Olympics

On this date in Olympic history …

By Jordan McPherson

jmcpherson@miamiherald.com
Performers dressed as ancient Greek athletes pose during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens on Aug. 13, 2004.
Performers dressed as ancient Greek athletes pose during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens on Aug. 13, 2004. AMY SANCETTA AP

Aug. 13, 2004

With more than 10,500 athletes representing 201 nations present, the 2004 Olympic Games commenced in Athens with its Opening Ceremonies, marking a return to the site of the first modern Olympic Games after 108 years, 24 Summer Olympic Games and 21 host cities. Athens became just the fourth city to host multiple Olympics, joining Paris (1900, 1924), London (1908, 1948, 2012) and Los Angeles (1932, 1984). Tokyo will become city No. 5 when it hosts the 2020 Olympic Games. The United States led the final tally in 2004 with 101 overall medals, including 36 gold. China was second with 32 gold medals. Russia won 28 golds for a third-place finish. Host nation Greece finished 15th. The 2004 Olympics also marked the first Games in which major broadcasters were allowed to serve video coverage of the Olympics over the Internet.

Jordan McPherson

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 9:57 AM with the headline "On this date in Olympic history …."

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW