New Delhi: The contemporary Summer Olympics continues to captivate audiences. Since its inaugural event in Athens in 1896, which marked a revival honoring the ancient games held by the Greeks in Olympia and the ideals they represented, the Olympics has seen remarkable growth. Every four years, billions of people worldwide engage with the triumphs and setbacks that unfold over a fortnight. The emotional highs and lows surrounding the Games, the anticipation leading up to the event, and the transformative impact of athletes' performances have all contributed to the rich tapestry of sporting history it has created.

It has been less than a year since Paris successfully hosted the 30th edition of the Olympics. New talents emerged, notably French swimmer Leon Marchand, who garnered significant attention by winning four gold medals and a bronze in the relay. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo made history by becoming the 200m champion, marking the southern African nation’s first Olympic victory and serving as a beacon of inspiration for its youth to pursue positive paths rather than resorting to crime.

"History and Stars of the World’s Greatest Sporting Event from Athens 1896 to Paris 2024" is a new compilation by Vijayan Bala, an educationist, sports commentator, and author, chronicling the Games and its most prominent figures over its 129-year history. This coffee table book, published by Wonder House, offers insights into the Olympics that will particularly resonate with young readers. It features profiles of 82 exceptional athletes from each edition of the Games, accompanied by photographs that capture those unforgettable moments.

Additionally, the book includes a concise history of the ancient Olympics, which were dedicated to the Greek god Zeus, as well as the modern movement that emerged under the guidance of French historian Pierre de Coubertin.

The profiles of notable athletes from the early editions of the Olympic Games, such as Ellery Harding Clark from the United States, who remains the only individual to have won both the high jump and long jump, and Ray Ewry, also from the US, who secured a total of eight gold medals—including three each in the standing long jump and high jump—across the 1900, 1904, and 1908 Games, are particularly enlightening. Additionally, Alvin Kraenzlein, an innovator in hurdling techniques who claimed four gold medals at the 1900 Paris Games, is also highlighted.

The narrative also revisits iconic moments, such as Romanian gymnastics icon Nadia Comaneci making history at the 1976 Games by being the first woman to score a ‘perfect 10’. Initially, her score in the uneven bars event appeared as 1.00 due to the scoreboard not being designed to accommodate such a result. Furthermore, Alexander Dityakin from the former Soviet Union became the first male gymnast to achieve a perfect score in the vault event during the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Hungarian shooter Karoly Takacs exemplifies the resilience of athletes overcoming challenges. After sustaining a severe injury to his right hand, he adapted by training to shoot with his left hand, ultimately winning the rapid fire gold medal at the 1948 London and 1952 Helsinki Games.

The Indian hockey team, led by Dhyan Chand, is also recognized for winning gold at the 1936 Olympics, marking the country's third consecutive victory prior to gaining independence.

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