
Team &
Individual
Sports
Scientific &
Systematic
Combat
Sports
Training
Trained
Individually
Religious
Significance
Training
Professional
Status
Amateur
Status
Male &
Female
Advanced
Equipment
Male
Greeks
Naked
Participation
Participation
Modern Olympics Ancient Olympics
Numerous
Events
Fewer
Events
Events
Held in
Cities
Globally
National
Pride
Events
Held in
Olympia
Motivation
Honor
& Glory
Rewards
Motivation
Rewards
Medals
Personal
Success
Sponsor
Endorsements
Olive
Wreaths
Fame &
Honor
Religious
Dedication