olympic ode in ancient greek

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  • 7/31/2019 Olympic Ode in Ancient Greek

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    London 2012 Olympics: Boris Johnson to recite

    Olympic Ode in ancient Greek

    Mr Johnson, who studied classics at Oxford, will recite the poem that he commissioned for the Games in

    both Greek and English.

    The ode was created by Oxford academic Armand D'Angour who wrote the poem in ancient Greek with

    modern lyrics and then translated the six verses into rhyming couplets.

    The English version includes puns on athletes names such a lightning bolt which is a reference to worldrecord holder Usain Bolt. The poem also includes notes to London 2012 chairman Lord Coe, diver Tom

    Daley and volleyball captain Ben Pipes.

    The Mayor said: 'I am delighted to have the opportunity to declaim Dr DAngours glorious Olympic Odeat the Opening Gala, a work that breathes new life into the ancient custom of celebrating the greatness of

    the Games through poetry.

    I have no doubt that the members of the International OlympicCommittee are fully versed in ancientGreek, but to ensure the elaborate puns can be fully appreciated I shall have the pleasure of vocalising the

    Ode twice, once in Greek and then again in English.

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    The new Olympic flame behold,that once burned bright in Greece of old;

    with happy hearts receive once more

    these Games revived on London's shore.

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    Praise rival teams, in sport allied,

    as athletes stream from far and wide;

    the poet too must take the road

    conveying praise to victory owed.

    Millions of watchers will embrace

    the passion of each close-run race,

    The efforts of the rowing teamsand gymnasts on balancing beams.

    The will observe with rapt delight

    the archer draw his bowstring tight,

    the skilful rider guide her horse,

    and lightning bolt around the course.

    The pipes will play, the drum resound,

    as medallists are daily crowned;

    the crowds hurrah will reach the skies

    when victors hoist the golden prize.

    Now welcome to this seagirt land,

    with Londons Mayor and co. at handgood luck to all who strive to win:

    applaud and let the Games begin!