WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY // BENEDICT TUFNELL
Inspired by the ancient games held between the eighth and fourth century BC in Olympia, Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, with the first modern Games staged two years later in Athens. This new iteration was very much the preserve of wealthy white gentlemen who were able to practice sports at their leisure. Those with the financial means formed national federations within their countries and sent teams to compete. Those without the means, did not.