Intercalated Olympic Games

The 1906 Intercalated Olympic Games, held in Athens, Greece, were a significant event that helped solidify the modern Olympic movement. These Games saw an increase in participating countries and events compared to previous modern Olympics, featuring fierce competition and notable athletes like Ray Ewry and Martin Sheridan from the United States, and William Sherring of Canada in the marathon.1

The 1906 Games introduced enduring Olympic traditions, such as the parade of nations during the opening ceremonies. Despite their success and organization, these Games are not officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This exclusion is largely due to Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, who opposed holding Games every two years in Athens, fearing it would lead to Athens becoming a permanent Olympic site. He later retroactively withdrew IOC status from the 1906 Games, a decision upheld by the IOC in subsequent years.1