About Olympic Sports
The Olympic Games bring athletes from many countries together for international competition. The modern Olympics include dozens of sports, from running and swimming to skiing, gymnastics, cycling, and team events.
Summer Olympics
The Summer Games include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, team sports, and many other events.
Learn MoreWinter Olympics
The Winter Games focus on sports played on snow and ice.
Learn MoreMedals
Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top three finishers in most events.
Learn MoreCeremonies and Symbols
The Olympic rings and opening ceremonies are recognized around the world.
Learn MoreRecords and Personal Bests
Olympic competition can produce world records, Olympic records, and personal best performances.
Learn MoreModern Olympic History
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896.
Learn MoreSummer Olympics
The Summer Olympics contain a wide range of sports that test speed, strength, balance, precision, endurance, and teamwork. Some events have ancient roots, while others were added much later. The program can change as sports are added, removed, or adjusted.
Winter Olympics
Winter Olympic events include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey, curling, bobsleigh, and more. Equipment and course conditions are especially important because snow and ice can change with temperature and weather.
Medals
A gold medal usually goes to first place, silver to second, and bronze to third. Team sports award medals to team members. Athletes often spend many years training for a chance to compete at the Games.
Ceremonies and Symbols
The Olympic rings represent the international nature of the movement. Opening ceremonies introduce participating teams and often include music, art, and traditions from the host country. A flame is carried in a relay before being used during the Games.
Records and Personal Bests
A world record is the best recognized performance ever recorded under the sport's rules. An Olympic record is the best achieved at the Olympic Games. Many athletes also focus on personal bests because improving their own performance can be a major achievement even without winning a medal.
Modern Olympic History
The modern Olympic movement was organized in the late nineteenth century. The first modern Summer Games took place in Athens in 1896, and the first Winter Olympics were held in 1924. Since then, the Games have grown into one of the world's largest international sporting events.
Olympics Gallery
From opening ceremonies to podium moments, the Olympics bring the world together. Swipe or use the arrows to see more.
Opening Ceremony.jpg)
Torch Relay
Medal Ceremony
Track Athletics
Alpine Skiing
Swimming
Gymnastics
Closing Ceremony
Paralympic Games