Ollie-Lympian tells the Academy about the rise of athletics in the 19th century.

The Romans did their best to ruin the Olympics.

They abolished the Games in 394 AD and replaced them with their own contests involving gladiators.

But the Olympic spirit came bouncing back and I was there in Britain to enjoy its revival.

Queen Victoria: Big fan of sport festivals

More and more sporting events were being organised.

After Victoria became Queen in 1837 I took part in an Olympic festival they set up.

Not too much athletics but there was gymnastics, sailing and archery.

Things were looking good in 1850. There was an athletics meeting at Exeter College in Oxford.

And then an annual Olympic festival in Shropshire, England kicked off.

They had hurdling, jumping and running events. Athletics was finally making its mark.

Dr William Penny Brookes loved his sport and was the brains behind the competition.

It was originally designed for children - there was even a race for under-sevens - but the competition grew to include older athletes.

Word of this new and exciting event quickly spread around Europe and Germany began sending a team to compete.

Brookes continued to strive for an international Olympics but sadly he died in 1895 - just a year before his dream was realised.

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