Ms.Liu: Yesterday I asked you to do some research on the history of the Olympics. Did anyone find out when the Olympics began?
Wang Mei: Yes, I searched it on the Internet. The year was 776 BC. That was about 2 800 years ago.
Ms.Liu: Excellent! Did anyone find out where the ancient Olympics began?
Li Ming: I know that! They started in Greece.
Ms.Liu: That's right. The ancient Greeks wanted to have the best athletes compete against each other. They held the event every four years in Olympia.
Wang Mei: But those first Olympics were very different from today's. Women couldn't take part in the games.
Ms.Liu: Good point, Wang Mei. Married women couldn't even watch the games!
Li Ming: Now both men and women can take part in the Olympics! I also found out that the modern Olympics began in 1896 and took place every four years. In 2008, China hosted the 29th Olympic Games. It was so exciting!
Wang Mei: The ancient Greeks would be amazed at how the Olympic Games have grown to become a world event!
Ms.Liu: One thing has not changed about the games—athletes compete in a spirit of fair play. They also represent their countries at the highest level.