On the Wednesday before Half Term, we indulged in a captivating visit to the sumptuous, and recently established in 2021, Hellenic Olympic Museum. As a whole, the visit provided invaluable insight to the origin, symbolism, and current implications of the Olympic games, reiterating their sacrosanctity as the premier, and most historic organisation and the aspiration of every athlete.
We were informed about the Olympic Games in 776 BCE, the truce between Hellenic city-states that would subsequently occur and was draconianly upheld, similar competitions and the ancient mysticism surrounding them, and even the 1896 revival by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, William Penny Brookes, and Greek benefactor Evangelos Zappas. In a nutshell, the museum, designed as a chronological ascent through Olympic history, was adorned with Olympic relics, posters, and sport equipment. With every and all being in pristine condition, the evolution of athletic attire, engineering behind the Olympics, as well as the substantial juxtaposition between ancient and contemporary competitive spirit were explicitly depicted.
One rewarding aspect of the museum was, undoubtedly, the immersive section dedicated to the 2004 Summer Olympics, which Athens proudly hosted. This paramount moment in modern Greek history was revitalised through audiovisual exhibits, torches, authentic medals, and testimonials of Greek Olympians displayed in electronic television.
On behalf of our entire cohort, we personally, wholeheartedly thank both our accompanying teachers and tour guides. Our gratitude goes to Mrs Bodington, Mrs Theocharopoulou, Mr Nitsche, and primarily Mrs Meidana for planning and executing this enlightening trip.
Yannis Sakellariou
Year 10
