The Olympic oath was first sworn by Belgian fencer Victor Boin at the 1920 Games in Antwerp.
It was worded as follows: "We swear that we are taking part in the Olympic Games as loyal competitors, observing the rules governing the Games, and anxious to show a spirit of chivalry for the honour of our countries and for the glory of sport".
Since 1972, a judge has sworn an oath alongside the athlete at the Games opening ceremony; and since 2012, so too has a coach.
The oath has been modified over time. These days, the athletes’, officials’ and coaches’ oaths have been merged into one to save time during the ceremony. Each representative says their own part: “In the name of all the athletes”, “In the name of all the judges” or “In the name of all the coaches and officials”. The athlete then takes the following oath: “We promise to take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play. We all commit ourselves to sport without doping and cheating. We do this, for the glory of sport, for the honour of our teams and in respect for the Fundamental Principles of Olympism.”
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