Why is French one of the Olympics' official languages regardless of where they're held, instead of Greek?

Question

Will you come back and see my responses to your answers, please?

Thanks,

Mike

Answer 1

Historically, it was the French who re-incarnated the olympic idea at the end of 19th century.

Answer 2

Because only people in Greece speak Greek, but most people in Africa and 1/3 of people in Europe speak French.

Answer 3

French is the official international language of the EU. So  that would explain it, also having extensively travelled Europe, I can go to several places, Spain or Holland, and most of the people speak French fairly well. With the exception of England, I reckon you can speak French and people will respond to you even before speaking English to you.

Answer 4

Because english and french are the 2 official languages for international gatherings. This goes back to when England and France had the largest empires. It also applies to UN events and is related to the victors in the first and second world wars. After those wars they set up the league of nations (1st WW) and then the UN(2nd WW).

Answer 5

Probably because the International Olympic Comitee was founded by a French, Pierre de Coubertin.  

Answer 6

Both English and French are considered the international languages of choice---I mean they could have chosen from many based on population, but was more based on where the most business was being done long ago.  Europe and North America...probably should be re evaluated on those standards.  

Answer 7

The modern olympics (starting in 1896) were initiated by the French.

Answer 8

French and English are the most popular languages and are used in business, the committees choose the languages and they always pick French and English no matter the country.