2. Much Wenlock Olympics
• William Penny-Brookes and The Modern Olympics
• In 1850 Local surgeon William Penny-Brookes (1809 -
1895), who introduced physical education into British
schools, inspired the fore-runner of the modern
Olympic Games for the "promotion of moral, physical
and intellectual improvement" and although the
Game's venue is now decided by international
committee rather than by the Wenlock Olympian
Society, we still hold our own Olympics here every
July - the other Olympics are also doing quite well
too!
3. • Sadly the good doctor Brookes died in 1895 aged 87,
just four months before the modern Olympic Games
were started in Athens in April 1896. He was a tireless
campaigner and altogether good egg, he will not be
forgotten. However, the full story can be found in the
Much Wenlock Museum, along with the history of the
town and other information on the unique geology of
the Wenlock Edge.
• In 2012, the Olympic torch was designed by an ex
Salopian' - Edward Barber, who was born and raised in
Shrewsbury
4. The Olympic Games.
Field Events Track events.
Shotputt Running
Hammer
Relay
Javelin
Triple Jump
Steeplechase
High Jump Marathon
Long Jump
Discus
Inside/out events Extra Events
Badminton Swimming
Basketball Shooting
Tennis Rowing
Cycling Boxing
Archery Canoeing
Table Tennis Volleyball
Judo Sailing
Boxing
5. My mums favourite athlete and why
Favourite athlete.
Colin Jackson - Hurdles
Why?
He was a World Champion at this event. Gracious in victory or defeat.
Unfortunately he never managed to win the Olympic Gold . He was also
pretty handsome and still is!!