The Olympic Games are held every four years, each time in a
different city. The Games begin when a runner, carrying a lighted torch brought
from (36) , reaches the stadium. The
athletes (37) against one another in various (38)
: they jump, cycle, swim, wrestle and show their skills in gymnastics,
fencing and (39) . Others test their strength and
(40) in the difficult marathon and weightlifting. The winners do
not (41) any cash prizes. Instead the first three athletes in
any event receive gold, (42) and bronze medals.
Nobody knows exactly when the first Olympic Games were held. The
(43) show that they took place as long ago as 776 B.C.
(44) . However, in 1896, a Frenchman started the Games again
in Athens. (45) . Perhaps the one important difference is
that women are now allowed to compete. In fact the events for women are now very
popular. At the Games, all the athletes feel honored to
represent their countries. They know the friendships they form with other
athletes will (46) . This is the major purpose of the Olympic
Games.