On May 20th, 1900, the second Summer Olympic Games officially opened in Paris, France. Known as the “Games of the Second Olympiad,” this significant event was part of the World’s Fair and featured athletes from 24 different countries. The Games continued until October 28 and included 95 events across 19 different sports, with a total of 1,226 athletes participating.

The Olympic Congress, also called the IOC, first met in 1894 and proposed an Olympic event to take place in Paris in 1900. However, many delegates felt that six years was too long to wait. After considerable debate, it was decided to host the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, but the plan to hold the second Olympics in Paris in 1900 remained intact.

Fun Facts about the 2nd Summer Olympic Games:

• This was the first Olympic Games to include female athletes. Among the 1226 athletes participating in the Games, 22 were women. In the current Olympic Games, women represent nearly half of all participants.
• The angling, cricket, and ballooning events were only ever contested in the Paris Summer 1900 Games and discontinued afterwards. 
• These were the only Games ever to use live animals as targets- pigeons were used in a shooting competition. 
• Although the Games lasted several months, they did not feature any opening or closing ceremonies.
• France achieved the most gold, silver, and bronze medals.