The Olympic Games: Origins, which countries participate, and what it all means

With Paris 2024 just around the corner, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the Olympic Games.

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 are almost here and fans are anxious to see their nation’s athletes compete. Paris 2024 is poised to once again showcase the best athletes each nation has in a variety with 10,500 athletes competing in 329 different events. But how did the Olympic Games start? Who even had the idea to start it? And what do the rings and the torch mean? Here are some of the answers to the questions you may have about the Olympics.

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The Olympic Games: Your FAQs answered

What are the Olympic Games?

The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of sports competitions. It features a wide variety of summer and winter sports and has been held every four years, with a few exceptions, since 1896. The upcoming Games are being held in Paris and will start on July 26. 

How did it start?

The first modern Olympic Games held under the oversight of the International Olympic Committee took place in Athens in 1896, which was mainly due to the work of Pierre de Coubertin, co-founder of the Committee and who also served as its second president. But the origin of the Olympic Games can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece. In the city of Olympia, ritual festivals were held alongside sporting events to honour Zeus and athletes who won gained fame, wealth, and renown. Legend has it that it was Heracles aka Hercules who started the Games. 

How many countries participate in the Games?

Technically, none.

It’s the athletes who are part of different National Olympic Committees (NOC) that take part in the Games. As you probably have guessed, each country has their own NOC. As of right now, there are currently 206 registered NOCs, all of which are overseen by the International Olympic Committee. There is also the Refugee Olympic Team, which is comprised of athletes who have been displaced. 

While all 206 NOCs usually take part in the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics usually sees 80 NOCs participating. 

When are the Olympic Games held?

The Olympic Games are held every four years.

What’s the difference between the Summer and Winter Olympic Games?

Aside from the obvious, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games are held every four years but two years apart, which means there’s an Olympic competition every two years. For example, the Paris Games, which are the Summer Olympics, will be followed by the Winter Olympics in 2026.

The Summer Olympics are usually just called the Olympics. The Winter Olympics are specifically called that because, well, the Games are all winter sports. 

Who hosts the Olympic Games?

The host of the Summer and Olympic Games changes every time the Games are held. This year, Paris is hosting. In 2026, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be hosting the Winter Olympics. The 2028 Games will be held in LA, the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, and the 2032 Games will be held in Brisbane. 

How is the host city decided?

The International Olympic Committee votes via a secret ballot who the next host cities will be. An IOC member cannot vote if the vote concerns the country they’re from. 

Have the Games ever been cancelled?

In its history, there were three instances when the games were cancelled: in 1916, 1940, and 1944. Those who know their history will recognise that this was when World War I and II was happening. The Games have never been cancelled ever since though the 2020 Games were postponed a year later due to the Covid pandemic. 

What does the Olympic Games symbol mean?

The recognisable symbol of the Games, the five interlocked rings, was created by Coubertin. It represents the five continents that were then recognised back in 1913: the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. The colours represent the colours of the flags of all nations. 

Coubertin explained, “These five rings represent the five parts of the world now won over to Olympism and ready to accept its fertile rivalries. Moreover, the six colours thus combined reproduce those of all the nations without exception.”

What’s the importance of the Olympic Torch?

The Olympic Flame was a tradition that started in the Ancient Olympic Games but was revived in 1928. It wasn’t until the 1936 Games held in Nazi Germany that the ceremonial Torch Relay was introduced. The Flame travels from Greece then to designated locations before making its way to the host city. Originally meant by Hitler to spread Nazi ideology, the relay has since become a symbol of peace and friendship.