2012 London Olympics quiz: Are you ready for a gold medal?

Enlarge

The iconic Tower Bridge over the Thames in central London, decorated with Olympic rings the 2012 Summer Olympics.
((AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) )

As more than 14,000 athletes from an estimated 205 countries compete at this summer’s Olympics in London, from July 27 to Aug. 12, it’s time for you to test your Olympic aptitude by taking this 25-question quiz. If you get 20 or more right, consider yourself medal-worthy.

- Ross Atkin

1. The Frenchman most commonly called the father of the modern Olympics is:

Pierre de Courbetin is the acknowledged founding father of the modern Olympics. An aristocratic French educator and historian, he worked to revive the ancient Olympics because he saw their value as international amateur tests of athleticism and peaceful competition. The first modern Olympics were held in Greece in 1896. Fourteen countries participated.

Pierre de Courbetin is the acknowledged founding father of the modern Olympics. An aristocratic French educator and historian, he worked to revive the ancient Olympics because he saw their value as international amateur tests of athleticism and peaceful competition. The first modern Olympics were held in Greece in 1896. Fourteen countries participated.

Pierre de Courbetin is the acknowledged founding father of the modern Olympics. An aristocratic French educator and historian, he worked to revive the ancient Olympics because he saw their value as international amateur tests of athleticism and peaceful competition. The first modern Olympics were held in Greece in 1896. Fourteen countries participated.

Pierre de Courbetin is the acknowledged founding father of the modern Olympics. An aristocratic French educator and historian, he worked to revive the ancient Olympics because he saw their value as international amateur tests of athleticism and peaceful competition. The first modern Olympics were held in Greece in 1896. Fourteen countries participated.