Religion’s Evolving Role in the Olympics

In the early days of the Olympics, religion played a starring role. Faith leaders had front-row seats to the events and many athletes dedicated their triumphs to the gods. "Even the prizes were religious -- crowns of olive leaves made from trees in a sacred grove dedicated to Zeus," Religion News Service reported in 2016. Religion still matters to many modern Olympic athletes, but its influence on the Games is harder to spot. You'll have to pay close attention to Olympics coverage over the next few weeks to catch athletes praying before their events or champions thanking God during their media interviews.