What’s your favourite part of the Olympics? Let me know below and remember that you can also find me at: BUY MY BOOK (Find Your Irish Ancestors Online): amzn.to/3Z2ChnG Website (with 2 FREE DOWNLOADS): www.historycallingofficial.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/historycalling Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/historycalling Instagram: instagram.com/historycalling/
Thanks! As a little girl and young gymnast I became interested in the Olympics in 1976. Nadia Comaneci was a huge draw. I do remember Olga Korbut from 1972 but I am not sure I associated that competition with the olympics. I was pretty young. I became a bit obsessed with London's 2012 games. Waking up at 6am (I am in Canada) to watch every event Canada competed in. Learned alot about sports that I otherwise never would have watched.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VERY KIND DONATION JOY :-) The 2012 Olympics were of course a huge deal here in the UK for obvious reasons. I remember one of the news stations (maybe the BBC) even managed to nab Princes William and Harry for an impromptu interview. Sadly such a thing would never happen now.
I see from the comments that somebody else my age (60) also appreciated the history lesson of the Olympics. I remember the tragedy of the 1972 Olympics, as well as the phenomenal performance by Nadia Comaneci in 1976. I don’t enjoy the games like I did as a child, but I will always love the history. Thank you for this timely lesson!
It must have been just awful, in the middle of what is meant to be a joyous sporting event to bring everyone together, to suddenly have seen something like that on the news. It's so sad to even read about it.
For me the greatest Olympic moment was when Kathie Freeman won the 400m running race. Lorraine Graham of Jamaica came second. This was special to me because I was a driver for the Jamaican team during the Sydney Olympics and had just taken the team's Chef de Mission to the Olympic Stadium. I was on my dinner break in the Olympic Village as I listened to the race on my portable radio (no live streaming that year). I knew the result when I heard the roar from the crowd as Freeman came home to take the gold. I was INDOORS and nearly two kilometres away! A few seconds alter my little radio told me that Graham had won the silver. As an Australian I wanted Freeman to win but I was, of course(!), barracking for Graham. It was the perfect result for me and a trifecta to remember.
Thank you for another timely video full of interesting facts! My favourite thing about the Olympics is the cross-country discipline in eventing (the three-day equestrian sport). The Olympic cross-country day in eventing is literally the only day I watch sport on television every four years, but I'm passionate about it! And yes, I am a rider myself too, though never did anything half as skillful as the Olympic cross-country riders.
Ah, yes. I saw them. I must confess the singing I enjoyed the most though was Celine Dion. It was lovely to see her performing again after all her health problems (though I thought they could have put a roof over her head).
You'll be happy to hear that the hop skip and jump is still part of the Olympics, but you might be less happy to hear that it's now boringly called the triple jump.
@@hannahrobbins1017 My sole source of knowledge these days seems to be WikiPedia (oh, there's also History Calling). Anyway, WikiPee claims that triple jump, hop skip and jump, and hop step and jump are all names for the same thing. It even seems to imply that the name triple jump was used in 1896 (unless I read that wrong). There has been a change in the way the feet land over the years, the early version being more like two hops and a jump. That sounds difficult. I was surprised to see that Jonathan Edwards still holds the world record. He became quite a celebrity in UK when he smashed the record. In 1995 he hopped skipped and jumped 18.29 metres. In old currency that's 60 feet. Some distance. These days I get out of breath just walking that far.
@@hannahrobbins1017 Just done a bit of sniffing about the web and as far as I can tell "triple jump", "hop, skip and jump" and "hop, step and jump" are all names for the same thing, and it seems that the name triple jump was used even back in 1896. But there has been some change over time. In the early years it was more like two hops and a jump, which sounds really difficult. I was surprised to learn that Jonathan Edwards' world record still stands after 29 years. In 1995 he became quite a celebrity in the UK when he smashed the world record in an event which I and most other Brits knew little about. He hopped skipped and jumped 18.29 metres which in old currency is 60 feet. I find that incredible. These days I get out of breath just walking that far.
I lived in Atlanta during the 1996 games. I remember watching some TV late one night when the bomb went off. Happened just a few miles from our home. The movie "Richard Jewel" is a good recreation of what was going on afterward, trying to find the bomber. Rudolf went on to bomb several women's clinics, then lived off the land in the Appalachian Mountains for a time until he was found.
Oh it's horrible when that happens (and I speak as someone who has also experienced a bomb going off not very far away from her, making all the windows shake). The people who do such things are truly worthless scum.
As a Greek, I knew most of this...but nothing would stop me hearing it from you History Calling..love all your videos and input...keep up the excellent work😊😊😊😊
Thank you, as always, for taking a historical perspective on a current news event. I think my favorite part of the Olympics was always the figure skating events. At one time, we used to drop everything to watch the games on television every four years. The skill of the athletes, in all the events, was breathtaking to behold. In recent years, however, I have had less interest in the whole thing. For one thing, it seems to me that it's gotten more difficult to distinguish between amateur and professional sporting events or participants. Most of all, however, there are so many interests seeking to profit from the huge media spectacle, either commercially or politically, that the original intent of the games has been overshadowed. That said, Celine Dion's performance at the opening ceremony moved me to tears. What a great musician and how wonderful to see her performing once again, and how appropriate for it to be Hymne a L'Amour in her native Canadian French.
Yes, I love the figure skaters too. Virtue and Moir (now retired) from Canada are still my all-time favourites. Their Moulin Rouge routine was jaw-dropping. I really enjoyed Celine Dion's performance as well, in an opening ceremony that was otherwise a bit and miss for me.
I love the equestrian events for the summer Olympics and all the figure skating for the winter Olympics. And on that note, let's not forget the 2002 skating scandal involving Canadians Jamie Salé and David Pelletier. They were initially awarded the silver medal in Pairs skating, despite having a cleaner performance than the Russian team. The next day, the French judge Marie-Reine Le Gougne admitted she had been pressured into awarding the long program to the Russians in exchange for a first-place vote for the French ice dancing team of Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat, and a judging controversy quickly blew up. The scandal ultimately resulted in the suspension of several judges and officials, and Le Gougne's vote was discarded, leaving the long program a tie. Salé and Pelletier were awarded gold medals in a special ceremony later in the week. 🇨🇦
Very interesting. I don't remember that scandal, but it would have been a good one to include. It's a shame the Russians can't just play fair all of the time. What's the point in competing if you're admitting through cheating that you're aren't good enough to win it clean?
Peter Norman, the Australian who came second in 1968 joined in the protest and many believe he was unofficially sanctioned as well. If you look at the image, you can see he’s wearing a badge supporting human rights. The sporting authorities deny that he was penalised but he was never selected for the Olympics again despite the fact that he still holds the national 200m record.
That's so sad for him and all because they objected to what was clearly a terrible situation that shouldn't have been happening. I'm sorry I only researched the Americans here and didn't mention him too.
I just love figure skating, it’s probably because my school did Olympics projects in the early 90s when there was all that drama haha. I got to see the men’s final in Vancouver 2010, it was so cool.
I knew the games were started in ancient Greece but I didn't know they were cancelled for hundreds of years. I'm glad they were made worldwide. My favourite film about the Olympics is Chariots of Fire. Its the music..... I love it ❤
I actually visited the site in Olympia, Greece, with several class mates as part of a three-week round tour through Greece. Of course, we had to test the running track still visible! Very expensive school excursion for my parents, also cost me two weeks of holidays since school rules only allowed seven days for these, but still one of the most amazing and educational trips of my life.
I used to live in an apartment which had a running track painted on the little boulevard outside it (there was a gym facing out onto that boulevard too) and as there was student housing just up the street, sometimes at 2am some very drunk students would take to racing each other up and down it, screaming as they went. It used to drive me potty as I had to get up for work at 7:30am. Your trip to Greece and view of the original running track fortunately sounds a lot more pleasant :-)
Hello HC, thank you for this little nugget about the only thing on television right now! I've always been fascinated by the ancient history about the Olympics, for that alone, thank you! I missed you last week, unfortunately i was rushed to hospital and had to undergo emergency surgery. Back home now, catching up on everything, especially sleep! I'm already looking forward to your next video! Have a great week, 😊❤ and seeing as the Olympics are on: 🇬🇧!!
Oh my word! I'm so sorry to hear about the week you've had. I'm glad you're back home now and recuperating, but that sounds terrifying. Please take care of yourself. I can't go losing one of my best followers after all 😂 ❤
@HistoryCalling Aw bless you! Thank you for caring. This time four years ago during lockdown, I actually nearly did loose my life, I had internal bleeding that I ignored for over a year, as a result when they ambulanced me off to hospital the consultant said I wouldn't have made it if I had left it any longer and that they just about managed to save me. I've been in and out of hospital ever since, always via the emergency route as I absolutely hate the hospital! But I can't get too mad at them! I will have to have further major surgeries to remove organs that have become damaged. You are a life line for me. Not only have I always loved all things history (I still have my old workbooks from when I was at primary school showing stonehenge and cavemen!) I love learning from you and of course it acts as a welcome distraction from my illness! You really are wonderful, HC. Thank you for bringing light into my life. ❤️🌟
Thank you, HC....EXCELLENT CHOICE of content. I like watching water polo as both the men and women are AMAZINGLY STRONG. I also like swimming, diving gymnastics and some of the shooting events. The competitors have to run hard, then stop and shoot a rifle while breathless. AMAZING. 😊😮❤
Yes, there are great for that, though I wish this year's had been indoors. I pitied all those people in the rain, only able to see the tiny part of the ceremony happening right in front of them.
@@HistoryCalling I completely agree. What's your favorite opening and closing ceremonies? Mine are the 2012 London Olympics because I adore British history, and they had Eric Idle come out to sing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
Yes, thought I'd go topical with this week's video and last, though as both have bombed, that was clearly a mistake. Back to 'proper' history next week and the royals.
I know. It's so silly. You can't even really see anything without the little modesty patches, but YT specifically asks if there's uncensored nudity so I have to add them in to get around that. *eye roll*
I have a few memories of the Olympics. First was when they were in California back in '84. I was allowed to fly down from Washinton with my older brothers to visit my dad and extended family. My maternal grandmother took us to see the torch runners. I was about 6 at the time or just turning six. Next, I remember when I was in High School and the Olympics were held in Georgia. I remember comedian Jeff Foxworthy talking about how all the Red Necks would be screwing things up. The funny thing was a lot of it wasn't far-fetched for the time. I also remember one girl doing her gymnastics floor routine to the song The Devil Went Down to Georga by the late Charlie Daniels. It was the first time I remember watching the Olympics on TV, as before we lived way out in the boondocks and only had one channel and that was the local TV station. Finally, I remember the 2008 Olympics because that was the year my daughter was born. I remember sitting in the hospital waiting for an ultrasound to declare me fit and healthy, which I was, as was my baby girl. I remember watching the swimming competition and joking with the nurses and my husband that since she was born during an Olympic year we weren't going to be able to keep her out of the water. While we are not sports people, the joke still remains because she loves to swim, especially mermaiding, and loves it when it rains. (I live in Arizona so it's kinda a big deal when it does.) The best thing about the Olympics is when it's over and the world goes back to normal. I have done my share of sports and prefer to spend my time doing other things than watch a bunch of people risk permaniatly injuring themselves just for a chance at a medal. I appreciate their journey and understand how hard it is. I just prefer a more peaceful exhistence.
My favorite sport is swimming. I swam competitively in high school. I did swim against Mark Spitz and lost both races. I also was a competitive archer in my youth. I shot in the bow hunter class which bears little resemblance to Olympic archers. Even though I used a standard bow and was shooting against guys using compound bows, I placed 3rd in the State Championships. I think the modern basketball is a travesty. All of the Americans are professionals. I like the skiing and skating events in winter. Figure skating is probably my favorite. Even as I sit her watching your video and typing out my reply, I am watching the Olympics.
Yes, I like watching the figure skating too. They're retired now, but I love Virtue and Moir's routines (from Canada). I'll still rewatch those on TH-cam. I'm in awe of how sporty you were/are. Let's just say that I didn't enjoy P.E. at school (apart from when they took us trampolining). Mostly I was just trying not to get knocked out by flying hockey balls! :-) Archery would have been fun though, but that was never an option.
@@HistoryCalling I forgot to put in my gymnastics in high school. It was a blast. I was never able to do more than a single forward flip on floor ex. You have to remember that, when I went to school, it was mandatory for us to take gym every day. I think it's a shame that this is no longer a requirement. Trampoline was a lot of fun. Track, soccer, football (American), etc.
Wonderful video! I have always loved any of the sports but have had a soft spot for the parade of nations. Love looking for the countries that only have 1-2 athletes. Did you know that in 2004 in Athens the shot put competition was held at the original ancient Olympic stadium?
I am a preparation (english) student in sabanci university (I will start faculty 2 months later and I will probably be computer engineer or physicist.) and our topic is ethics and history of sports (we have studied for 2 months). I do not think better than this video for my english enhancement. Thank you :)
Happy to find you again. Favorite Olympic sport this year is ladies surfing. I'm living in Costa Rica and our lovely local gal seems posed to go all the way. As of right now she's qualified to go on. Love that you love "Blades of Glory" because it's such a funny movie!
Thanks Suzanne. Yes, water sports are good (I'm not terribly sporty myself, but I do like swimming and water in general). Yes, usually I don't like Will Ferrell, but Blades of Glory is def. and exception to the rule.
I admit to doing a bit of a head shake when you said at 5:42 the summer and winter games started in 94. In reality, there were winter games starting in 1926. They split in 92/94 with the winter moving to the years between the Summer games. And I know because one of my first Olympic memories was in 1960 getting to ride my bike to Grandma's because SHE would let me watch her tv and I didn't have to share with my brother! I was 8. Other memories, attending several events of the 1992 Albertville games! And standing on a cliff purported to just be a mountain and watching a competitor, who went off course, so long out of the metals, coming down the slope as most people were walking away. He had had to walk all the way back to the top to come down again BUT HE FINISHED. That has always been the Olympics for me!
I know. I'm sorry. I got that wrong. I was indeed thinking of the split you mention, so that they are now held two years apart, but should have also explained about the winter games starting in the 1920s. My bad. Going all the way to your grandma's so you didn't have to share with your brother made me smile though. I sense a little latent grumpiness about the enforced sharing at home :-)
For all its faults I have loved the Olympics since I was a child. I had the great opportunity to volunteer at the 2000 olympics and can’t say I heard an unhappy voice for the whole two weeks. People just enjoyed the whole vibe. As far as sports go I like so see the ones we rarely see in Australia like Handball.
Oh that must have been an amazing experience. Obviously I don't think that living here in Northern Ireland I'm ever going to get the chance to be involved in the Olympics.
I suppose if you grow up with all that beautiful warm water around you and knowing you have to dodge sharks if you get into it, you would learn to swim very well :-) (PS I know of course that shark attacks are actually pretty rare when you consider how many people swim in the waters off Australia).
I think for most people in my generation, the great moment- alongside Jesse Owens as a landmark- is the 1980 Miracle On Ice, one of the greatest upsets in sports history, and a great young memory for me. For one incredible, highly-unlikely moment, Americans were united in hockey mania. What would it take to put us together again like that?
Now there's a question. What would it take to bring Americans together? Probably some huge outside threat, like an invasion, which is so depressing. It shouldn't take WW3 to more or less unite a country. :-(
Oooh very interesting. I like the Olympics, but the corruption puts me off a bit. The eastern bloc countries used to dope their athletes , which was very frustrating as some of them were quite likeable people. I used to like Olga Korbut who was a great gymnast before Nadia Comanec. Both great on the beam. I also remember the great Irina Rodnina ice skater. She was so technical, but very graceful on the ice. Worked her socks off too. There have been many great sportstars over the years, John Curry, Linford Christie, Seb Coe, Mary Peters, Jessica Ennis, too many to list. The range of sports now is quite scary. Thanks for this HC. History with a twist. Love it. 😍
Well I guess I'm an old curmudgeon but I don't like the games being held bi-annually! Growing up the entire family would gather round the TV every night and watch whatever sport was featured I think it was the rarity of the 4 year event that was part of making them seem so special There was a larger sense that you were witnessing history as well as a sports competition Also I can't help feeling that this was done in order to capitalize on commercial interests rather than focusing on the tradition and history of the event itself and the athletes Of course it's still 4 years between the individual competitions but some of the excitement if gone for me Although I've never been a sports fan - I do enjoy Figure Skating and Gymnastics and some of the Ski Jumping Thanks for a very timely and entertaining video!
Yes, I know what you mean. I don't watch any football really, except a little bit of the World Cup, which is of course every four years. I agree that if it was every two years it would be a little less special. PS You're not old, you're experienced :-)
I agree-I used to love when the summer and winter games were in the same year. The Olympics feels very commercialized now. I can barely watch the US broadcast. There’s so little actual competition. I have to check on line to see results that are not being shown in prime time.
Very interesting! I was in Canada for the Montreal 1976 Olympics. I remember watching it on a small portable black & white TV set at a fishing camp in Ontario.
It would be interesting to examine how money has changed the Olympics. Allowing professional basketball players killed any competition when the rules changed. Dubbed the “Dream Tream,” they were unbeatable. I have mixed feelings about professional athletes in the Games.
As always, I'm enjoying seeing this for a second time, HC. I sometimes wonder if I should be taking notes like a schoolboy; my memory is just not what it used to be. I always want to retain as much as I can. I don't usually watch the games but occasionally see some pretty awesome highlights on the news. Thanks for this and have a great week! You rock! 🙏🏼
Currently, my favorite part of the Olympics is the opening ceremony and the kerfuffle that it caused all over the US. The sheer amount of righteous indignation that a few drag queens can cause will never cease to amaze me. Not to mention the inclusion of Sequana and Gojira's performance with the beheaded Marie Antoinette. It probably says something about me that I'm finding the whole situation ridiculous and hilarious.
You did such a great job! I was born and raised there (Olympia that is) and I currently live in a city near by. I may be based but the archaeological site of Olympia is one of the most impressive I've visited, and we have quite a few of those in Greece. It's quite expansive and it's still being excavated as new temples etc keep poping up! You should definitely visit! ps. Google translate did you dirty with that pronunciation lol, it's more o-LEE-mpia-KEE like the jeans word key
So I am just not a fan of sport, so I never watch the Olympics. But I love your videos, so obviously had to watch this. And I found it really interesting, so thank you! I still won't be watching any events. But also, blades of glory is one of my favourite movies, it's so silly but i love it.
Very good. All my years growing up, my father's family always watched the Olympics. We loved those games, and always enjoyed the opening ceremonies. My wife, who had trained with pros in California, was always partial to the figure skating competitions. So we became very familiar with the great names from the 1980s and 1990s. But the opening ceremonies seem to have hit a new low this time around. I am not watching the games, but I will probably check out highlights later on this platform.
I love the figure skating too. Torvill and Dean are still proper celebs here in the UK and they competed back in the 80s. I love the now retired Virtue and Moir from Canada too. The Opening Ceremony was a bit hit and miss for me. I def. think the decision to hold it all outside came back to bite them (or rather soak them to the skin).
I agree I love how you put Jesse Owen's stuck it to Hilter. The best part really is that Hilter thinks the Aryan Race was what to be. Yet he didn't even have that look himself
I know. It's ironic in a sick sort of a way. A filthy hypocrite (and many other evil things too) through and through. Definitely the basis for the half-blood Lord Voldemort.
I was raised watching several events but my parents were very clear with us that though the Olympic Games pretended that they were “above all international politics” that it was a heavily politicized affair, I think that’s held over the years
The Olympic Rings and flag were created in 1913 but due to WWI were not used until the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. Because of that the flag was initially referred to as the "Antwerp Flag". Now the flag changes name after every Olympic Games and is named after the hosting city.
Along with some university friends I was travelling from London to Munich on the day of the Munich Massacre. In the days before mobile phones we had no idea what had happened and there was very little information about it in Munich and that was in German, which none of us spoke. It was years before I discovered what happened in detail.
This is a bit of a sidebar to your comment, but I'm literally the last generation to grow up without mobiles and ever present internet and I was just saying to someone the other say that it's so bad for youngsters now and I'm so glad that I didn't have a phone until I was 17 or 18 and even then, they were so basic back then that it literally just made calls and could only save 10 text messages. I had no social media until I was about 20 and don't regret it in the slightest. There's definitely an argument to be made that social media and phones with cameras and social media apps should be banned for under 18s. Your brain isn't really done wiring up until you're about 24 after all. It's so unhealthy to pump all the poison that comes with social media into it when a person is so young.
When I was little, I loved the Olympics. Now, it seems like there are too many events. Blades of Glory being the top grossing movie about the Olympics is hilarious. That movie is funny.
Fun fact: did you know, Peter the great had a black son ? His name was Abram Petrovich Hannibal. He was A Russian chief military Engineer,General-in-Chief, and nobleman of Aftrican origin. Kidnapped and enslaved as a child by the Ottomans, Abram Was smuggle to Russia, and presented as a gift to Peter the great where he was freed adopted and raised in the Emperor household godson .
Yesssssss oh my god Blades of Glory, absolutely the best film about figure skating ever. 😂 I was about to bemoan the fact that the most notable fact about figure skating in the video was the Tonya Harding scandal, but the Blades of Glory mention completely made up for that. 😂 But yeah, for me, favorite part is always the figure skating in the Winter Olympics.
Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you doing? How is the weather where you are? I'm doing well, and so is my cat Benjamin. We still have a heatwave in Ontario, Canada. In the next video, in the future, could you do Anne Seymour. She was the wife of Edward Seymour. and sister in law to queen Jane Seymour, Henry, the eighth wife. Have a great day. See you next video 😊
I generally like equestrian ones, 'cause I'm still a bit horse crazy. (It started when I was a toddler, so it's not likely to stop now that I'm nearly my grandma's age when she became a grandma!) I also like the ones where people are jumping about outside of track, & a bit of basketball, but mostly, I don't pay any attention. I did see the torch when it's bearer jogged through my town on its way to Los Angeles. Mom & Dad got us up the middle of the night to see it. I even remember I was wearing my footed pjs. That was pretty cool
I think there are far worse things to be than horse crazy. That sounds like a great hobby. :-) I don't think the Olympic flame has EVER been jogged through Northern Ireland sadly, or at least not that I recall.
@@HistoryCalling Not so much a hobby as still having a couple of my old horse toys & a mug with one. And the statue my then-6yo picked out for me. She put a heart sticker on it, lol
hello history calling, in my stories, creative character was running for president and doing a presidential debate. He was asked about his polygamy lifestyle and this was his response “ The person can get to know and explore relationship with more people in the same amount of time. This also means you are more likely to meet people that you connect with and find the best matches.” And when he was interrupted, he responded with “ Could you please interrupt me again, with another relevant story to interject into a conversation that I was NOT having with you?
I don't know anything about the Anglo-Saxons, so I'll have to leave them out. The Hanoverians, despite often not liking each other, didn't do too badly. They resisted the urge to kill one another at least and didn't even really die out; it's just that their final member got married and changed the family 'surname'. The Windsors are doing well on the whole as well, largely helped by Elizabeth II's epic reign.
Good job! I used to be a faithful viewer & couldn't wait for either summer or winter games. It's a shame the games have taken on such political nonsense. I'm hoping it's a one off.
I have one more thing. Who are your top five crushes mines are: 1. Kate Winslet 2. Jennifer Lawrence 3. Kate Blanchett 4. Scarlett Johansson 5. Stephanie McMahon
ah I am sorry but the inception of the Winter Olympics was 1924 not 1994, the first being held at Chamonix , I am sure you know this and that it was a slip of the tongue.
Oops, you're correct. Now what I was thinking of is when they started splitting them up, so summer and winter Olympics are held two years apart, but yes, it was definitely an oversight on my part to not properly explain what happened in 1924 as well. Thank you for being kind in the way you pointed out my error though. A lot of people, if they spot a faux pas like that, are very rude and nasty about it.
@@HistoryCalling I figured thats what you meant :) I am afraid I was born to be a copy editor, Mother a teacher and dad a science dude, He was one of those people that did not allow any talking at all when he was watching tv so even from being a baby I was trained to focus and not be distracted, or be instantly sent to bed, The Grenoble Winter Olympics, when I was three and a half is the first I remember, which set me up nicely for the Mexico City games in the summer of 1968 which has lots of very clear memories. Sometimes it pays off to be rigorously parented :) My childhood seems full of lunar missions, hijackings, bombings, assassinations, Kenneth Clarke, David Attenborough and Jacob Bronowski and not so much of dolls and playgrounds. Cant complain though,
My favorite part of the Olympics is when it’s finally over 😂. I am not fond of sports. Although, this years Olympics made me chuckle when they assigned Snoop Dog to run with a torch that looks suspiciously a lot like a certain indulgence he is known for 😂
What’s your favourite part of the Olympics? Let me know below and remember that you can also find me at:
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I love Gymastics, Some swimming or diving maybe.
Ice skating.
It's changed as I have gotten older.
Gymnastics and figure skating would be my top picks I think.
Thanks! As a little girl and young gymnast I became interested in the Olympics in 1976. Nadia Comaneci was a huge draw. I do remember Olga Korbut from 1972 but I am not sure I associated that competition with the olympics. I was pretty young. I became a bit obsessed with London's 2012 games. Waking up at 6am (I am in Canada) to watch every event Canada competed in. Learned alot about sports that I otherwise never would have watched.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VERY KIND DONATION JOY :-) The 2012 Olympics were of course a huge deal here in the UK for obvious reasons. I remember one of the news stations (maybe the BBC) even managed to nab Princes William and Harry for an impromptu interview. Sadly such a thing would never happen now.
I see from the comments that somebody else my age (60) also appreciated the history lesson of the Olympics. I remember the tragedy of the 1972 Olympics, as well as the phenomenal performance by Nadia Comaneci in 1976. I don’t enjoy the games like I did as a child, but I will always love the history. Thank you for this timely lesson!
It must have been just awful, in the middle of what is meant to be a joyous sporting event to bring everyone together, to suddenly have seen something like that on the news. It's so sad to even read about it.
I am 60 years old.
My primary school memories of the history of The Olympic Games are nearly nonexistent.
Thank you for the history lesson.
It's ok. I'm in my 30s and have no memories of learning about them either :-)
I remember the Melbourne Olympics 😊😊 yes I’m old (and the Munich massacre) but 2012 was the one I saw most of because it was in our time zone.
History Calling; I had a dream where you was crowned as queen of France, and Chris Evans was your consort. Each year; they held games in your honor.
And there's me not even really interested in sports! :-)
For me the greatest Olympic moment was when Kathie Freeman won the 400m running race. Lorraine Graham of Jamaica came second.
This was special to me because I was a driver for the Jamaican team during the Sydney Olympics and had just taken the team's Chef de Mission to the Olympic Stadium. I was on my dinner break in the Olympic Village as I listened to the race on my portable radio (no live streaming that year).
I knew the result when I heard the roar from the crowd as Freeman came home to take the gold. I was INDOORS and nearly two kilometres away! A few seconds alter my little radio told me that Graham had won the silver.
As an Australian I wanted Freeman to win but I was, of course(!), barracking for Graham. It was the perfect result for me and a trifecta to remember.
Hop, Skip, and Jump- that is truly joyous.
It is, isn't it? Sometimes we just need a little bit of silliness in the world.
Thank you for another timely video full of interesting facts! My favourite thing about the Olympics is the cross-country discipline in eventing (the three-day equestrian sport). The Olympic cross-country day in eventing is literally the only day I watch sport on television every four years, but I'm passionate about it! And yes, I am a rider myself too, though never did anything half as skillful as the Olympic cross-country riders.
Excellent choice :-) I don't know if that event has happened yet or not, but if not, please enjoy it when it does occur :-)
It was so memorable to watch them compete on the grounds of Versailles! A beautiful event.
I do love how much variety is in the games now, who would have ever thought break dancing would be in them?
Yes, that's a great point. That's good I think, as it keep them up to date, relevant and pulling in a new audience.
One of my favorite bands played at the opening of the Paris Olympics this year! I was absolutely thrilled. (Gojira)
Ah, yes. I saw them. I must confess the singing I enjoyed the most though was Celine Dion. It was lovely to see her performing again after all her health problems (though I thought they could have put a roof over her head).
I’m also a huge Gojira fan and was so pleased!
Thank you History Calling!! Another great video! My favorite parts of the Olympics are gymnastics, and the closing ceremony!! Have a great week!!!
Yes, the gymnasts are incredible. I watched a little bit of Simone Biles on the bar the other night. Just amazing!
You'll be happy to hear that the hop skip and jump is still part of the Olympics, but you might be less happy to hear that it's now boringly called the triple jump.
Oh that is a bit less fun. They should have kept the funny name for sure :-)
That takes all the fun out of it.
Having triple jumped in high school, I wondered if that was the same thing 😂
@@hannahrobbins1017 My sole source of knowledge these days seems to be WikiPedia (oh, there's also History Calling). Anyway, WikiPee claims that triple jump, hop skip and jump, and hop step and jump are all names for the same thing. It even seems to imply that the name triple jump was used in 1896 (unless I read that wrong). There has been a change in the way the feet land over the years, the early version being more like two hops and a jump. That sounds difficult. I was surprised to see that Jonathan Edwards still holds the world record. He became quite a celebrity in UK when he smashed the record. In 1995 he hopped skipped and jumped 18.29 metres. In old currency that's 60 feet. Some distance. These days I get out of breath just walking that far.
@@hannahrobbins1017 Just done a bit of sniffing about the web and as far as I can tell "triple jump", "hop, skip and jump" and "hop, step and jump" are all names for the same thing, and it seems that the name triple jump was used even back in 1896. But there has been some change over time. In the early years it was more like two hops and a jump, which sounds really difficult. I was surprised to learn that Jonathan Edwards' world record still stands after 29 years. In 1995 he became quite a celebrity in the UK when he smashed the world record in an event which I and most other Brits knew little about. He hopped skipped and jumped 18.29 metres which in old currency is 60 feet. I find that incredible. These days I get out of breath just walking that far.
Great video. I was in Olympia Greece and toured where the first Olympics were held and it was so cool
Oh that does sound amazing. I've never been to Greece, but I think I'd like to go some day.
I lived in Atlanta during the 1996 games. I remember watching some TV late one night when the bomb went off. Happened just a few miles from our home. The movie "Richard Jewel" is a good recreation of what was going on afterward, trying to find the bomber. Rudolf went on to bomb several women's clinics, then lived off the land in the Appalachian Mountains for a time until he was found.
Oh it's horrible when that happens (and I speak as someone who has also experienced a bomb going off not very far away from her, making all the windows shake). The people who do such things are truly worthless scum.
As a Greek, I knew most of this...but nothing would stop me hearing it from you History Calling..love all your videos and input...keep up the excellent work😊😊😊😊
This episode deserves a Gold Medal. Well done. That accent is so cool🎵🎶
Thank you so much :-)
Thank you, as always, for taking a historical perspective on a current news event. I think my favorite part of the Olympics was always the figure skating events. At one time, we used to drop everything to watch the games on television every four years. The skill of the athletes, in all the events, was breathtaking to behold. In recent years, however, I have had less interest in the whole thing. For one thing, it seems to me that it's gotten more difficult to distinguish between amateur and professional sporting events or participants. Most of all, however, there are so many interests seeking to profit from the huge media spectacle, either commercially or politically, that the original intent of the games has been overshadowed. That said, Celine Dion's performance at the opening ceremony moved me to tears. What a great musician and how wonderful to see her performing once again, and how appropriate for it to be Hymne a L'Amour in her native Canadian French.
Yes, I love the figure skaters too. Virtue and Moir (now retired) from Canada are still my all-time favourites. Their Moulin Rouge routine was jaw-dropping. I really enjoyed Celine Dion's performance as well, in an opening ceremony that was otherwise a bit and miss for me.
Virtue/ Moir’s 2018 free dance was amazing!
I love the equestrian events for the summer Olympics and all the figure skating for the winter Olympics. And on that note, let's not forget the 2002 skating scandal involving Canadians Jamie Salé and David Pelletier. They were initially awarded the silver medal in Pairs skating, despite having a cleaner performance than the Russian team. The next day, the French judge Marie-Reine Le Gougne admitted she had been pressured into awarding the long program to the Russians in exchange for a first-place vote for the French ice dancing team of Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat, and a judging controversy quickly blew up. The scandal ultimately resulted in the suspension of several judges and officials, and Le Gougne's vote was discarded, leaving the long program a tie. Salé and Pelletier were awarded gold medals in a special ceremony later in the week. 🇨🇦
Very interesting. I don't remember that scandal, but it would have been a good one to include. It's a shame the Russians can't just play fair all of the time. What's the point in competing if you're admitting through cheating that you're aren't good enough to win it clean?
Peter Norman, the Australian who came second in 1968 joined in the protest and many believe he was unofficially sanctioned as well. If you look at the image, you can see he’s wearing a badge supporting human rights. The sporting authorities deny that he was penalised but he was never selected for the Olympics again despite the fact that he still holds the national 200m record.
That's so sad for him and all because they objected to what was clearly a terrible situation that shouldn't have been happening. I'm sorry I only researched the Americans here and didn't mention him too.
I just love figure skating, it’s probably because my school did Olympics projects in the early 90s when there was all that drama haha. I got to see the men’s final in Vancouver 2010, it was so cool.
I knew the games were started in ancient Greece but I didn't know they were cancelled for hundreds of years. I'm glad they were made worldwide. My favourite film about the Olympics is Chariots of Fire. Its the music..... I love it ❤
Excellent movie choice as well. 😂
I loved the spoof of this movie in the London opening ceremonies!
I actually visited the site in Olympia, Greece, with several class mates as part of a three-week round tour through Greece. Of course, we had to test the running track still visible! Very expensive school excursion for my parents, also cost me two weeks of holidays since school rules only allowed seven days for these, but still one of the most amazing and educational trips of my life.
I used to live in an apartment which had a running track painted on the little boulevard outside it (there was a gym facing out onto that boulevard too) and as there was student housing just up the street, sometimes at 2am some very drunk students would take to racing each other up and down it, screaming as they went. It used to drive me potty as I had to get up for work at 7:30am. Your trip to Greece and view of the original running track fortunately sounds a lot more pleasant :-)
That was a great history lesson I pretty much knew very little of the history. Thanks for the great video HC Look forward to next week.
Thanks Vernon. Back to the royals next week for a bit of murder! :-)
@@HistoryCalling You've peaked my interest looking forward to it.
Hello HC, thank you for this little nugget about the only thing on television right now! I've always been fascinated by the ancient history about the Olympics, for that alone, thank you! I missed you last week, unfortunately i was rushed to hospital and had to undergo emergency surgery. Back home now, catching up on everything, especially sleep! I'm already looking forward to your next video! Have a great week, 😊❤ and seeing as the Olympics are on: 🇬🇧!!
Oh my word! I'm so sorry to hear about the week you've had. I'm glad you're back home now and recuperating, but that sounds terrifying. Please take care of yourself. I can't go losing one of my best followers after all 😂 ❤
@HistoryCalling Aw bless you! Thank you for caring. This time four years ago during lockdown, I actually nearly did loose my life, I had internal bleeding that I ignored for over a year, as a result when they ambulanced me off to hospital the consultant said I wouldn't have made it if I had left it any longer and that they just about managed to save me. I've been in and out of hospital ever since, always via the emergency route as I absolutely hate the hospital! But I can't get too mad at them! I will have to have further major surgeries to remove organs that have become damaged.
You are a life line for me. Not only have I always loved all things history (I still have my old workbooks from when I was at primary school showing stonehenge and cavemen!) I love learning from you and of course it acts as a welcome distraction from my illness! You really are wonderful, HC. Thank you for bringing light into my life. ❤️🌟
Thank you, HC....EXCELLENT CHOICE of content. I like watching water polo as both the men and women are AMAZINGLY STRONG. I also like swimming, diving gymnastics and some of the shooting events. The competitors have to run hard, then stop and shoot a rifle while breathless. AMAZING. 😊😮❤
Wow what a good video in honor the Olympics games
Thank you. I thought it would be topical :-)
It's sad Noone speaks of the history of the Olympics . Thanks, @historycalling
I agree. It's such an interesting history too.
I always enjoyed the opening and closing ceremonies because it's cool to see how the host country's culture is represented.
Yes, there are great for that, though I wish this year's had been indoors. I pitied all those people in the rain, only able to see the tiny part of the ceremony happening right in front of them.
@@HistoryCalling I completely agree. What's your favorite opening and closing ceremonies? Mine are the 2012 London Olympics because I adore British history, and they had Eric Idle come out to sing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
Thank you for this! These are all the questions I have been trying to find answers to!
Another gem of facts HC thank you as always, for me personally I like the varied sports you don't see very much off, 👍☺️
Yes, it is nice to see something other than football for once! :-)
@@HistoryCalling I agree HC but I do enjoy football ☺️☺️
Keeping up to date, eh? Interesting one :) I’ll watch it as soon as I dine🙏🙏
Yes, thought I'd go topical with this week's video and last, though as both have bombed, that was clearly a mistake. Back to 'proper' history next week and the royals.
Friend ! I wanted to tell you that Peter, the great of Russia had a black son.
@@DarthDread-oh2ne Hello, I didn’t know that, thanks! Who was the mother?
Oh no, he was adopted by Peter the Great.
Digital fig leaves are hilarious. I know you had to do it, but what a world we live in.
I know. It's so silly. You can't even really see anything without the little modesty patches, but YT specifically asks if there's uncensored nudity so I have to add them in to get around that. *eye roll*
I have a few memories of the Olympics. First was when they were in California back in '84. I was allowed to fly down from Washinton with my older brothers to visit my dad and extended family. My maternal grandmother took us to see the torch runners. I was about 6 at the time or just turning six. Next, I remember when I was in High School and the Olympics were held in Georgia. I remember comedian Jeff Foxworthy talking about how all the Red Necks would be screwing things up. The funny thing was a lot of it wasn't far-fetched for the time. I also remember one girl doing her gymnastics floor routine to the song The Devil Went Down to Georga by the late Charlie Daniels. It was the first time I remember watching the Olympics on TV, as before we lived way out in the boondocks and only had one channel and that was the local TV station. Finally, I remember the 2008 Olympics because that was the year my daughter was born. I remember sitting in the hospital waiting for an ultrasound to declare me fit and healthy, which I was, as was my baby girl. I remember watching the swimming competition and joking with the nurses and my husband that since she was born during an Olympic year we weren't going to be able to keep her out of the water. While we are not sports people, the joke still remains because she loves to swim, especially mermaiding, and loves it when it rains. (I live in Arizona so it's kinda a big deal when it does.) The best thing about the Olympics is when it's over and the world goes back to normal. I have done my share of sports and prefer to spend my time doing other things than watch a bunch of people risk permaniatly injuring themselves just for a chance at a medal. I appreciate their journey and understand how hard it is. I just prefer a more peaceful exhistence.
My favorite sport is swimming. I swam competitively in high school. I did swim against Mark Spitz and lost both races. I also was a competitive archer in my youth. I shot in the bow hunter class which bears little resemblance to Olympic archers. Even though I used a standard bow and was shooting against guys using compound bows, I placed 3rd in the State Championships. I think the modern basketball is a travesty. All of the Americans are professionals.
I like the skiing and skating events in winter. Figure skating is probably my favorite.
Even as I sit her watching your video and typing out my reply, I am watching the Olympics.
Yes, I like watching the figure skating too. They're retired now, but I love Virtue and Moir's routines (from Canada). I'll still rewatch those on TH-cam. I'm in awe of how sporty you were/are. Let's just say that I didn't enjoy P.E. at school (apart from when they took us trampolining). Mostly I was just trying not to get knocked out by flying hockey balls! :-) Archery would have been fun though, but that was never an option.
@@HistoryCalling I forgot to put in my gymnastics in high school. It was a blast. I was never able to do more than a single forward flip on floor ex. You have to remember that, when I went to school, it was mandatory for us to take gym every day. I think it's a shame that this is no longer a requirement. Trampoline was a lot of fun. Track, soccer, football (American), etc.
Thanks!
THANK YOU SO MUCH NAGISA for the incredibly generous donation to the channel and apologies for my very late reply. I'm only just back from holiday.
Wonderful video! I have always loved any of the sports but have had a soft spot for the parade of nations. Love looking for the countries that only have 1-2 athletes. Did you know that in 2004 in Athens the shot put competition was held at the original ancient Olympic stadium?
I didn't know that, but it must have been amazing. Greece has such fantastic history.
I am a preparation (english) student in sabanci university (I will start faculty 2 months later and I will probably be computer engineer or physicist.) and our topic is ethics and history of sports (we have studied for 2 months). I do not think better than this video for my english enhancement. Thank you :)
Happy to find you again. Favorite Olympic sport this year is ladies surfing. I'm living in Costa Rica and our lovely local gal seems posed to go all the way. As of right now she's qualified to go on. Love that you love "Blades of Glory" because it's such a funny movie!
Thanks Suzanne. Yes, water sports are good (I'm not terribly sporty myself, but I do like swimming and water in general).
Yes, usually I don't like Will Ferrell, but Blades of Glory is def. and exception to the rule.
Good evening to history calling from Bea 🇬🇧
Hi Bea. Hope you're enjoying the Olympics :-)
I admit to doing a bit of a head shake when you said at 5:42 the summer and winter games started in 94. In reality, there were winter games starting in 1926. They split in 92/94 with the winter moving to the years between the Summer games. And I know because one of my first Olympic memories was in 1960 getting to ride my bike to Grandma's because SHE would let me watch her tv and I didn't have to share with my brother! I was 8. Other memories, attending several events of the 1992 Albertville games! And standing on a cliff purported to just be a mountain and watching a competitor, who went off course, so long out of the metals, coming down the slope as most people were walking away. He had had to walk all the way back to the top to come down again BUT HE FINISHED. That has always been the Olympics for me!
I know. I'm sorry. I got that wrong. I was indeed thinking of the split you mention, so that they are now held two years apart, but should have also explained about the winter games starting in the 1920s. My bad. Going all the way to your grandma's so you didn't have to share with your brother made me smile though. I sense a little latent grumpiness about the enforced sharing at home :-)
For all its faults I have loved the Olympics since I was a child. I had the great opportunity to volunteer at the 2000 olympics and can’t say I heard an unhappy voice for the whole two weeks. People just enjoyed the whole vibe. As far as sports go I like so see the ones we rarely see in Australia like Handball.
Oh that must have been an amazing experience. Obviously I don't think that living here in Northern Ireland I'm ever going to get the chance to be involved in the Olympics.
I enjoy watching the swimming, Australia seems to do extremely well in that sport.
I suppose if you grow up with all that beautiful warm water around you and knowing you have to dodge sharks if you get into it, you would learn to swim very well :-) (PS I know of course that shark attacks are actually pretty rare when you consider how many people swim in the waters off Australia).
I think for most people in my generation, the great moment- alongside Jesse Owens as a landmark- is the 1980 Miracle On Ice, one of the greatest upsets in sports history, and a great young memory for me. For one incredible, highly-unlikely moment, Americans were united in hockey mania. What would it take to put us together again like that?
Now there's a question. What would it take to bring Americans together? Probably some huge outside threat, like an invasion, which is so depressing. It shouldn't take WW3 to more or less unite a country. :-(
@@HistoryCalling A pandemic should have done it. But we even fought over that.
Oooh very interesting. I like the Olympics, but the corruption puts me off a bit. The eastern bloc countries used to dope their athletes , which was very frustrating as some of them were quite likeable people. I used to like Olga Korbut who was a great gymnast before Nadia Comanec. Both great on the beam. I also remember the great Irina Rodnina ice skater. She was so technical, but very graceful on the ice. Worked her socks off too. There have been many great sportstars over the years, John Curry, Linford Christie, Seb Coe, Mary Peters, Jessica Ennis, too many to list. The range of sports now is quite scary. Thanks for this HC. History with a twist. Love it. 😍
Well I guess I'm an old curmudgeon but I don't like the games being held bi-annually! Growing up the entire family would gather round the TV every night and watch whatever sport was featured I think it was the rarity of the 4 year event that was part of making them seem so special There was a larger sense that you were witnessing history as well as a sports competition Also I can't help feeling that this was done in order to capitalize on commercial interests rather than focusing on the tradition and history of the event itself and the athletes Of course it's still 4 years between the individual competitions but some of the excitement if gone for me Although I've never been a sports fan - I do enjoy Figure Skating and Gymnastics and some of the Ski Jumping Thanks for a very timely and entertaining video!
Yes, I know what you mean. I don't watch any football really, except a little bit of the World Cup, which is of course every four years. I agree that if it was every two years it would be a little less special.
PS You're not old, you're experienced :-)
I agree-I used to love when the summer and winter games were in the same year. The Olympics feels very commercialized now. I can barely watch the US broadcast. There’s so little actual competition. I have to check on line to see results that are not being shown in prime time.
Very interesting! I was in Canada for the Montreal 1976 Olympics. I remember watching it on a small portable
black & white TV set at a fishing camp in Ontario.
Ah, simpler times. Sometimes I think though it would be nice to go back there though (even though I wasn't actually around yet in 1976).
It would be interesting to examine how money has changed the Olympics. Allowing professional basketball players killed any competition when the rules changed. Dubbed the “Dream Tream,” they were unbeatable. I have mixed feelings about professional athletes in the Games.
It would indeed. I wonder how many bribes etc. go on in the background? Perhaps we're just cynical though and it's all very much above board..
Very informative episode. While I enjoy a number of events (skateboarding; skiing events; gymnastics), figure skating is my favorite.
As always, I'm enjoying seeing this for a second time, HC. I sometimes wonder if I should be taking notes like a schoolboy; my memory is just not what it used to be. I always want to retain as much as I can. I don't usually watch the games but occasionally see some pretty awesome highlights on the news. Thanks for this and have a great week! You rock! 🙏🏼
Thanks Stephen. Don't worry about notes. The video is (hopefully) always here if you want to recheck something. Have a lovely week too. :-)
Currently, my favorite part of the Olympics is the opening ceremony and the kerfuffle that it caused all over the US. The sheer amount of righteous indignation that a few drag queens can cause will never cease to amaze me. Not to mention the inclusion of Sequana and Gojira's performance with the beheaded Marie Antoinette.
It probably says something about me that I'm finding the whole situation ridiculous and hilarious.
As I understand it, that wasn't even meant to be the Last Supper. Was it not meant to be a reference to the ancient Greek gods?
*sigh, I am so sick of religious people clutching their pearls over this when they don't even know what they're talking about. 🙄
It was supposed to represent a Dionysia or Bacchanalia. The painting it was inspired by was The Feast of the Gods that is held in France.
You did such a great job! I was born and raised there (Olympia that is) and I currently live in a city near by. I may be based but the archaeological site of Olympia is one of the most impressive I've visited, and we have quite a few of those in Greece. It's quite expansive and it's still being excavated as new temples etc keep poping up! You should definitely visit!
ps. Google translate did you dirty with that pronunciation lol, it's more o-LEE-mpia-KEE like the jeans word key
So I am just not a fan of sport, so I never watch the Olympics. But I love your videos, so obviously had to watch this. And I found it really interesting, so thank you! I still won't be watching any events.
But also, blades of glory is one of my favourite movies, it's so silly but i love it.
Very good. All my years growing up, my father's family always watched the Olympics. We loved those games, and always enjoyed the opening ceremonies. My wife, who had trained with pros in California, was always partial to the figure skating competitions. So we became very familiar with the great names from the 1980s and 1990s. But the opening ceremonies seem to have hit a new low this time around. I am not watching the games, but I will probably check out highlights later on this platform.
I love the figure skating too. Torvill and Dean are still proper celebs here in the UK and they competed back in the 80s. I love the now retired Virtue and Moir from Canada too. The Opening Ceremony was a bit hit and miss for me. I def. think the decision to hold it all outside came back to bite them (or rather soak them to the skin).
@@HistoryCalling My wife loved Torvill and Dean. Also the Protopopovs (sp?) But our all time fav was/is Scott Hamilton.
I agree I love how you put Jesse Owen's stuck it to Hilter.
The best part really is that Hilter thinks the Aryan Race was what to be.
Yet he didn't even have that look himself
I know. It's ironic in a sick sort of a way. A filthy hypocrite (and many other evil things too) through and through. Definitely the basis for the half-blood Lord Voldemort.
Hello to history calling from Bea 🇬🇧
Thanks, HC!
Thanks for the video excited to hear about it!😊
Thanks Gabriella. Hope you enjoy it and remember to let me know what your favourite part of the Games is. :-)
I was raised watching several events but my parents were very clear with us that though the Olympic Games pretended that they were “above all international politics” that it was a heavily politicized affair, I think that’s held over the years
I always enjoy watching the figure skating at the winter Olympics...
Same here. I miss Virtue and Moir. They were amazing.
The Olympic Rings and flag were created in 1913 but due to WWI were not used until the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. Because of that the flag was initially referred to as the "Antwerp Flag". Now the flag changes name after every Olympic Games and is named after the hosting city.
Along with some university friends I was travelling from London to Munich on the day of the Munich Massacre. In the days before mobile phones we had no idea what had happened and there was very little information about it in Munich and that was in German, which none of us spoke. It was years before I discovered what happened in detail.
This is a bit of a sidebar to your comment, but I'm literally the last generation to grow up without mobiles and ever present internet and I was just saying to someone the other say that it's so bad for youngsters now and I'm so glad that I didn't have a phone until I was 17 or 18 and even then, they were so basic back then that it literally just made calls and could only save 10 text messages. I had no social media until I was about 20 and don't regret it in the slightest. There's definitely an argument to be made that social media and phones with cameras and social media apps should be banned for under 18s. Your brain isn't really done wiring up until you're about 24 after all. It's so unhealthy to pump all the poison that comes with social media into it when a person is so young.
I love the swimming and athletics best, can’t wait for the next ones. Oh and the gymnastics and the basketball……well all of the Olympics I suppose 😂
I Love the Olympics I just like watching the amazing things people can do lol ❤
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The hop skip and jump is most commonly known as the triple jump. I am intrigued by the sport plunge for distance.
When I was little, I loved the Olympics. Now, it seems like there are too many events. Blades of Glory being the top grossing movie about the Olympics is hilarious. That movie is funny.
Yes, there are a lot of sports. I suppose you just have to dip into the ones you enjoy the most. You're certainly spoilt for choice though.
Fun fact: did you know, Peter the great had a black son ? His name was Abram Petrovich Hannibal. He was A Russian chief military Engineer,General-in-Chief, and nobleman of Aftrican origin. Kidnapped and enslaved as a child by the Ottomans, Abram Was smuggle to Russia, and presented as a gift to Peter the great where he was freed adopted and raised in the Emperor household godson .
No, I didn't know that but it's a story with an unusually happy ending for the Russian court.
Not for his white wife. You see, she was forced to marry him and resented it, so she went out and had an affair. He had her sent to a convent.
A convent's still better than a scaffold at least :-)
Yesssssss oh my god Blades of Glory, absolutely the best film about figure skating ever. 😂 I was about to bemoan the fact that the most notable fact about figure skating in the video was the Tonya Harding scandal, but the Blades of Glory mention completely made up for that. 😂 But yeah, for me, favorite part is always the figure skating in the Winter Olympics.
Yes, it's hilarious. The only movie that could make a beheading funny! I love the skating too. I miss Virtue and Moir. They were my favourites.
Also the movie Cool Runnings-probably seen that more than all Olympic footage combined 😂
Hi, awesome live history video. I enjoyed it. How are you doing? How is the weather where you are? I'm doing well, and so is my cat Benjamin. We still have a heatwave in Ontario, Canada. In the next video, in the future, could you do Anne Seymour. She was the wife of Edward Seymour. and sister in law to queen Jane Seymour, Henry, the eighth wife. Have a great day. See you next video 😊
Hi Michelle. Weather is pretty nice here thanks. I have a video coming up in fact in which Anne will make a little cameo :-)
I generally like equestrian ones, 'cause I'm still a bit horse crazy. (It started when I was a toddler, so it's not likely to stop now that I'm nearly my grandma's age when she became a grandma!) I also like the ones where people are jumping about outside of track, & a bit of basketball, but mostly, I don't pay any attention. I did see the torch when it's bearer jogged through my town on its way to Los Angeles. Mom & Dad got us up the middle of the night to see it. I even remember I was wearing my footed pjs. That was pretty cool
I think there are far worse things to be than horse crazy. That sounds like a great hobby. :-) I don't think the Olympic flame has EVER been jogged through Northern Ireland sadly, or at least not that I recall.
@@HistoryCalling Not so much a hobby as still having a couple of my old horse toys & a mug with one. And the statue my then-6yo picked out for me. She put a heart sticker on it, lol
I prefere the winter games because I love watching figure skating and skiing.
Same here (figure skating in particular).
Immediately yes!
Thanks Heather. Enjoy and let me know what your favourite part of the Games is. :-)
The hop skip and jump is still in the Olympics. It's called the triple jump now.
I think they should have kept the original name. It's so much more fun :-)
My favorite is the torch
Yes, this year's torch (or rather the big cauldron at the end) is especially good. Thank goodness the Paris rain didn't douse it!
@@HistoryCalling amen to that 😆 🤣 😂
hello history calling, in my stories, creative character was running for president and doing a presidential debate. He was asked about his polygamy lifestyle and this was his response “ The person can get to know and explore relationship with more people in the same amount of time. This also means you are more likely to meet people that you connect with and find the best matches.” And when he was interrupted, he responded with “ Could you please interrupt me again, with another relevant story to interject into a conversation that I was NOT having with you?
For the question, what do you think were the most and least successful dynasties in English, later British, History? (counting the Anglo Saxons :)
I don't know anything about the Anglo-Saxons, so I'll have to leave them out. The Hanoverians, despite often not liking each other, didn't do too badly. They resisted the urge to kill one another at least and didn't even really die out; it's just that their final member got married and changed the family 'surname'. The Windsors are doing well on the whole as well, largely helped by Elizabeth II's epic reign.
I will never forgive Jimmy Carter for not allowing us to go to Moscow Olympics in 1980
Didn't it start with one guy running to alert people of oncoming warriors and do saved people?
Oh, I've never heard that but it would certainly be a great story.
Good job!
I used to be a faithful viewer & couldn't wait for either summer or winter games.
It's a shame the games have taken on such political nonsense. I'm hoping it's a one off.
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I have one more thing. Who are your top five crushes mines are:
1. Kate Winslet
2. Jennifer Lawrence
3. Kate Blanchett
4. Scarlett Johansson
5. Stephanie McMahon
Can't put that info. out there. What if one of them watches my videos? How embarrassing :-)
Aw, c’mon HC . I won’t tell anyone. Promise.
@@DarthDread-oh2ne If she says Tom Cruise I'll vomit on this keyboard.
Haha, no I'm not into Scientology. Also he's too old for me and too much of a workaholic. Sorry Tom! Still think your movies are great.
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My favorite events: swimming and equestrian. And of course equestrian has controversy… 🏊 🏊♀️ 🐎 🏇
Great video and I wish the hop, skip and jump had kept that name instead of the now banal name of triple jump 😂
Yes, me too. The world needs a little bit of silliness sometimes.
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When Kurt Angle won an Olympic Gold Medal... with a broken freakin' neck.
I didn't know that. That would have been a great anecdote to include. Darn it :-(
ah I am sorry but the inception of the Winter Olympics was 1924 not 1994, the first being held at Chamonix , I am sure you know this and that it was a slip of the tongue.
Oops, you're correct. Now what I was thinking of is when they started splitting them up, so summer and winter Olympics are held two years apart, but yes, it was definitely an oversight on my part to not properly explain what happened in 1924 as well. Thank you for being kind in the way you pointed out my error though. A lot of people, if they spot a faux pas like that, are very rude and nasty about it.
@@HistoryCalling I figured thats what you meant :) I am afraid I was born to be a copy editor, Mother a teacher and dad a science dude, He was one of those people that did not allow any talking at all when he was watching tv so even from being a baby I was trained to focus and not be distracted, or be instantly sent to bed, The Grenoble Winter Olympics, when I was three and a half is the first I remember, which set me up nicely for the Mexico City games in the summer of 1968 which has lots of very clear memories. Sometimes it pays off to be rigorously parented :) My childhood seems full of lunar missions, hijackings, bombings, assassinations, Kenneth Clarke, David Attenborough and Jacob Bronowski and not so much of dolls and playgrounds. Cant complain though,
One more day before I go, I was watching this video on Richard the Third. I have a crush on the girl in the video.
As long as it isn't Queen Anne. Don't think R3 would approve of that :-)
My favorite part of the Olympics is when it’s finally over 😂. I am not fond of sports.
Although, this years Olympics made me chuckle when they assigned Snoop Dog to run with a torch that looks suspiciously a lot like a certain indulgence he is known for 😂
Haha, you know I never thought of that!
185th
"Olympic pains" from the English word agony. Lol.
So it began around 776 BC
In honor of the pagan god Zeus
Yup, that's the long and short of it.
@6:36 And this year there is an even gender split between the athletes!
You sound bajan
I refuse to watch
I think it crazy that russia is banned but israel isnt!
Whetes the gymnastics thumbnail pic from? I cant read the writing on the beam 🥲
Simone Biles in Tokyo in 2021 I think.
@@HistoryCalling I took a screenshot and zoomed in, beam says Rio2016 😀
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