Final answer:
The statement about the original Olympic stadium being used for only a foot race is true. The stadion race was the centerpiece of the early Olympic Games and served as the origin for the word 'stadium'. Modern Olympic Games differ from the ancient ones in the variety and scale of events offered.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the only sport activity to be originally run in the Olympic stadium was a foot race is true. The ancient Olympic Games centered around the stadion, a race that was approximately two hundred yards in length, which was held in a stadium of the same name. This event was the only one of its kind in the initial Olympic Games at Olympia and was so significant that the modern term 'stadium' is derived from it.
The Olympic Games have evolved significantly from their inception. Initially, they focused on sports that were relevant to warfare, such as running, jumping, throwing, and wrestling. Over time, as the games became more elaborate, other sports like chariot racing were introduced. The modern Olympic Games, revived in the late 19th century, now include a wide array of sports, from traditional track and field events to more recent additions such as skateboarding and surfing.
Organizers of the modern Olympic Games likely named their contest after the ancient Greek version to honor the spirit and tradition of competition that bound the ancient world together. The modern games are similar to the ancient ones in that they serve as a global stage for athletic excellence and competition; however, they differ in scale, diversity of sports, level of professionalization of athletes, and the inclusion of both genders as participants and spectators.