II Summer Olympic Games were held in different parts of Paris
The II Summer Olympic Games were held in Paris from May 14 to October 28, 1900. They were confined to the World Exhibition, held at that time in the French capital.
Games have become more widespread compared to previous Games in Athens - more athletes came and more competitions were held. 997 participants, 22 of them women, who came to the Olympic Games for the first time, represented 24 countries and competed for 95 sets of medals in 20 sports.
For the organization of the Games was created a special organizing committee. It was planned to hold the Games in the ancient Greek style - to build decorative temples and statues. At the first meeting of the committee on May 29, 1898, a program was developed for the Games. Then, the organizing committee engaged in inviting athletes from different countries. However, many plans could not be realized for various reasons.
Exhibition Director Alfred Picard considered sport "a useless and absurd occupation" and at first was absolutely against holding the Games, but after some persuasion, he nevertheless agreed. Then, on November 6, 1898, the French Sports Union of Athletes announced that only he had the right to organize any sports competition at the Exhibition. The IOC decided not to fight this alliance, and ceded that right. A new committee for organizing the Games was created on February 19, 1899.
This committee was headed by Picard and President of the French Rifle Association, Daniel Merillon. They announced a new competition list and a new list of sports fields. In addition, the new organizing committee almost did not use the word “Olympic”, many competitions were called “International Championship” or “Exhibition Competition”. Coubertin, meanwhile, traveled to different countries, inviting more and more athletes to take part in competitions.
Sports competitions took place in places quite remote from each other. Track and field disciplines were held at the grounds of the Race Club in Paris in the Bois de Boulogne, swimming right in the River Seine, fencing in the gardens of the Tuileries Palace, tennis in the western part of Paris, and equestrian sport in the east. Cyclists competed at the Parc des Princes Stadium, and the riders in various shooting galleries throughout the city. Sailing competitions were held outside Paris in the department of Yvelines and in the city of Le Havre.
Games have become more widespread compared to previous Games in Athens - more athletes came and more competitions were held. 997 participants, 22 of them women, who came to the Olympic Games for the first time, represented 24 countries and competed for 95 sets of medals in 20 sports.
For the organization of the Games was created a special organizing committee. It was planned to hold the Games in the ancient Greek style - to build decorative temples and statues. At the first meeting of the committee on May 29, 1898, a program was developed for the Games. Then, the organizing committee engaged in inviting athletes from different countries. However, many plans could not be realized for various reasons.
Photo © ru.wikipedia.org
Exhibition Director Alfred Picard considered sport "a useless and absurd occupation" and at first was absolutely against holding the Games, but after some persuasion, he nevertheless agreed. Then, on November 6, 1898, the French Sports Union of Athletes announced that only he had the right to organize any sports competition at the Exhibition. The IOC decided not to fight this alliance, and ceded that right. A new committee for organizing the Games was created on February 19, 1899.
This committee was headed by Picard and President of the French Rifle Association, Daniel Merillon. They announced a new competition list and a new list of sports fields. In addition, the new organizing committee almost did not use the word “Olympic”, many competitions were called “International Championship” or “Exhibition Competition”. Coubertin, meanwhile, traveled to different countries, inviting more and more athletes to take part in competitions.
Sports competitions took place in places quite remote from each other. Track and field disciplines were held at the grounds of the Race Club in Paris in the Bois de Boulogne, swimming right in the River Seine, fencing in the gardens of the Tuileries Palace, tennis in the western part of Paris, and equestrian sport in the east. Cyclists competed at the Parc des Princes Stadium, and the riders in various shooting galleries throughout the city. Sailing competitions were held outside Paris in the department of Yvelines and in the city of Le Havre.
