Revisiting Iconic Olympic Sites

The first Olympic Games began in Greece around the 8th Century B.C. The games began as a way to show honor to Zeus, the Greek god. From there, they were held every four years with athletic events such as foot races, long jumps, chariot races, and discus throws. Throughout history, the Olympic games have come, gone, and come again, bringing numerous iconic Olympic sites. Some sit idle, while others are still in use. Let's journey back, revisiting iconic Olympic sites, and see what they are up to now. (Read about the 9 youngest Olympic gold medalists in history.)

To compile a list of iconic Olympic sites throughout the years, 24/7 Tempo consulted multiple history sites, including History.com, to better understand each site's locations, uses, and what makes them iconic.

The first Olympic events were held long before today, with written records dating back to 776 B.C. The person to win the first recorded Olympic game (a foot race) was Coroebus, whose day job was as a cook.

From there, the Olympics evolved as a way to honor Zeus. The games were held every four years until the mid-2nd century B.C. After the Roman Empire conquered Greece, the Olympic Games took a turn for the worse, and eventually, Emperor Theodosius I banned them.

In the mid-1800s, Baron Pierre de Coubertin had a vision. He wanted to bring the games back to encourage physical education. After two years, the approval to bring the games back was granted in 1894. Two years later, the rise of the modern world Olympics began.

Located: Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece, was the first place to host the modern Olympic games. On the site where the Panathenaic Stadium sites, was originally the ancient stadium which was built in 393 CE for the ancient World Olympics and other events. Therefore, bringing the tradition back alive where it once began made perfect sense.

During the first games, 280 male athletes from 12 nations participated in 43 events, including fencing, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, and shooting.

The Panathenaic Stadium is unlike any other Olympic stadium. In addition to its historical significance, it is made entirely of marble.

Iconic Site Status: The starting point for the return of the modern Olympic Games.

Used For Now: The Panathenaic Stadium is a popular tourist destination today. While it has been home to many events over the years, its historical significance as the birthplace of both the ancient and modern Olympics tops them all.

In 1900, the second modern Olympic events occurred but were not well organized. The events took place over a long span of five months. During this time, they were held in fields, an array of venues, and grass. Since the games were part of the Paris World Fair, not everyone recognized they were part of the Olympic games.

Iconic Site Status: You may wonder what makes this site so iconic, if, in fact, there was no actual site. Well, this is the first event where women were allowed to participate, with 22 altogether.

Located: Stockholm, Sweden

The Stockholms Stadion was the location of the 1912 Summer Olympics. Architect Torben Grut constructed the building, and the games included wrestling, equestrian, gymnastics, and tug of war.

Iconic Site Status: During the 1912 Olympics, a few memorable events happened. First, Japan entered the games as the first Asian country. Additionally, women's swimming and the pentathlon entered the lineup of events.

Another first occurred when the electronic timer made timing events more accessible. Sadly, Francisco Lazzaro was the first athlete to die in Olympics.

Used For Now: It is now a landmark in Stockholm with immense historical significance. Stockholms Stadion also continues to host athletic events and public gatherings.

Located: Los Angeles, USA

During the Great Depression, after the First World War, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was home to the 1932 Summer Olympics. Although the economy was under immense pressure, a large crowd still came to observe and cheer on the athletes.

The Coliseum was commissioned to be built in 1921 as a monument to honor the veterans from Los Angeles. It became a symbol of Civic pride and is now on the list to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Iconic Site Status: This was the first time the tradition of recognizing the medal winners while they stand on a podium happened. Additionally, the games were shortened to 16 days instead of 79 days or more.

Used For Now: The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosts the University of Southern California Trojans football team.

Located: Berlin, Germany

In 1936, Adolf Hitler opened the Olympic games, causing controversy with many countries threatening not to participate. However, those threats never saw fruition. During these games, Jesse Owens took home four gold medals.

Iconic Site Status: Several iconic moments occurred during the 1936 Olympics. Jesse Owens dominated the games, with four gold medals, despite being in a racist Nazi atmosphere, making his wins iconic. Also, the youngest girl to win gold was Marjorie Gestring (13). The 1936 games were also the first to be shown on television, and the lit torch relay took place for the first time.

Used For Now: The Olympia Stadion is now home to the Hertha BSC football team and was also host to three matches in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

• Located: London, England
• After 12 years of no Olympics, due to the Second World War, the Wembley Stadium became home of the postwar return. Several countries began participating during these games, including Syria, Lebanon, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, Japan and Germany were omitted.
• Iconic Site Status: During the 1948 games, the use of starting blocks began. Additionally, those with home televisions were able to watch the games now. Bob Mathias was the youngest man to win a decathlon at 17, setting a record that still stands.
• Used For Now: The new Stadium began construction in 2002 and is now home to England's national football team. Also, Wembley Stadium hosts the Football Association Cup Final every year.

• Located: Helsinki, Finland
• The Olympic games were postponed during the war, returning in 1948. In 1952, Finland became host to the Olympics, and it was the first time the USSR had joined the games.
• Iconic Site Status: During the 1952 games, old records were achieved, many staying in place for more than 50 years. It was also the first time Israel and the Soviet Union participated.
• Used For Now: The Olympiastadion is used for sporting events and large concerts.

• Located: Montreal, Canada
• The large construction budget of the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canada, earned the building the nickname "Big Owe," but more fittingly, it is also called the "The Big O" because of the ring-shaped roof.
• Iconic Site Status: During the 1976 Olympics, Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic history. Edwin Moses broke more records in the 400 hurdles and Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) broke records in the decathlon. Additionally, Tanzania and more than 20 other nations boycotted the IOC.
• Used For Now: The Montreal Olympic Stadium is now a multipurpose facility for memorable events like concerts, galas, and sporting competitions.

• Located: Mexico City, Mexico
• Iconic Site Status: The 1968 Olympics were held in a Latin country for the first time. More firsts included electronic scores, doping and gender testing. However, the most iconic moment came when Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists, heads down, during the "Star-Spangled Banner" in protest as a symbol of solidarity. While they were told to leave the games, their iconic stand still speaks on human rights and the oppression of marginalized groups.
• Used For Now: The Estadio Olimpico Universitario is home to the professional soccer team Pumas UNAM.

• Located: Barcelona, Spain
• In 1992, the Summer Olympics took place in Barcelona, symbolizing Montjuic served as a symbol of the city's rebirth. The "Dream Team" took home the gold during these games, with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Additionally, the youngest person to compete was 11-year-old Carlos Front.
• Iconic Site Status: Antonio Rebollo lit the Olympic torch with an arrow. This moment was one of the most dramatic lightings of the torch and an iconic start to the 1992 games.
• Used For Now: The Estadi Olimpic De Montjuic is often used for Musical shows, football, and other athletic events. It is also home to F.C. Barcelona.

• Located: Sydney, Australia
• The first games at the turn of the 21st century were held in Sydney, Australia. The Stadium was renovated specifically for the Olympics, and several sports were added, including the triathlon and taekwondo. Additionally, women began to participate in weightlifting and the pentathlon.
• Iconic Site Status: Other than being where the Olympics took place at the turn of the century, Ian Thorpe broke a personal record during the 400-meter freestyle, and blood tests and EPO detection were introduced to the Olympics.
• Used For Now: The Australia Stadium is now used for sporting events such as rugby, cricket, and Aussie rules.

• Located: London, England
• The London Olympic Stadium was home to the Olympics for three years, in 1908, 1948, and 2012. During the 2012 Olympics, more women from Team USA entered than men and even Saudi Arabia entered women in their sporting events.
• Iconic Site Status: During the 2012 games, Michael Phelps won four gold and two silver medals, making the "most decorated" Olympian. Additionally, the first amputee, Oscar Pistorius, competes in the Olympics.
• Used For Now: The London Olympic Stadium is a multipurpose stadium for football, rugby, concerts, and even baseball.