The Olympics has always been an enigma to millions of people around the world. A tradition steeped in the past which is still revered and celebrated today. Thousands of athletes from around the world train all their lives for the glory of an Olympic medal. The winners go down in history as gods to their countrymen. An Olympic record broken is on par with any achievement a nation could realize.

Held every Olympiad, a succession of four years, the host city puts on spectacular shows to commemorate the start and finish of the world’s greatest athletics competition. Watched by millions of viewers around the world, the grand scale of the games are indeed magnificent.

The Olympics celebrate the true spirit of sportsmanship as is marked by the oath that all athletes take at the commencing ceremony. The Olympic flame which is lit at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece is passed from country to country right up to the Olympic stadium of the host city. Given that the birthplace of the games is Greece, the country is still given the honor of leading
the parade of athletes at the opening ceremonies. During every Olympics, the design of the medals are changed to reflect the host city’s culture and sportsmanship.

The London Olympics of 2012 has the honor of having women athletes from every participating nation in the first time in history. Having hosted the Olympics twice before in 1908 and 1948, the city takes immense pride in being the only city to have hosted the events thrice. The city of London has spent in billions to put the extravaganza of infrastructure, transport, food and other supplies for athletes and tourists alike. Experts estimate that the games will boost London’s economy up to $80 billion by 2015. The 2016 games will be held in the city of Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The mantle has been passed and the world waits with bated breath for the next Olympiad to pay obeisance to the spirit of sportsmanship.