The History Of The Olympic Games The ancient Olympic Games started in 776 B.C. in Olympia, Greece. It was held in the Hippodrome. The only event was the 200 yard footrace. During the first Olympic Games, the athletes wore shorts called zomas. I guess you now want to know why most pictures of athletes in the Olympics are in the nude. Some Greeks said a Spartan named Acanthus started the trend by competing naked. Others say that another athlete named Orsippus let his zoma drop so that he was able to run more freely. Whatever the reason, it is still really gross. Women were not allowed to compete in the Games. They were allowed to work out in the gymna