Ready Reference Files

Olympic Hymn

The Olympic Hymn, played when the Olympic flag is raised, was adopted by the International Olympic Committee in 1957. The music was composed by Spirou Samara and the lyrics were written by Costis Palamas (spelling of their names varies in different sources). It was first incorporated at the Rome Olympics in 1960.

In addition to the official anthem, each host city where the Olympics are held can also create its own anthem. "Bugler's Dream" by Leo Arnaud was introduced during the 1968 Olympic Games in Grenoble. Subsequently, John Williams composed the "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Sources:

• Pursuit of Excellence: The Olympic Story, the Associated Press and Grobier and Grobier Enterprises Inc., 1979.
• www.athletics.org
• www.sonyclassical.com/music/51333/music.html

Verified by: CM, 10-01

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