The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1960-08-26
SPORTS of TIMES
Why lympics
Died In 1913
BY LOU FABRO
Times Sports Editor

Why did Roman Emperor TheodosiuS call off the
Olympic Games back in the fourth century?
Was he peeved because his Roman StalWartS we're
being outclaSsed by Greek athletes who, incidentally,
were subjects of the Roman Empire? Or was he just a
grouchy old emperor who frowned upon athletics?
Well, it was neither.
The real reason, as explained by historians, is that
the Olympic spirit had deteriorated into an atmos-
phere of envy, bitterness and enmlty, all OF which
touched off occasional violence. The Olympic Games
themselves had desenerated into professional carnl-
walls and circuSes.
SOUNDS SHOCKING, DOESN'T 1T, especially
when you consider the Olympic Games were founded
to promote peace and understanding through the get
together principle.
AS a matter of fact. in the days of the Greek city
states, it was believed that the gods were present, but
invisible, and were delighted with the athletic con-
tests.
With such an atmosphere, the warning Greek
tribes and quarreling cities actually did forget their
bitterness, and a spirit of friendlinesS prevailed. AS a
result. the Olympic Games developed into the greatest
festival of the Greek Empire.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED oLYMPIAD was
held in 776 BE. at Olympia, off the western coast of
Greece. 1t consisted of a single race Of ZOO yards
which was won by GORGEOUS of Ellis, who was a COOK.
AS the years passed, additional events were add
ed and the Olymplcs grew In presuge. Al thelr peak
the Games were conducted on a highly idealistlc, semi
religious basis. They we're strictly amateur Inc only
prize was a simple wreath OF wild olive.
The important thing was not a prize, but the game
itself-and the honor of winning.
MOREOVER, 1T WAS A SINGULAR HONOR just
to take part in the Games. For a long time, only ath-
letes with the highest moral standards could partlcl-
pate. No one with a criminal record or even related 10
someone with a record, could compete.
But with the growth of prosperity and the mer.
chant class, a commercial trend began. C~lty-states tired
to show their superiority over each other SOUNDS tami-
liar) by developing talented athletes.
Rules we're bent and stretched as the ~clty-stateS
began to recruit and subsidiZe athletes. Winners even
were offered lifetime pensions. A strictly amateur
event became a business.
ALTHouG ROME CONQUERED GREECE in
the middle of the second century Be, the olympic
Games we're continued. AT first, the Romans showed
little interest in the Games since they were busy con-
duering the known civilized world.
But after tending to that little matter, the
Romans had more time for leisure and the Olympic
Games caught their eye. Youths were urged 10 TRAIN
for the Games and to compete.
For a long time, the Greeks outclaSsed the Ro-
mans. Naturally, this didn't look good back In Rome
because. after all, the Greeks were a conquered peo-
pie. Thus, an intensive recruitment and training pro-
gam was launched by Rome to alter this little matter
this too sounds familiar)
WELL, BOTH SIDES DEVELOPED a special class
of men who did nothing but train and compete IN the
Olympics. Winners capitalized on their success by
going on tours and accepting cash.
Charges and counter-charges of professionalism
were hurled and soon discord and "@"ndal "rc'" 10 un-
happy proportions. Profits became tEG OF WIN
ming in the Olympics.
Free-for-all fighting broke out at Games, and at
one of the last Olympiads, angered Romans set fire to
Olympic buildings which housed athletes.
WELL, ~THEODOSlUS HAD ENOUGH The Olym-
pics clearly had become a public nuisance. In 1913 AID,
he issued a decree from Rome, ending the Games
which had existed continuously for nearly II centuries.
Today, nearly 16 centuries after that edlct, Rome
is the site of the 18th modern Olympiad, one that
promises to be the greatest ever. Recalling the sad
ending of the ancient Olympics. it is hoped that minor
differences and disputes will remain minor.