Why are the 1908 Olympics recognised to not be real?

Answer 1

I believe you're thinking of the 1906 Intercalated Games held in Athens. These took place as a result of rather complicated politics between the IOC and Greece. The first IOC organised games had been held in Athens and were successful; Greece had suggested that all future Olympics be held in Athens. The IOC, and in particular the French chairman didn't like that idea - the 1900 games were due to take place in Paris. It turned out that the 1900 games hadn't worked too well and in 1901 the Intercalated games were proposed to be held in Athens "in between" the "roving games". The 1906 games did go quite well, but the Greeks had problems organising the 1910 games and it seemed that the ancient Greeks had been correct in chosing a 4 year gap between games. The IOC have since downgraded the intercalated games - retroactively calling them a tenth anniversary celebration, rather than a true Olympic games.