Happy Friday!! You guys, it’s finally here…the Tokyo Olympics! What better way to commemorate the occasion than by sharing 5 Olympic Fun Facts.
I have enjoyed the Olympics for as long as I can remember, especially woman’s gymnastics. I remember watching the Magnificent Seven thinking that someday I could be on that stage. Bless my little heart. At that point my only claim to gymnastics fame was being able to do back handsprings.
But that’s what is fun about the Olympics, right? It is almost impossible not to be inspired! That and the pomp and circumstance of it all. All the rituals, the ceremonies, the rules, all of it! I love it!
I hope you find these Olympic fun facts interesting! Now, go enjoy the games! Tokyo 2020!
5 Olympic Fun Facts
Naked & Not Afraid
Did you know that Olympic athletes used to compete naked? Nudity used to be a sign of fearlessness, courage, and power. In fact, athletes used to oil up to really show off their physique.
Can you even imagine?!
Retired Sports
You might be surprised to learn that a few sports have been officially retired from the Olympic games. Solo synchronized swimming (not sure how that even works), tug of war, rope climbing, hot air ballooning, dueling pistol, tandem bicycle, swimming obstacle race, and plunge for distance to name a few.
However, this year, four more sports have been added. These sports are karate, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Prior to 1912, the first-place Olympic medal was made of solid gold. However, due to the large number of medals that are now awarded (over 5,000), the first-place medal is covered in 6 grams of gold.
The host city designs and manufactures the medals. They must be at least 60mm in diameter and 3mm thick. In fact, this year the 5,000 medals are made up of recycled electronics in an attempt to be more sustainable. All electronics were donated by Japanese citizens.
Olympic Torch
The torch flame is always lit by the sun in Olympia, Greece. It is then passed from torch to torch until it gets to the host city. The flame continues to burn throughout the duration of the games.
Cost Of Admission
The Tokyo Olympics are unlike any other. This year no residents from overeas will be admitted into any arena. However, 4.5 million tickets have been sold to Japanese residents. Each ticket cost between $112-$2,808.
