2004 Summer Olympics
The 2004 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, were a multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004. The event marked the return of the Olympic Games to their birthplace, as Athens was the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Bidding and Organization
The bidding process for the 2004 Summer Olympics was a competitive one, with several cities vying for the honor. Athens was awarded the Games on September 5, 1997, overcoming previous disappointments, including a failed bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics, which went to Atlanta.
Venues and Facilities
Several key venues were developed or upgraded for the Games, many of which were part of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex in the suburb of Marousi. Notable among these was the Athens Olympic Stadium, which served as the central hub for athletics. The marathon races followed a historic route, starting in Marathon and finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium, the iconic site of the original 1896 race.
Highlights
One of the most iconic moments of the 2004 Games was the marathon, where Brazilian runner Vanderlei de Lima was leading the men's race when he was attacked by a spectator but still managed to secure a bronze medal. The opening ceremony was another highlight, featuring the last runner of the Olympic Torch relay, Nikolaos Kaklamanakis, who symbolized the connection between Greece's past and present.
Events
Athletics was a major component of the Olympics, held primarily at the Athens Olympic Stadium. The track cycling events took place at the Athens Olympic Velodrome, specifically renovated for the occasion. In total, athletes competed in 301 events across 28 sports, reflecting a broad and diverse competition.
Medal Table
The medal table saw significant achievements by numerous countries. The United States topped the table, followed by China and Russia.
Legacy
The 2004 Games are remembered for their return to the origins of the modern Olympic movement and for the challenges and triumphs experienced by athletes from around the world. They also laid bare the complexities and costs associated with hosting such a massive international event, a topic that continues to be debated today.