From Vangelis' iconic Chariots of Fire to Freddie Mercury’s mesmeric act at Barcelona, a round-up of themes that still rock
Music has played an important role since the modern Olympics began in Athens in 1896. Some of the biggest artistes and groups have made anthems that inspire true sportsmanship and friendship among nations.
The official anthem for the 2016 Rio Games is Alma e Coracao (Soul and Heart) by Brazilian star Thiaquinho and rapper Projota while Katy Perry is currently #1 on the US charts with her Olympic theme, Rise.
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Will we even remember them by the next Olympics? Here’s our pick of some of the most popular Olympic anthems of all time.
Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis (1984, 1996, 2012)
This is a favourite at sporting events. Greek composer Vangelis wrote and recorded this instantly recognisable Academy Award-winning theme for the 1981 film of the same name. It was official theme at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and at the 2012 London Games. It was also the official theme for each medal ceremony.
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Celine Dion. Pic/AFP
The Power Of The Dream by Celine Dion (1996)
This Pop ballad about believing in your dreams and winning is still a favourite anthem for athletes the world over. At the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Dion performed this for a worldwide audience of over three and a half billion. Composer James Horner, after watching Dion perform, decided she was the perfect voice for My Heart Will Go On, a song he had composed for an upcoming movie called Titanic.
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Whitney Houston. Pic/AFP
One Moment In Time by Whitney Houston (1988)
This track began with the idea that Elvis Presley would perform at the 1980 Olympics. It never happened as he died in 1977. Songwriter Hammond finished the track in 1987 and offered it to Houston, who was a big Elvis fan (her mother Cissy had been Elvis’ backup singer). Houston opened the 1988 Games in Seoul, South Korea with this heartfelt, rousing ballad, which made the athletes feel they could take on the world. Topping the charts in nine countries, it has become the best selling Olympic anthem.
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Freddie Mercury. Pic/AFP
Barcelona by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé (1992)
Queen’s front man Mercury was the perfect choice to perform the anthem for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, as he specialised in overblown, triumphant musical spectacles. Sadly, Mercury died in November 1991 before he could perform at the ceremony, but this collaboration with Opera star Caballé still opened the Games. In a first, Caballé sang her part live in the stadium, while Mercury’s voice was played over the speakers. The anthem was also the title track of a hit album Mercury did with Caballé.
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All Night Long by Lionel Richie (1984)
Released as a single at the end of 1983, athletes around the globe were singing along with Richie on this multilingual, liberating anthem about celebrating life. Carl Lewis, who won four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and became the fastest man alive, would recall that his favourite moment was watching Richie perform the worldwide #1 smash at the ceremony. The song later became an anthem for Iraqi athletes participating at the 2004 Athens Games.
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