2024 Summer of Sport: History of the Games

As we enjoy the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games The Athletics Museum takes a look back at the history of the Olympics

Before 1896

Find out how the English town of Much Wenlock inspired the modern Olympic movement.

Olympic Firsts

1896 Olympic opening ceremony

From the first modern Olympics in held in 1896 in Athens to today, there have been plenty of firsts along the way.

Paris 1924

As the Olympics returns to Paris this Summer, we look back to the last time Paris hosted, a century ago, to feats now immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire, and find out how they are still inspiring young athletes today.

Our Olympians

There are many names and objects in
The Athletics Museum with Olympic connections. Find out more.