News There were only nine sports and 14 nations, but the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens were a seminal moment in history Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s dream of reviving the ancient Greek tradition became reality and the modern Olympic Games were born One hundred and twenty years later, athletes from more than 200 countries will compete in 42 different sports at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this August Find out more about the Google Doodle, which was designed by Olivia Huynh and features four different sports, by clicking here Find out more about the Athens 1896 Olympic Games by clicking here