Olympic Games: Olive Oil, a Golden Reward

Born in the 8th century BC in ancient Greece, the Olympic Games are much more than just a simple sports competition. They are also a cultural catalyst, unifying people around ideals such as excellence, fair competition, and peace. It was in 1896 that the modern era of the Olympic Games began. This first celebration took place in Athens.

128 years later, we celebrate the 33 ° edition of the modern games “PARIS 2024” with the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2024.

Olympic Games and Olive Oil: An ancient story

The history of the Games dates back to antiquity nearly 3,000 years ago. It has its roots in Greece, in the Peloponnese, at Olympia. Sporting contests organized in this city took place every four years and were known as the Panhellenic Games. They were much more than just a sporting event.
They were deeply rooted in Greek culture, honoring the gods and promoting unity among the Greek city-states. Olive oil was considered a symbol of wealth, health, and purification. Olympic athletes used to cover their bodies with olive oil before competing, for its moisturizing and protective properties. But they also gave it symbolic importance, connecting them to the tradition and spirituality of the event.

Olive oil as a symbol of victory

In addition to its ritual use, olive oil was also used as a prize for the winners of the Olympic Games. Winners were often crowned with olive branches. They also received amphorae filled with olive oil of the highest quality, produced in the fertile lands of the Peloponnese. The award was highly honorary, symbolizing victory, glory and recognition from the entire Greek community.

Contemporary heritage

The Olympic Games and olive oil are powerful symbols of Mediterranean culture and the heritage of ancient Greece. Their association underlines the importance of tradition, health and victory, past and present.

In 2024, the city of Paris will host the 33rd Modern Olympic Games as well as the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games.

The entire Ellados Shop team fully supports the athletes taking part in these prestigious events. On this occasion, feel free to reward your guests with the exquisite range of Ellados Olive Oil.