The father of the modern Olympic Games was Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian. He is credited with founding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 and organizing the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896

. Coubertin was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece, and believed that sport should be internationalized to promote education, patriotism, and world peace. His efforts led to the revival of the Olympic Games as a global athletic festival. The IOC and the Olympic movement owe their origins largely to his vision and perseverance

. In recognition of his contributions, the IOC awards the Pierre de Coubertin Medal to athletes who exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship, and World Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23rd, the date when the IOC was founded under his leadership

. Thus, Pierre de Coubertin is widely regarded as the founder and father of the modern Olympic Games.