For many athletes around the world, the Olympic Games are the ultimate career highlight. No wonder – they’re the biggest international sporting event in existence. Every four years, athletes from all corners of the globe gather to compete in a wide range of sports. But what exactly are the Olympic Games all about? If you’re new to the world of Olympic sports, this guide will give you a solid overview of everything you need to know.
The roots of the Olympic Games lie in Ancient Greece. The first recorded games were held in Olympia sometime around 776–700 BC. Athletes competed in disciplines like running, wrestling, and chariot racing. These games were held every four years as a symbol of peace among the city-states and in honor of the god Zeus. Initially a regional event, the Olympics quickly grew in prestige and became a significant religious, cultural, and political occasion. However, due to increasing Roman influence and political shifts, the games gradually lost importance and faded out by the 6th century AD.
The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 by French educator and sports enthusiast Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Inspired by the ancient games, his vision was to create an international sporting event to promote peace and understanding between nations. The first modern Olympics took place in Athens with about 250 athletes from 13 nations competing in 43 events.
The Olympic Games are divided into two categories: the Summer Games and the Winter Games. Summer Olympics feature a wide variety of indoor and outdoor sports, while Winter Olympics focus on sports performed on snow and ice. The two events alternate every two years. Shortly after each Olympic Games, separate events are held for athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities: the Paralympics. Originally a different competition altogether, the Paralympics have been officially organized under the Olympic Committee since 1960. In addition, the Youth Olympic Games were introduced in 2010, targeting athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.
The Olympic Games include a broad range of sports – 28 core sports for the Summer Olympics, though this number can vary slightly. In addition to official disciplines, demonstration sports are sometimes added to test new activities that could become part of future Games. Each host country can also propose up to four additional sports that reflect its culture or popularity.
Every sport includes different disciplines, and each discipline is made up of several events.
For instance, aquatic sports include swimming, diving, water polo, and more. Within swimming, events like the 100m breaststroke or 400m freestyle are separate competitions.
The exact sports at each Olympic event vary based on the host country, the inclusion of demonstration sports, and whether it’s the Summer or Winter edition.
In 2024, the Paris Olympics will feature 32 sports spread across 329 events.
Here’s the full lineup:
Note: France has opted to include Breaking, Skateboarding, Climbing, and Surfing as additional sports due to their popularity and cultural relevance.
The Olympic Rings are one of the most iconic symbols in the world. The five interlocking rings represent the five continents (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania) and the unity of these regions through sport. The colors (blue, yellow, black, green, and red) were chosen because at least one of them appears on every national flag.
The official motto of the Olympic Games is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” In 2021, the word “Communiter,” meaning “Together,” was added to emphasize unity and collaboration. The motto reflects the athletes’ pursuit of excellence and continual growth.
Promoting Peace and Understanding Since their inception, the Olympic Games have aimed to promote international cooperation and peace. Even in ancient times, warring city-states observed temporary truces to allow athletes to travel and compete. Today, the Olympics bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds, fostering respect, learning, and cultural exchange.
The IOC, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games. Founded in 1894, it selects host cities, supervises event preparation, and ensures compliance with Olympic rules and standards.
Host cities are selected by the IOC years in advance through a competitive bidding process. Candidate cities must present detailed plans for infrastructure, including venues, transportation, and accommodations. Hosting the Olympics is a massive undertaking that often requires billions in investment. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021) cost over $30 billion.
The Olympic Games are much more than a sporting competition – they’re a celebration of global unity, peak human performance, and cultural connection. With this guide, you’re all set to enjoy the next Olympics with a new level of insight and excitement. Whether it’s the Summer or Winter Games, one thing is certain: the magic of the Olympics is real.
