About

This edition of the Olympics marked the return of the international event to its birthplace after a hiatus of 108 years. The Games were organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and featured athletes from over 200 nations competing in 28 different sports, including newly added events such as BMX cycling and women's wrestling. The 2004 Olympics were widely regarded as a successful event, with the host city showcasing its rich history and culture throughout the games. The opening ceremony paid homage to Greece's ancient heritage, with references to ancient mythology and the birth of the Olympics. The Games also provided an opportunity for Athens to modernize its infrastructure, including the construction of new stadiums, transportation systems, and venues. A total of 10,625 athletes participated in the Games, competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals. Notable athletes like American swimmer Michael Phelps and Greek track and field sprinter Konstantinos Kenteris became headlines during the event. Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals, breaking multiple world records, while Kenteris won the men's 200-meter sprint but faced controversy after missing a doping test on the eve of the Games. The 2004 Olympics also had its share of political and security challenges. Terrorist threats and concerns over the potential disruption of the games led to extensive security measures, but the events were largely incident-free. Moreover, this edition of the Olympics took place amidst the backdrop of global events such as the war in Iraq and heightened security post-9/11, which had an impact on both the organization and the atmosphere of the Games. In terms of medal standings, the United States topped the overall medal tally with 103 medals, followed by China with 63 and Russia with 92. The host country, Greece, secured 16 medals, including six golds. Despite criticism and skepticism leading up to the Games, the 2004 Olympics in Athens was widely regarded as a successful and memorable event, showcasing the spirit of unity and international competition.