The motto of the Olympic Games: what it sounds like, history and interesting facts. Olympic symbols

Olympic motto

Olympic motto consists of three Latin words - “Citius, Altius, Fortius! " Literally this means “faster, higher, stronger!” (lat. fortis- “strength” can be interpreted not only as physical, but also as moral strength - perseverance, courage, etc. Thus, the translation “Faster, higher, braver!” is also possible.

The three-word phrase was first spoken by the French priest Henri Didon at the opening of a sports competition in his college. These words pleased Pierre de Coubertin, who believed that these words reflected the goal of athletes around the world.

History of Olympic Games

Let's briefly look at how the Olympic Games came about. They come from Ancient Greece, where famous sports competitions were organized. On the Peloponnese peninsula, in the ancient sanctuary of Olympia, running competitions and races on quadrigas, i.e. light chariots harnessed to four horses, were held. They subsequently stopped.

They were resumed in the 8th century BC. e. The games were held once every 4 years, and at this time a sacred truce was established. The sports were running, wrestling, pankration, fist fighting, chariot racing, javelin and discus throwing, and archery. The winner was crowned with an olive wreath. In his homeland, universal admiration and respect awaited him.

In 394, the Olympic Games were banned as pagan by Emperor Theodosius, who professed Christianity. They were forgotten for a long time.

Modern Olympic Games

The world owes the revival of the Olympic Games primarily to Pierre de Coubertin. In 1894, he convened the first meeting of an organization called the International Olympic Committee, at which he proposed making traditional competitions modeled on ancient Greek competitions. The first games were planned to be held in Paris in 1900, but, at the suggestion of the Greek poet Demetrius Vikelas, it was decided that they would be held earlier in Athens. This was supposed to symbolize the connection between the ancient and modern Olympic Games.

April 6, 1896 marked the beginning of the first Games of our time. King George I of Greece announced the start of the Olympics, then the Olympic anthem was performed. And from then on, the first traditions appeared. One is that the Games are opened by the ruler of the country that hosts the Olympics. The second is the singing of the Olympic anthem during the opening of the Games. And the third is holding the Olympics every 4 years, and in different places. This was the decision of the IOC in response to Greece's offer to always host the Games.

In 1924, the first Winter Olympics was held in the French city of Chamonix.

The emergence of the Olympic motto

We all know very well what the motto of the Olympic Games sounds like. The words “Faster, higher, stronger” belong to Coubertin’s friend, the priest Henri Didon. It was with this expression that he opened sports competitions at the college where he worked. In Latin the expression sounds like “Citius, Altius, Fortius.” Coubertin liked this slogan so much that he proposed it as the Olympic motto back in 1894, at the first meeting of the newly created IOC. At the same time, the 1st IOC Bulletin was published, in the title of which was the now familiar motto of the Olympic Games.

It was officially presented only in 1924 at the Olympics in Paris.

The motto of the Paralympic Games is “Spirit on motion”. This expression symbolizes disabled athletes who have overcome physical illness and achieved great victories.

"The important thing is not to win but to take part"

This expression is the unofficial motto of the Olympic Games. Many believe that these words were spoken by Coubertin, but this is a mistaken opinion.

The appearance of the motto is associated with the Italian marathon runner Dorando Pietri. At the 1908 London Games, he was disqualified and stripped of Olympic gold because he was assisted at the very end of the race. Pietri, who was far ahead of all his rivals, was so exhausted that on the last stretch of the way he fell several times, and the judges had to help him get up.

Pietri's fortitude amazed everyone who saw these dramatic competitions. He received a special cup from the hands of Queen Alexandra. And the American Bishop Talbot, speaking at a sermon in London's St. Paul's Cathedral, said that there can only be one winner, but everyone can participate. This is the main lesson of the Olympics.

At the suggestion of Coubertin, this expression in a more aphoristic form spread throughout the world.

Other symbols of the Olympic Games

Over time, the complete symbolism of the Olympic Games has developed. And the motto became part of it. In addition to it, there are rings and fire.

As the history of the Olympic Games shows, it can be briefly said that most of the symbols appeared during the VII Summer Olympics in Antwerp (1920).

The Olympic rings, intertwined in a special way, symbolize the unity of the five continents. They show that the Games are worldwide. The author of the emblem is Pierre de Coubertin. He also proposed the Olympic flag - a white silk panel with the image of the Olympic rings.

By the way, the first flag hung over the stadium for only two days. And then he disappeared! A new one was urgently made, which was raised during the opening of the Games until 1988, before the Olympics in Seoul. And the mystery of the missing cloth was revealed only in 1997, when a centenarian sports veteran, American Priste, admitted that he had simply stolen it. Three years later he returned the flag to the IOC.

Very often, an image of an olive branch is used along with rings. This is also an echo of the Olympic Games of antiquity. Then an olive wreath was placed on the winner's head. Since then he has been

During the opening of the Games, one of the most respected athletes takes the Olympic oath on behalf of all participants to honestly fight for victory. And judges swear to judge objectively and fairly. This echoes the traditions of the ancient Greek Olympic Games.

Olympic flame

The tradition of lighting the flame of the Olympic Games also comes from Ancient Greece, where it was dedicated to the feat of Prometheus. It was revived in 1928. Long before the start of the next games, one of the main symbols lights up from the rays of the sun. Then the relay begins to transfer the Olympic flame to the Olympic venue. Participation in it is very honorable for athletes. After a long journey across all continents, the torch is delivered to the opening ceremony of the Games. It lights the Olympic flame, which symbolizes the opening of the Olympics.

Motto of the Winter Olympics in Sochi

Recently, each of the Olympics has had its own motto. Countries hosting the Games try to make them short and memorable. The motto of the Olympic Games in Sochi (2014) was “Hot. Winter. Yours.”

According to the organizers, this expression succinctly reflects the features of the Sochi Olympics. “Hot” is the intensity of passions among participants and fans, “winter” is the nature of the Games and the traditional idea of Russia as a frosty and snowy country, “yours” expresses the feeling of belonging of everyone who participates in it or watches it.

Emblems and mascots of the Games

The modern Olympic Games are characterized by the fact that it has become a tradition for each Olympics to have an emblem that serves as a recognizable symbol of these particular Games. Along with them, talismans also appeared. Countries hosting the Olympics try to show their characteristics or use common cliché images of a given country. It is not surprising that the symbol of the 1980 Moscow Olympics became extremely popular even after its end.

The Olympics is a celebration in which peace and sport play a major role. The Olympic Games show that the countries of the world can compete not in who has how much money or weapons, but in sporting achievements. It is not for nothing that Olympic medals are a source of pride not only for the winners and record holders of the Games, but also for all residents of the country. As in antiquity, Olympic heroes become national heroes. And the Games held in the country are an excellent occasion for the unity of all its citizens.

Olympic motto

Competitions in Ancient Greece

First, it’s worth talking about the Olympics in general. The Olympic Games have very ancient roots. Their very name refers to the ancient Greek gods. In fact, this is not the only reason why the Olympic Games are called. They were held in the settlement of Olympia, where the sanctuary was located. The stadium, located near the Temple of Zeus, could accommodate 45 thousand people. The Olympic Games in Greece were very different in spirit from the modern Olympics, which were a product of Western civilization with its ideals of tolerance and politeness. We should not forget that no matter how far the countries of Europe are from religion, the modern world has been shaped by Christianity with its call to mercy. Ancient Greece was a pre-Christian world. And for all the height of her culture, philosophy, ethical ideals, her mentality was harsh, as in the entire ancient world.

The Olympics in Ancient Greece were a harsh and even bloody spectacle. Not all athletes survived fist fights or chariot races. Why did these young, healthy people, with their whole lives ahead of them, take such risks? The ancient Greeks had slightly different values than our contemporaries. Victory in the Olympic Games was the key to... immortality! The Hellenic religion did not involve an afterlife. Although it included ideas about the dark underground kingdom, Tartarus, these ideas were gloomy and not encouraging.

But it was possible to overcome one’s own mortality thanks to fame. The hero lived through the centuries - in songs composed in his honor, in sculptures. Victory brought glory not only to the winner. Just as athletes now defend the honor of the country, so in Ancient Greece they fought for the honor of the city. City-policies were autonomous; they are often called city-states. There was only one winner in each competition. There were no silver or bronze medals. All the losers returned home in disgrace. Sometimes losing was considered worse than death.

Another interesting aspect of the ancient Olympics was that participants competed completely naked. Only men participated there. Women could, for example, enter their chariots for competitions, but did not drive them themselves. By the way, the word “gymnast” comes from the word “gymnos” - naked. The bodies of athletes inspired poets and sculptors. Not only their will and courage were praised, but also the perfection of their bodies. True, public nudity also provoked homosexuality.

Women and the Olympics

Oddly enough, unmarried girls were allowed into the stadium as spectators, but married women were not allowed in on pain of death. Violators were thrown into the abyss.

Did women's competitions exist in Ancient Greece? Yes, they were too! They were called the Heraian Games - in honor of Hera, the wife of Zeus. Unmarried girls competed in running. They did not have such severe competitions as men. They did not participate naked, but in a short tunic that exposed their right breast. Spartan women often became winners - in Sparta, girls trained equally with boys.

No records

It is unknown whether the Greeks had a motto for the Olympic Games. Of course, in ancient times many events had their own symbolism, usually ritual. And yet history is silent about this. Would the ancient Greeks have liked the motto of the modern Olympic Games? On the one hand, yes, their impulse for perfection and the will to win was no weaker, if not stronger, than that of modern athletes. On the other hand, the Greeks had no such thing as a record. They only compared the achievements of athletes in one competition, but not the results of past Olympics. And this is no wonder, because they had no timers or stopwatches, or cameras capable of recording movement down to a split second. Moreover, it did not correspond to their philosophy.

Creation of modern competitions

The history of the motto and symbols of the Olympic Games sends us back to completely different centuries. All this happened relatively recently, if we compare these events with the times of Ancient Greece.

The motto and symbolism of the Olympic Games were adopted by Pierre de Coubertin. This French baron and public figure put forward the idea of reviving the Olympic Games, inspired by excavations at Olympia. In addition, not long ago France was defeated in the Franco-Prussian War. The Baron decided that one of the main reasons for the defeat was the poor physical preparation of the French. Therefore, it was a good idea to popularize the sport and give worldwide fame to the achievements of athletes. In addition, he hoped that sports competitions could partially replace wars and become a peaceful way to resolve conflicts. Unfortunately, reality has shown that the Olympics did not save the world from subsequent wars. But it became an excellent spectacle and an incentive for young people to pay attention to sports.

On November 25, 1892, Coubertin presented a project for games at the Sorbonne. In June 1894, the International Sports Congress in Paris approved the Olympic Charter. At the same time, the decision was made to hold the first Olympics of our time. It took place in Athens in 1896.

Two mottos

The motto of the Olympics was not invented by Pierre Coubertin himself. The French priest mentioned these three words in his sermon. Coubertin saw an excellent slogan in them and adopted them.

These words are stamped on all medals, as well as on the Olympic cauldron.

What is the unofficial motto of the Olympic Games? This one also exists. “The main thing is not victory, but participation” - this statement has become a catchphrase, which is said sometimes with mockery, sometimes with a sincere desire to console. Oddly enough, this motto also arose from a sermon. A Pennsylvania bishop said from the pulpit of St. Peter's Basilica that the Games themselves are better than the race and the reward. Pierre Coubertin liked this phrase, and later at a government banquet he said that in the Olympics it is important not so much to win as to participate. The history of the emergence of this phrase is not at all simple and it is connected with a specific case.

Hard Marathon

In 1908, the length of the marathon distance for the first time was 42 km 195 meters. Why not an integer? In previous years it was actually 40 km. However, when the Olympics were held in London, King Edward VII insisted that the route be changed to run past the balcony of Windsor Castle. This increased the distance and also complicated the task for athletes who were training to run exactly 40 km. Under the scorching heat that accompanied the 1908 Olympic Games, every extra 100 meters could be fatal. Italian Dorando Pietri almost reached the finish line first, noticeably ahead of his rivals. But, suffering from heatstroke, at the very end of the journey he became disorientated and ran in the wrong direction. The judges stopped him and showed him the way. But the athlete was exhausted and fell. They helped him up. The last 500 meters were painful - the runner fell 4 times, and each time he was helped to his feet. As a result, Dorando Pietri still came to the finish line first. But, on the initiative of the Americans, his victory was not counted, because the athlete accepted outside help. America had its own benefit - American John Hayes finished second, who was eventually awarded first place.

But, to be fair, Dorando Pietri’s will to win did not go unnoticed. By order of Queen Alexandra, the athlete received exactly the same winner's cup, only made of gilded silver. The losing winner became known throughout the world, and songs were even composed in his honor. It was these events that prompted the bishop to speak about the value of participation, which created the unofficial motto of the Olympic Games.

Symbols of the Olympics

The Olympic symbols were developed and adopted later than the motto - in 1913. But the five rings are known everywhere. True, not everyone remembers what colors these rings are and why they are in those particular shades. There are blue, black and red rings on top, yellow and green on the bottom. They symbolize the unity of the five continents. The Olympic flag is a white cloth with a colored symbol of five rings on it.

Olympic ceremonies

The history of the motto, symbols and rituals of the Olympic Games is quite long and heterogeneous. The ritual developed gradually. What ceremonies are required at every game? Of course, the opening and closing of the Olympics. In the modern world these are bright and colorful shows. The most important ritual of the Olympic Games is the carrying of the Olympic flame. This fire is lit by women dressed as priestesses using a sun mirror. This takes place in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics. Then the torch with fire is delivered to the venue of the games. It is usually carried by torchbearers who pass the baton to each other.

Olympics and Russia

The Russian Empire also had a chance to take part in the games. True, only a few athletes were nominated for the first few games. The team performed in 1912. It consisted of 250 people. The team was led by Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich, who participated in equestrian competitions. But in the following years, first the First World War, then the revolution, interfered. After that, the Soviet Union took part in the games. And he joined them late, only in 1952. But the Soviet athletes had excellent training. The USSR national team usually did not take lower than 2nd place in the overall standings.

The successes of modern Russia are not so impressive, and yet our country usually takes a worthy place in the overall standings, and a large number of athletes receive gold medals.

Slogan of the Sochi Olympics

In 2014, the Olympics took place in Sochi. And she had her own slogan. The motto of the Olympic Games in Sochi also consisted of three words: “Hot. Winter. Yours." This wording spoke of the intensity of passions at sports competitions, also hinting at the southern resort town, the timing of the Olympics and the fact that it was impossible to remain indifferent.

For the first time the Olympics gathered its spectators in 776 BC. e. The athletes' competitions took place near Olympia on the Peloponnese island. An interesting fact is that absolutely all wars in the region stopped during the games. Ancient Greece watched this unique sporting spectacle for more than a millennium. The participants were warriors, men competing in a race over a distance of about 192 meters (one stage) completely naked. Because of this, women were not allowed into the stands, and they did not take part in competitions.

The duration of the competition was only one day. Gradually, the Olympiad program expanded. First, running in two stages was added, then endurance running, pentathlon competitions, chariot running, pankration, fist fighting and others. The decision to increase the duration of the games to five days was made in the fifth century BC. e. The year 394 was unlucky for the Olympians; the competition was abolished due to incompatibility with Christianity. After all, they were originally dedicated to Zeus and other gods from the sacred mountain. It was possible to revive the games only in 1896 through the efforts and efforts of Pierre de Coubertin in a symbolic place - in Athens. And in 1924, the Winter Olympic Games started.

Symbols of the Olympics

The games have their own symbols - fire, flag, anthem, motto, rings and oath.

Fire came into the Olympic tradition from Greece: during the games it was transferred from the altar of Hestia to the sacrificial altar of Zeus.

The games are white in color without any border or frame with the image of five rings. The white color represents the unity of all peoples, peace, and the rings on it represent the universal Olympic idea.

The anthem is performed at the raising and lowering of the flag, as well as at other solemn moments.

The motto consists of a combination of the words “Faster, Higher, Stronger!”

The interlocking rings reflect the unity of all continents, the “truce” during the games, the meeting of athletes from all over the world in fair competitions. Their colors represent the five parts of the world.

The Olympic Oath is intended to proclaim the importance of wrestling and its spirit. It creates an atmosphere of fairness and trust.

The history of the motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger!”

The motto is the Latin expression “Citius, Altius, Fortius!”, which literally means “Faster, Higher, Stronger!” The authorship belongs to Henri Didon, the director of the theological college, a French priest. During the start of college sports, he tried to express as accurately and concisely as possible the desire for fair competition, as well as the beneficial effects of sports on people. Pierre de Coubertin really liked the Latin saying, and when in 1894, when creating the IOC (International Olympic Committee), the question arose about which one would be officially approved, de Coubertin did not hesitate and suggested “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” The first IOC Bulletin of 1894 used the slogan for the first time in its title. Official approval occurred in 1913, and since 1920 it has become part of the Olympic emblem. The motto was presented to the public during the VIII Summer Games in Paris only in 1924.

Unofficial principle of Olympic competitions

De Coubertin is also credited with creating the unofficial motto of the Olympics, which reads: “The main thing is not victory, but participation.” In fact, these words were spoken by a bishop from Pennsylvania in 1908 during the London Olympics. Participation meant empathy for an athlete who failed to win, but fought with all his might to the last. The words were directed at Pietri Dorando, an Italian runner. The day before, Dorando was disqualified due to outside assistance at the finish line, which he did not ask for when running the marathon. During the awards ceremony, he did receive a gold cup from a member for his outstanding athletic achievement.

The Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger!” extremely correctly and accurately reflects the aspirations of athletes around the world.

The most memorable slogans

In addition to the generally accepted slogan, each country strives to make itself known with an invented motto for its games. One of the best so far is the motto of the Beijing Olympics (2008) - “One World, One Dream”, translated - “One world, one dream”. This is a reflection of the principle of unity. It was published in 2004 and over the next 4 years they could not come up with anything better. There were other interesting and memorable phrases. Vancouver (2010), for example, had two mottos. One of which is in English (“With Glowing Hearts”), and the second is in French. The literal translation is “With burning hearts.” The slogan of Sydney (2000) was also memorable - “Share the spirit” and, of course, Salt Lake City (2002), which sounded like “Light the fire within.”

Two seasons of the Olympics, summer and winter mottos

Much younger than summer. They were first held in Chamonix, France in 1924. Until 1994, they coincided with the year of the Summer Olympics; after 1994, the interval was reduced to 2 years. The motto of the winter in Sochi (2014) consisted of a sequence of three words “Hot. Winter. Yours." He talks about everyone’s involvement in what is happening, the intensity of the struggle and the timing of the competition.

"One world, one dream"

Over many centuries, the Olympics has overcome more than one obstacle. Now this is one of the largest and most exciting events in the world, during which all military conflicts cease. The sports movement did not die out, but was revived with new strength and aspirations for high ideals. The sacred fire flares up in almost every heart, and the motto of the Olympics is “Faster, Higher, Stronger!” sounds in any sports arena. Millions of people on the planet are involved in this unusual grandiose and solemn performance. And those who cannot take part in it try to watch it from the stands, sincerely rooting for their favorites. You can also watch the event on your TV screen, sitting in the comfort of your home or surrounded by friends. In addition, participants in international games have the opportunity to improve their financial condition: if they win, the reward will be very large. And women can now compete for medals, as well as watch the competition. In addition, there are also Paralympic Games, in which people with disabilities take part, demonstrating the greatest strength of spirit.

The motto of the Olympic Games: what it sounds like, history and interesting facts. Olympic symbols

see also

See what the “Olympic motto” is in other dictionaries:

Books

History of Olympic Games

Modern Olympic Games

The emergence of the Olympic motto

"The important thing is not to win but to take part"

Other symbols of the Olympic Games

Olympic flame

Motto of the Winter Olympics in Sochi

Emblems and mascots of the Games

see also

See what the “Olympic motto” is in other dictionaries:

Books

Competitions in Ancient Greece

Women and the Olympics

No records

Creation of modern competitions

Two mottos

Hard Marathon

Symbols of the Olympics

Olympic ceremonies

Olympics and Russia

Slogan of the Sochi Olympics

Symbols of the Olympics

The history of the motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger!”

Unofficial principle of Olympic competitions

The most memorable slogans

Two seasons of the Olympics, summer and winter mottos

"One world, one dream"