On April 6, 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. The International Olympic Committee met for the first time in Paris in June 1984 and chose Greece as the site of the inaugural modern Olympiad.

From left: Antoine De Navacelle de Coubertin, grand nephew of Baron de Coubertin (in portrait),
Prof. Franco Ascani FICTS President  and Francis Gabet Director of Olympic Museum

At the first modern Olympics, 241 male athletes representing 14 Nations competed in 43 events, however the presence of women athletes were not included at that time. America’s James Connolly became the first modern Olympic champion when he won the triple jump on the opening day of the Games. For his achievement, he was awarded a silver medal and an olive branch. To the delight of the hometown crowd, Greek runner Spyridon Louis won the marathon. The first Olympiad closed on April 15, 1896.

The crown was adopted by FICTS as a prize for the winners of “Sport Movies & Tv” with the name of “Guirlande d’Honneur”.