Talking Points: Olympic and Paralympic Stadiums
A collection of imagery and sources designed to introduce pupils to Olympic and Paralympic Stadiums.
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Since the first Ancient Olympic games held in Olympia in 6B.C. Olympic stadiums have developed to hold huge capacities of spectators and house a multitude of different sports.
The Paralympics began in 1948 at the military hospital Stoke Madeville as a way to speed up recovery of paraplegic War Veterans after World War Two. Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a German-British neurologist, came up with the idea of organising a series of sports competitions to be held at the same time as the Olympic Games in London. Since 1988 the Paralympics have always been held in the same city and stadiums as the Olympics. – Paris 2024
Ancient Olympia Stadium
“The stadium of Ancient Olympia was a holy place for the ancient Greeks, where all the sports activities were held dedicated to the god Zeus. Originally, the stadium was constructed in such a manner that spectators could view the events from the slopes of Mount Cronion. But the stadium was gradually moved further east, and eventually, it was placed outside the temple of Zeus.” – Greeka
The first Olympics in 6 B.C. had mud seats made for 20,000 spectators. When the stadium was rebuilt in 5 B.C., it had capacity for 45,000 spectators.
Find out more information about the Olympia Stadium here.
Explore the first Olympic Stadium and surrounding grounds. You may find this resource useful for finding out about the names of the different areas around the stadium.
Questions to Ask Children
Can you picture what the stadium might’ve looked like in 6 B.C. and then again in 5 B.C.?
Why do you think all that’s left is the track field?
What kind of sports do you think the Ancient Greeks would’ve competed in on this track?
Beijing 2008
The Beijing National Olympic Stadium was created by Swiss architect firm Herzog & de Meuron. The stadium housed the opening ceremony of the Olympics in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 2022. The stadium is nicknamed ‘The Nest’ due to its interesting steel frame. See the development of the stadium here.
© Iwan Baan
© Iwan Baan
Questions to Ask Children
What do you think influenced the shape of the stadium? What is the significance of this?
What are the most notable features of this stadium?
What do you like/dislike about this stadium?
If you designed your own stadium would you make a simple or decorative exterior? Why?
London 2012
Designed by Zaha Hadid – go to minute 15:50 to find out about Hadid’s Aquatic Centre, designed for the 2012 London Olympics.
Populous redesigned the London Olympic Park to make it part of the community for years to come.
Find more work from Populous at “Talking Points: Populous“.
Questions to Ask Children
What do you notice about the shapes in Saha Hadid’s Aquatic Centre? Why are they relevant?
Do you like/dislike the Aquatic Centre? Why?
Why do you think it’s important to ensure that these constructions last for a long time?
What do you think a stadium should provide a community with once they are not being used for sporting competitions?
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