The Olympic Games Finally Come Home

                                        Written by Nicholas M.

                                                    (2004)

     Hellenic pride flowed through my veins as I personally witnessed the return of the Olympic Games to Greece this past August 2004. Coined by many in the international press as a “spectacular event," the organizers wove a tapestry that paid homage to Greece’s cultural and historical contributions while uniting the world in peace and brotherhood.

     The Opening Ceremony was a remarkable display of artistry that began with traditional Greek rhythms of “zeimbekiko” performed by hundreds of musicians. The presentations that followed included the appearance of a huge Cycladic statue which came apart in the air and landed into an artificial body of water, a flying Eros, geometric images formed by laser lights as well as a poetry recitation taken from George Seferis’ Mythistorema,- a piece that speaks about the burden the Greeks bear through their heritage. The beautiful melodies of composer Manos Hatzidakis also permeated the stadium as a young boy in a paper boat emerged and waved a Greek flag. Very interesting and original was the “parade” of performers representing the different periods in ancient and modern Greek history. Figures such as Alexander the Great, the Greek revolutionary war hero Kolokotronis and Byzantine emperors served to enlighten the spectators about Greece’s glorious historical and artistic heritage. At the end of the ceremony, the Olympic cauldron “bowed” to Nikos Kaklamanakis, the Greek gold medalist who had been given the honor of torchbearer.

     Among the athletic events I attended, I was most impressed by the competitions in swimming as well as track and field. The endurance and skill demonstrated by athletes such as America’s Michael Phelps was simply awesome. It was also a very successful year for the Greeks in these particular events. My heart pounded as I watched Greece’s Fani Halkia race to the finish line in the women’s 400-meter hurdles.

     What impressed me the most, however, was the show of brotherhood and friendship among the visitors. During the events, people cheered for each other while many posed for pictures together, smiling as if they had found a long lost friend. The ancient Greek poet Pindar was absolutely right when he said, “The supreme games of which to sing are those of Olympia.”