The Olympic Odds And Ends

By Bill Bechem

Athens held the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The U.S was the only non-European competitor; 65 percent of the athletes were from Greece. Women first competed at the 1900 Paris Games, in tennis, sailing, croquet, golf, and equestrian events.

The 1900 Olympics in Paris had Plunge for Distance as a sport. Competitors dove into the water and remained motionless for a minute or until their heads came to the surface. That event was never held again. Obstacle Swimming was another event in Paris. Competitors climbed over and swam under boats and poles in the Seine for 200 meters....