On April 6, 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. Athletes from 14 countries participated. That year, America placed first, second or third in 20 events while Greece scored in 46; Germany placed in 13 competitions. The ancient games are thought to have begun in 776 B.C. in Greece. Athletes then completed in just one event—a foot race. The U.S. hosted the Olympics for the first time in 1904 in St. Louis.
