Commemorative bronze medallion.

"Then there were nocturnal festivities on the Acropolis, where the Parthenon was illuminated with colored lights, and at the Pireus, where the vessels were hung with Japanese lanterns.  Unluckily, the weather changed, and the sea was so high on the day appointed for the boat-races, which were to have taken place in the roadstead of Phalerum, that the project was abandoned.  The distribution of prizes was likewise postponed for twenty-four hours.  It came off with much solemnity, on the morning of April 15, in the Stadion.  The sun shone again, and sparkled on the officers' uniforms.  When the roll of the victors was called, it became evident, after all, that the international character of the institution was well guarded by the results of the contests.  America had won nine prizes for athletic sports alone (flat races for 100 and 400 meters;  110-meter hurdle-race;  high jump;  broad jump;  pole-vault;  hop, step, and jump;  putting the shot;  throwing the discus), and two prizes for shooting (revolver, 25 and 30 meters)." - Baron Pierre de Coubertin

Previous - Next