Athens to Athens
The Official History of the Olympic Games and the IOC, 1896-2004

This is a history of the Olympic Games, of the administration and the event itself. It is an illustrated, chronological story of the re-creation of the Olympic Games by Pierre de Coubertim; of the often tempestuous fortunes of the governing body; together with the highs and lows of the games.

Detailed background is provided to the many crises - the Nazi Games of 1936; the massacre at Mexico City in 1968; the Israeli slaughter by terrorists in 1972; the boycotts; the new commercialism from 1984 onwards; the advent of professionals from 1988, up to the Ben Johnson scandal and the ongoing threat of drug abuse. The credibility of the Games, and of the IOC, was rescued by the glory of Sydney 2000. Now the sporting world awaits, with eager expectation, the Games' return in 2004 to the country of their ancient origins.