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The Olympics began long ago, scholars guess maybe about 1000 BC, in Greece at a shrine for the worship of Zeus. At first it was just a foot race, then wrestling and boxing, horse and chariot racing were added. The records show that in 108 BC, the five event Pentathlon: a foot race, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling was added.

The games went on with all kinds of interruptions, wars, etc., until 1896, the year of the first modern Olympics. Athens was the venue, and there were forty-three events. The five interlocking rings represent the five continents that sent athletes to the games. There were no women.

The first women to compete won medals in sailing and tennis in 1900. The years passed, and there were more events and more women. 1928 saw women’s gymnastics and diving. The individual performances in those events today—for men also—often come close to being miracles. Maybe they are.

There are more and more events and performances each Olympic year. This year there were ten thousand athletes in 300 different events. It seems that everything has become an Olympic event except, as near as I can tell, croquet, In time, though, croquet may become an Olympic event. I am ready to compete.