The revival¹ of the ancient Olympics attracted athletes from 14 nations, with the largest delegations² 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.

Key Numbers:
14 NOCs (Nations)
241 athletes (0 women, 241 men)
43 events