I visited Ancient Olympia on the very day of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, hoping to catch some special activities or celebrations connecting the ancient birthplace of the Olympics with the modern global event. To my surprise, the site was peaceful and quiet, with no visible link or festivities marking the occasion. Despite the significance of the date, there was nothing at all to highlight the connection between the ancient games and today’s Olympics. Nevertheless, the visit was far from disappointing. Walking among the ruins of the ancient stadium, temples, and training grounds offered a humbling glimpse into the origins of this world-renowned sporting tradition.

One of the most impressive sights was the Temple of Zeus, once home to the massive statue of Zeus, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although now largely in ruins, the remaining columns and foundation still convey a powerful sense of grandeur and magnificence. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the scale and awe that this temple inspired in visitors thousands of years ago. Nearby stands the Temple of Hera, one of the oldest temples at Olympia and an important part of the site's legacy. It’s here that the modern Olympic flame is lit before every Olympic Games, during a solemn and theatrical ceremony using a parabolic mirror to harness the sun’s rays, a symbolic gesture linking ancient ritual to modern global unity. Approaching the Ancient Stadium, it was tempting to imagine myself as an Olympic athlete from millennia ago. The highlight of my trip was the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where the displays were exceptionally well curated. The museum provided detailed insights into the history, culture, and daily life of ancient Greece, enriching my understanding far beyond what the ruins alone could offer. Among the exhibits, I was particularly fascinated by the famous statue of Nike of Paionios, which is also the model used for the iconic Olympic medal design. 

On a lighter note, I couldn’t help but notice an unusually high number of French tourists, especially Parisians as they informed the guide, wandering the site. It seemed many were “escaping” their home city to avoid the Olympic crowds and chaos during the games. It was funny to think that while Paris was buzzing with Olympic fever, many of its own residents were quietly enjoying the sun and ruins of Ancient Olympia instead! Although I wished there had been some celebratory link between Ancient Olympia and the Paris Olympics happening on the very same day, the serene atmosphere allowed me to appreciate the historic site in a more reflective way. It reminded me that while the modern Olympics are a global spectacle, their roots lie in this UNESCO World Heritage Site at quiet corner of Greece. Visiting Ancient Olympia on such a symbolic day, even if the modern and ancient worlds didn’t visibly collide. The experience was a beautiful reminder of how history quietly shapes the present.