Why is French one of the official languages of the Olympics?

Answer 1

The ancient Olympic Games ended around 393 AD. After several attempts in Europe to bring the games back to a modern form they were eventually revived after an initiative driven by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin (also known as Pierre de Frédy, baron de Coubertin). He succeded in gathering international support during a meeting in Paris in 1894, and is the founder of the IOC (International Olympics Comittee). The first Modern Games were held in 1896. The essential influence of Coubertin explains why French is along with English, an official language in the games. Every announcement is made during the games is made en French, then English then the language of the hosting country.

Answer 2

It seems because the IOC said so. The committee is, after all, based in Lausanne in Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

What's more, the founder of the IOC and "father" of the modern Olympics was a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

Answer 3

They speak French first because the modern Olympics was conceived by a Frenchman called Pierre de Coubertin in 1896, it was held in Athens, Greece.

Answer 4

It's a tradition French then English then the hosts first language

Answer 5

Because the Olympics are only broadcast in two languages - English and French. This is because English and French are the only two world languages (spoken on every continent)

Answer 6

No matter where I look and ask, no one can tell me why French is the official IOC language. Surely it must be Greek or English.

Answer 7

The president of the I.O.C and the creator of the international Olympic committe are both French