Greece hosted the first modern Olympic athletics competition in 1896.
The Games were held in Athens from 6 to 15 April 1896. Athletics was one of the central sports, with events including the 100 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 1,500 metres, marathon, long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put and discus throw.
The revival was organized by the International Olympic Committee, founded in 1894 under Pierre de Coubertin. Athens was selected partly because the ancient Olympic Games had been held in Greece, linking the modern event with its historical inspiration.
The 1896 programme differed from today's athletics schedule. For example, the marathon was introduced at these Games, while many modern women's events and standardized competition procedures were added only later.