Have you ever wondered what happens when an athlete wins a gold medal at the Olympics but isn’t representing a specific country? This has happened three times in Olympic history: once in 2016 and twice in 2018. Since these athletes don’t have a national anthem to play during their medal ceremonies, the organizers use the official Olympic Anthem instead.
The Olympic Anthem is a special piece of music that was first composed for the modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. The music was created by a composer named Spiros Samaras, and the lyrics were written by a poet named Costas Palamas. The words of the anthem talk about an “ancient immortal spirit” and have a majestic feel, making it a fitting choice for such a grand event.
While the Olympic Anthem is beautiful and meaningful, it might be fun if independent athletes could choose their own song to be played when they win gold. Imagine the excitement of hearing your favorite song as you stand on the podium! For example, one person mentioned they would choose “What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire Movie. What about you? What song would you pick if you had the chance?
Music is a powerful way to express emotions and celebrate achievements. If you could choose any song to play during a gold medal ceremony, what would it be? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about what makes a perfect victory song!
Imagine you are an independent Olympian who just won a gold medal. Choose a song that you would like to be played during your medal ceremony. Write a short paragraph explaining why you chose this song and how it represents your journey or personality.
Research the history of the Olympic Anthem. Write a brief report on its origins, the composer, and the poet who wrote the lyrics. Share your findings with the class and discuss why this anthem is a suitable choice for independent Olympians.
Work in groups to compose your own victory song. Use instruments or digital music tools to create a melody and write lyrics that celebrate triumph and achievement. Perform your song for the class and explain the inspiration behind it.
Participate in a class debate on whether independent Olympians should be allowed to choose their own anthem. Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a respectful discussion about the pros and cons of personalized anthems.
Create an art project where you design a medal ceremony for an independent Olympian. Include elements like the podium, flags, and your chosen anthem. Present your design to the class and explain the significance of each element.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
What song is played if an independent Olympian wins gold? Athletes competing without a country affiliation have won gold three times in Olympic history: once in 2016 and twice in 2018. Since there’s no national anthem to air during their medal ceremonies, organizers just play the official Olympic Anthem. This Olympic hymn was composed by Spiros Samaras for the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Poet Costas Palamas wrote the lyrics, which feature lines like “Oh ancient immortal spirit, descend, reveal yourself, and flash like lightning.” It’s a great piece for sure, but I think it would be fun if independents picked their own gold medal music. Mine would be “What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire Movie. Tell us what song you’d choose in the comments!
Music – Sounds that are arranged in a way that is pleasant or exciting to listen to, often following a particular pattern or rhythm. – The music played by the orchestra during the concert was both beautiful and inspiring.
Olympics – A major international sports event that takes place every four years, featuring summer and winter sports competitions. – The Olympics have a rich history, with athletes from around the world competing for glory.
Anthem – A song that is used to represent a particular nation, group, or cause, often played at official events. – The national anthem was played before the start of the Olympic ceremony, filling everyone with pride.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, and how they shape the present and future. – Learning about the history of music helps us understand how different genres evolved over time.
Gold – A precious metal that is often used to make medals awarded to winners in competitions, symbolizing first place. – Winning a gold medal at the Olympics is a dream for many athletes.
Athletes – Individuals who are trained or skilled in sports, games, or exercises that require physical strength, agility, or stamina. – The athletes trained for years to compete at the highest level in the Olympics.
Ceremony – A formal event held on special occasions, often involving a series of actions performed according to a set order. – The opening ceremony of the Olympics featured music and performances from around the world.
Composer – A person who writes music, especially as a professional occupation. – Ludwig van Beethoven is a famous composer known for his symphonies and sonatas.
Lyrics – The words of a song, which are often written to express emotions or tell a story. – The lyrics of the anthem were powerful and moved everyone in the audience.
Emotions – Strong feelings derived from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others, often expressed through music. – Music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness.