James Connolly was the first Olympic winner. At the first modern Olympics, only 241 male athletes representing 14 nations competed in 43 games. America’s James Connolly became the first modern Olympic champion when he won the triple jump on the opening day of the Games. James Connolly was awarded a silver medal and an olive branch for his success. He later finished second in the high-jump event and took third in the long jump. First modern Olympic Games were organized in Athens, Greece, with athletes from 14 countries participating on April 6, 1896.....Read more