Just three short years ago the world witnessed the 2016 Summer Olympics, which were hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A huge turning point in the history of the Olympic Games, this was the first time that a South American nation hosted the event. Fun fact: the summer Olympics in Rio were actually hosted during a time the country was experiencing winter. Despite the great honor and excitement of a developing country hosting such a prestigious event (just the second time since Mexico City in 1968), there were some worries and doubts. Leading up to the games, fans and officials were worried about the Zika virus epidemic, as well as the pollution, which was found in Guanabara Bay, an area in which many events were to be held. The good news was that it was all fine, and no one choked on a plastic bag or anything, but it definitely made tourists reconsider visiting at the time.
Winning seven gold medals, Brazil did pretty well for themselves, but there were some issues after the games, considering the many, and expensive venues which were specially constructed for the event. Such is the case of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium, which was looted and left very empty and vacant. So much for the “legacy” promised by organizers – the economic
Faliro Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre (Athens, Greece)
When the Olympics returned to Athens in 2004, it was kind of a big deal. Kinda like the Prodigal Son returning. Yeah, pretty big. Considering Greece was the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it quadrupled the pressure of hosting – Greece wanted to wow the world, and host games that would go down in the history books! However, what was supposed to rock the resting places of Ancient Greek athletes, became well… a catastrophe. The 2004 games, despite being considered a success on the surface: great competition, great venues, and no detracting events. The Greeks sheepishly finished 15th place in the overall medal count. Usually, a host nation dominates, alas, not the case for the Greeks!
To make matters worse, it was just after the games that the economy crumbled – thus, the venues built for the games were shortly made defunct and abandoned. Not to mention crumbling like the ruins which Greece is so famous for! Now the Faliro Volleyball Centre is considered one of the lucky buildings: there are “plans” to re-purpose it. However, that day is still a long way off, as the economy, even in 2019, still struggles with its debts owed and trouble with the EU. It’s the thought that counts right?
Olympiapark Schwimmstadion Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Now Schwimmstadion in Berlin may still be functioning (well, as of a couple of years ago it was still running), but we want to cast you back to the politically significant 1936 Berlin Olympics. The first games to be televised, they were considered to be one of the most self-indulgent – remember, at the time Hitler was in power. His fascination with the Ancient Greeks and their legacy made it all the more important and significant to Hitler, thus the excessive display. You know, showing the world that Germany and his “Third Reich” were on the way.
Behind the carefully designed venues and ornate displays, there was the deep-rooted evil in Hitler’s Nazi Germany, just waiting to come out in its full form. To think that just a few years later World War II would be upon the world is a crazy thought. But considering the racism and anti-Semitism which was almost flaunted at the games, it’s surprising that precautionary actions weren’t taken earlier. But hey, that’s history. The most iconic and uncomfortable moment in the games was at the point when African-American athlete Jesse Owens took home four gold medals, and you can guess who was at the medal-giving ceremony. Mmhm. Germany ended up winning the medal count, with the U.S. a close second. The Olympics were postponed due to obvious events, with them next being held in 1948, after World War II had ended.
Hellinikon Softball Stadium (Athens, Greece)
And we’re back to where it all began. Yep, Greece. So the 2004 Olympics really, occurred just in the nick of time – as in, shortly before the catastrophic economic collapse. The games came and went relatively smoothly – tourists streamed into the country, providing a nice revenue boost. Feta cheese and pita bread were consumed, and a number of milky freddo cappuccinos too! The crystal waters swam in and overall, people had a great time. But that is a distant memory now, with the only reminders left being in the form of abandoned Olympic venues.
Hellinikon Softball Stadium, which gets another red stamp on Google as “permanently closed”, the stadium was located in the Athens Olympic Complex. It seems that the 4800-seat venue is now a shell, with weeds and shrubbery having grown over the pitch which once hosted softball legends. Despite the fact that the Greeks don’t really play softball, it seems that the stadium is still standing. If anything, the reason it hasn’t been demolished yet is owing to two things: the fact that no one cares, and the fact that no one has the money to demolish it! Maybe it’ll still be there by the time the next Olympics are held!
Old Wembley Stadium (London, England)
Pele, the world’s greatest soccer player, once said that “Wembley is the cathedral of football. It is the capital of football and it is the heart of football.” Now that is high praise. The site of the 1923 stadium, which occupies the new Wembley Stadium, was demolished back in 2003 – to the great disappointment of millions of football fans. When its famous Twin Towers were demolished, people were rife!
Recognized as the world’s best-known football stadium, the old Wembley hosted the 1948 Summer Olympics, rugby league’s Challenge Cup final and the 1992 and 1995 Rugby League World Cup Finals. Did you know it also hosted the 1985 Live Aid charity concert, where Queen famously turned the volume way UP (if you’ve seen the biopic, titled Bohemian Rhapsody, you’ll have been able to relive that iconic moment!)? Pretty cool! Between 1923 and 2000, Wembley was home ground for the English National Team. But the stadium was outdated and needed a makeover – so the team sought a new stadium. The old stadium sat vacant for two years before finally being taken down in 2002. RIP Wembley, you served Queen and Country well (literally).