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776 BCE
The First Games
The Olympic Games were played in Olympia, Greece. The games were just short foot races designed to keep Greek men fit and ready for war. -
The Modern Olympics
The modern Olympics were started in 1896 by a French educator and historian by the name of Pierre de Coubertin. He also designed the five color rings that are still being used today. -
The Olympic Flag
The Olympic flag was first used at the Antwerp Games in 1920. The flag has the Olympic symbol in the center of a white field. -
Winter Games
Winter Games became a new feature of the modern Olympics and cold-weather sports were added pair and figure skating, ice hockey, and bobsledding. -
The Olympic Flame
The Olympic flame symbolizes the continuity between the ancient and modern Games. The torch will burn for the duration of the Games. The flame was first used at the 1928 Games. -
Boycotts
Over the years some numerous countries have boycotted the Olympic Games. Most of the time it was for political reasons. The boycott was during the 1956 Summer Games. -
Olympic Awards
The ancient Greek athlete won an olive wreath. Modern Olympic winners win medals which are gold, silver and bronze. The first medals were given in 1986. -
Winter and Summer Games
Beginning in 1994 the Winter and Summer Games were held two years apart and on separate four-year cycles.
