The 2004 Athens Summer Olympics marked the return of the Games to their modern birthplace for the first time since 1896, with 10,625 athletes from 201 nations competing.
Key Facts
- Athletes competed
- 10,625
- Participating nations
- 201
- Medal events
- 301
- Sports disciplines
- 28
- Duration
- 13–29 August 2004
- Final medal tally leader
- United States
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Athens was selected to host the 2004 Summer Olympics partly as a symbolic return to Greece, the birthplace of the ancient and modern Olympic Games, following a successful bid that emphasized the city's historical connection to the movement founded in 1896.
From 13 to 29 August 2004, Athens hosted the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, featuring 10,625 athletes from 201 countries competing across 301 medal events in 28 sports. A new medal obverse design was introduced, and several nations including Chile, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Israel, and the UAE won their first Olympic gold medals.
The Games were praised as 'unforgettable dream games' by IOC president Jacques Rogge and left Athens with substantially improved infrastructure, including a new airport, ring road, and subway system. The United States led the final medal tally, followed by China and Russia, while debate emerged over the long-term economic impact of hosting costs on Greece.
Result
at Athens Olympic Sports Complex