Full History Of Olympic Games In Timeline From 1900

1900: Olympic Games Held at Paris Exposition

In 1900, the Olympic Games were incorporated into the Paris Exposition, an international exhibition held in Paris, France.

1900: First Women Compete in the Olympics

The 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris marked the first time women were allowed to compete in the Olympic Games.

1904: Thomas Hicks Wins Marathon With Strychnine Assistance

In 1904, marathon runner Thomas Hicks was given strychnine by his coach, which was permitted at the time, and went on to win the gold medal.

1904: Olympic Games at St. Louis World's Fair

The 1904 Olympic Games were held in conjunction with the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

1904: Three-Medal Format Introduced

The current three-medal format, including gold, silver, and bronze medals, was introduced at the 1904 Olympic Games.

1906: Intercalated Games Held in Athens

The 1906 Intercalated Games, an event recognized by the IOC at the time, were held in Athens, Greece. These games aimed to address the challenges faced by the Olympic movement in the early 20th century and marked a resurgence in the popularity and scale of the Games.

1908: First Official Sponsors at London Olympics

The 1908 London Olympics marked the beginning of formal Olympic sponsorship, with Oxo, Odol mouthwash, and Indian Foot Powder becoming official sponsors.

1908: Figure Skating Debuts at Summer Olympics

The sport of figure skating was introduced as an Olympic event at the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London, England.

1912: Jim Thorpe's Olympic Victory and Subsequent Disqualification

Jim Thorpe, an American athlete, won both the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games, but was later stripped of his medals due to his past involvement in semi-professional baseball.

1912: Gold Medals No Longer Solid Gold

Until 1912, Olympic gold medals were made of solid gold. After this year, they were made with gilded silver, and are now made of gold-plated silver.

1914: Olympic Flag Adopted

The Olympic flag, consisting of five intertwined rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red, on a white field was adopted in 1914. Each color represents a continent and was chosen because it appeared on the flag of at least one competing nation.

1916: Cancellation of the 1916 Olympics

The 1916 Olympic Games, originally scheduled to be held in Berlin, Germany, were canceled due to the outbreak of World War I.

1916: World War I Cancels Olympics

The 1916 Olympic Games were canceled due to the outbreak of World War I, marking the first time the Games were disrupted by global conflict.

1920: First Olympic Flag Flown

After its adoption in 1914, the Olympic flag was first flown at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, marking its inaugural appearance at the Games.

1920: Figure Skating and Ice Hockey at Summer Olympics

Both figure skating and ice hockey were featured as Olympic events at the 1920 Summer Olympics, hosted in Antwerp, Belgium.

1920: Standardized Opening Ceremony Established

The 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp saw the establishment of many standard rituals for the opening ceremony, including the host country's presentation of music, singing, dance, and theater.

1921: Decision to Hold Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), during its 1921 Olympic Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, made a pivotal decision to establish a winter version of the Olympic Games.

1924: Olympic Motto Made Official

The Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius," meaning "Faster, Higher, Stronger" in Latin, was officially adopted in 1924, having been proposed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.

1924: First Winter Olympics Held

The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924, with sports like cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and speed skating being featured.

1924: First Winter Olympics in Chamonix

The inaugural Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France. Initially organized as a "winter sports week," this event marked the beginning of the Winter Olympics as a separate competition.

1928: Coca-Cola's First Olympic Sponsorship

Coca-Cola's long-standing relationship with the Olympic Games as a sponsor began in 1928.

1928: Olympic Flame Introduced

The Olympic flame, lit at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, became an Olympic symbol in 1928, reflecting ancient Greek rituals.

1928: Soviets Establish Spartakiads

The Soviet Union initiated the Spartakiads in 1928 as an alternative international sports event to the Olympics, in which they did not participate at the time.

1930: Pedestals Used for Awards at the British Empire Games

The 1930 British Empire Games saw the use of pedestals for awards ceremonies, a practice that inspired the introduction of podium ceremonies at the Olympics.

1932: Podium Ceremonies for Medals Introduced

The 1932 Winter Olympics marked the beginning of awarding Olympic medals at podium ceremonies, an idea inspired by the 1930 British Empire Games.

1936: Nazi Germany Uses Olympics for Propaganda

Nazi Germany used the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a platform to promote its ideology, attempting to portray itself as peace-loving while also showcasing what it considered Aryan superiority.

1936: Skiers Boycott 1936 Winter Olympics

Swiss and Austrian skiers refused to participate in the 1936 Winter Olympics to protest the exclusion of professional skiers, including their instructors.

1936: First Television Broadcast of Olympic Games

The 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin marked the first time the Games were broadcast on television, although the broadcasts were limited to local audiences.

1936: Ireland Boycotts Berlin Olympics

The Olympic Council of Ireland boycotted the 1936 Berlin Olympics due to a disagreement with the IOC over the team's representation, specifically whether it should represent the Irish Free State or the whole island of Ireland.

1936: Olympic Torch Relay Introduced

The Olympic torch relay, where the flame travels from Olympia to the host city, was introduced at the 1936 Summer Games, aiming to promote the hosting nation.

1940: Cancellation of the 1940 Olympics

The 1940 Olympic Games, initially awarded to Tokyo, Japan, and later re-awarded to Helsinki, Finland, were canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.

1940: World War II Cancels Summer and Winter Olympics

The outbreak of World War II led to the cancellation of both the Summer and Winter Olympics in 1940, highlighting the impact of global conflict on the Games.

1944: World War II Cancels Olympics Again

The 1944 Olympic Games were also canceled due to the ongoing global conflict of World War II, marking the second consecutive cancellation.

1944: Cancellation of the 1944 Olympics

The 1944 Olympic Games, which were planned to be held in London, United Kingdom, were canceled due to the ongoing World War II.

1948: Sir Ludwig Guttmann Organizes Multi-Sport Event for Rehabilitation

Sir Ludwig Guttmann, aiming to promote the rehabilitation of soldiers after World War II, organized a multi-sport event in 1948. This event, which coincided with the 1948 London Olympics, involved multiple hospitals and laid the groundwork for what would become the Paralympic Games.

1948: Olympic Diplomas Introduced

Starting in 1948, athletes who placed fourth, fifth, and sixth at the Olympic Games began to receive certificates, which eventually became known as Olympic diplomas.

1952: Soviet Union's First Olympic Participation

The Soviet Union participated in the Olympic Games for the first time at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.

1952: Avery Brundage Becomes IOC President

Avery Brundage became the president of the IOC in 1952 and remained in that position until 1972. Brundage was known for his staunch opposition to commercialization in the Olympics.

1956: Multiple Boycotts at Melbourne Olympics

The 1956 Melbourne Olympics faced multiple boycotts: several European countries refused to attend in protest of the Soviet Union's actions in Hungary, while other nations boycotted due to the Suez Crisis and the participation of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

1956: Soviet Union Emerges as Sporting Superpower

The 1956 Summer Games marked the emergence of the Soviet Union as a dominant force in sports, utilizing their successes to further their political influence on the global stage.

1956: First International Olympic Television Broadcast

The 1956 Winter Olympics in Italy became the first Olympic Games to be televised internationally, expanding the reach and audience of the event.

1956: Lowest Number of Participating Nations Since 1956

The 1980 Moscow Olympics saw the lowest number of participating countries (80) since the 1956 Melbourne Games, due to the US-led boycott.

1960: First Olympic Death Linked to Performance Enhancement

Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome after falling from his bicycle. It was later determined that he was under the influence of amphetamines.

1960: Start of Cost Analysis

The Oxford Olympics Study used 1960 as the starting point for analyzing the rising costs of the Olympic Games.

1960: First Paralympic Games in Rome

The first official Paralympic Games, known as the "Parallel Olympics" at the time, were held in Rome, Italy, alongside the 1960 Summer Olympics. This event marked a significant step in the development of organized sports for athletes with disabilities.

1960: Start of Budget Overrun Analysis

The year 1960 marked the beginning of the analysis revealing an average budget overrun of 156% for the Olympic Games.

1964: Satellites Enable Live Global Broadcasts of Olympics

The introduction of satellite technology in 1964 revolutionized Olympic broadcasting by enabling live television broadcasts of the Games to a global audience.

1967: IOC Bans Performance-Enhancing Drugs

The International Olympic Committee officially banned the use of performance-enhancing drugs, following similar bans by sporting federations.

1968: Olympic Mascot Introduced

The Olympic mascot, representing the host country's culture, made its debut at the 1968 Olympic Games.

1968: First Olympic Athlete Tests Positive for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Swedish pentathlete Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall became the first Olympic athlete to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs when he was disqualified for alcohol use.

1968: Color Television Debuts at Olympic Games

The 1968 Olympic Games marked the first time color television was used to broadcast the event, enhancing the viewing experience and further increasing the Games' global appeal.

1968: 1968 Olympics Black Power Salute

During the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, two American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, performed the Black Power salute on the podium after the 200m race. They were supported by Australian athlete Peter Norman. In response, the IOC president banned Smith and Carlos from the Games.

1969: IIHF Decision to Allow Non-NHL Professionals

In 1969, the IIHF decided to permit Canada to include nine non-NHL professional hockey players in their team for the 1970 World Championships, a decision later overturned.

January 1970: Canada Withdraws from International Ice Hockey

In January 1970, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reversed its decision to allow Canada to field non-NHL professional players at the World Championships. Following this, Canada pulled out of international ice hockey competitions in protest, demanding "open competition."

1972: IOC Explores Commercial Opportunities After Brundage's Retirement

After Avery Brundage's retirement as IOC president in 1972, the organization began exploring commercial opportunities, including television rights and advertising, marking a shift in its approach to funding.

1972: End of Brundage Era, IOC Embraces Commercialization

Avery Brundage's retirement as IOC president in 1972 marked a turning point. The IOC, under new leadership, started to shift its stance and embraced commercialization through sponsorships and television deals.

1972: African Nations Threaten Olympic Boycott

Leading up to the 1972 Olympics, many African countries threatened a boycott to pressure the IOC to exclude South Africa and Rhodesia due to their policies of racial segregation.

1972: Munich Massacre

The 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, were tragically marked by the Munich Massacre, a terrorist attack by the Palestinian group Black September that resulted in the deaths of eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team, a German police officer, and five terrorists.

1975: Günther Sabetzki's Presidency and Efforts to Resolve the Dispute

With Günther Sabetzki becoming the president of the IIHF in 1975, efforts began to settle the disagreement with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) regarding the inclusion of professional players in international competitions.

1976: Montreal Olympics Highest Cost Overrun

The 1976 Montreal Olympics experienced the highest cost overrun for any Games at 720%.

1976: Republic of China (Taiwan) Excluded from Montreal Olympics

The Republic of China (Taiwan) was barred from the 1976 Montreal Olympics due to pressure from Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who aimed to appease the People's Republic of China.

1976: African Nations Boycott Montreal Olympics

In 1976, twenty African countries, joined by Guyana and Iraq, withdrew from the Montreal Olympics after the IOC refused to ban New Zealand for its rugby team's tour of apartheid-ruled South Africa. This boycott followed previous threats over the participation of nations with segregationist policies.

1976: Montreal Olympics Financial Struggles

Ambitious construction projects for the 1976 Montreal Summer Games led to significant expenses exceeding revenues.

1976: IIHF Adopts "Open Competition" for World Championships

The IIHF agreed to "open competition" in 1976, allowing players of all professional statuses to participate in the World Championships.

1980: Allegations of Widespread Doping at the Moscow Games

Following the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, a 1989 Australian study alleged that many medal winners, particularly gold medalists, had used performance-enhancing drugs.

1980: Juan Antonio Samaranch Elected IOC President

Juan Antonio Samaranch's election as IOC president in 1980 brought about a significant change in the organization's financial strategy. He aimed to make the IOC financially independent.

1980: Lake Placid Olympics Winter Games Overrun Record

The 1980 Lake Placid Olympics had the highest cost overrun for Winter Games at 324%.

1980: Moscow Olympics Financial Challenges

The 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics also faced financial difficulties due to high expenses.

1980: Olympic Mascot Gains Prominence

The 1980 Summer Olympics saw the Soviet bear cub Misha become internationally recognized, solidifying the Olympic mascot's significance in promoting the Games.

1980: Boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics

The 1980 Summer Olympics, held in Moscow, Soviet Union, faced a significant boycott led by the United States in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

1980: US-Led Boycott of Moscow Olympics

The United States and 65 other countries boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.

1983: Posthumous Restoration of Jim Thorpe's Olympic Medals

In 1983, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reversed its previous decision and posthumously reinstated Jim Thorpe's medals from the 1912 Olympics, acknowledging that the initial ruling was made outside the stipulated time frame.

1984: Los Angeles Olympics Generates Record Surplus

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a pivotal moment in Olympic history as it generated a record surplus of $225 million, largely due to the sale of exclusive sponsorship rights, prompting the IOC to seek greater control over sponsorship.

1984: Boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, USA, experienced a retaliatory boycott by the Soviet Union and several other Eastern Bloc countries. This boycott was in response to the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

1984: Los Angeles Olympics Financial Success

The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games, under Peter Ueberroth's leadership, became a model for future Games by controlling costs through existing facilities and corporate sponsorships.

1984: Olympic Diplomas Expanded

From 1984 onward, Olympic diplomas were awarded to the seventh and eighth place finishers in addition to those who placed fourth through sixth.

1984: Los Angeles Olympics Draws 900 Million Viewers

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics captivated a global audience of approximately 900 million viewers, demonstrating the growing reach and popularity of the Games.

1984: Soviet-Led Boycott of Los Angeles Olympics

In retaliation for the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games, the Soviet Union and 15 other nations boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

1984: Soviet Union's Doping System for 1984 Olympics Revealed

Documents revealed in 2016 detailed a state-sponsored doping program that the Soviet Union had planned to implement for the 1984 Summer Olympics before boycotting the Games.

1984: Chinese Taipei Returns to the Olympics

After being absent from the 1976 Games, athletes from Taiwan returned to the Olympics in 1984 under the name "Chinese Taipei," using a distinct flag and anthem, following the controversy surrounding their exclusion in the previous edition.

1985: The Olympic Programme (TOP) Launched

The IOC established The Olympic Programme (TOP) in 1985 to create and manage the Olympic brand. TOP offered exclusive global advertising rights and use of the Olympic rings to select companies for a significant fee.

1986: Aruban Olympic Committee Recognized

The IOC recognized the Aruban Olympic Committee in 1986.

1988: NHL Players Allowed in Olympics

After years of the IOC's amateur-only policy, NHL players were finally permitted to participate in the Olympic Games starting from 1988.

1988: Ben Johnson Stripped of Gold Medal for Doping

Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal in the 100m dash at the 1988 Summer Olympics after testing positive for stanozolol.

1988: Start of Increased Asian and Oceanian Hosts

Since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, there has been a marked increase in the number of Olympic Games held in Asia or Oceania.

1988: Seoul Hosts First Paralympics in Same City as Olympics

Starting with the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea, a tradition began where the host city of the Olympic Games would also host the Paralympic Games in the same year.

1989: International Centre for Olympic Studies Established

Led by Bob Barney, the International Centre for Olympic Studies was founded in 1989 to conduct independent research on the Games' sociocultural impacts.

1989: Australian Study Alleges Doping at 1980 Olympics

An Australian study published in 1989 claimed that doping was widespread at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

1991: Bombing in Vic

In 1991, a bombing in the Catalonian city of Vic, Spain, killed ten people. This attack was part of a series of attacks carried out by the Basque separatist group ETA in the region following the selection of Barcelona as the host city for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

1991: International Society of Olympic Historians Founded

The International Society of Olympic Historians was established in 1991 and began publishing the "Journal of Olympic History."

1992: Olympika Journal Launched

Bob Barney started "Olympika" in 1992 as the first peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to Olympic Games studies.

1992: Limited Female Participation

Despite women being allowed in the Olympics, at the 1992 Summer Olympics, 35 countries still sent only male athletes to compete, highlighting a slow pace towards gender equality in the Games.

1992: Terrorist Attacks in the Lead-Up to Barcelona Olympics

Following the selection of Barcelona to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, the Basque separatist group ETA carried out a series of attacks, including a bombing in Vic in 1991 that killed ten people, raising security concerns in the lead-up to the Games.

1992: Barcelona Olympics Reaches 3.5 Billion Viewers Worldwide

The 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona marked another milestone in viewership, reaching an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide, solidifying the Olympics' status as a truly global event.

1992: Albertville Hosts Last Concurrent Winter and Summer Games

The 1992 Winter Olympics were held in Albertville, France, marking the last time that both the Winter and Summer Olympics were hosted in the same year.

1994: Winter Olympics Shifted to Even-Numbered Years

Beginning with the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, the Winter Olympics shifted to a schedule of being held every four years, two years after each Summer Olympics. This change established a permanent alternation between the Summer and Winter Games.

1994: Establishment of Alternating Summer and Winter Olympics

In 1994, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to alternate the Summer and Winter Olympics every two years within the four-year Olympiad cycle.

1996: Centennial Olympic Park Bombing

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a bombing occurred at the Centennial Olympic Park. The attack, perpetrated by Eric Rudolph, killed two people and injured 111 others.

1998: CBS Secures US Broadcast Rights for 1998 Nagano Games

CBS acquired the broadcasting rights for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in the United States, paying a significant sum of $375 million, highlighting the increasing value of Olympic broadcasting rights.

1998: Salt Lake City Bribery Scandal

Reports surfaced in 1998 about IOC members accepting gifts from the Salt Lake City bid committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics, leading to multiple investigations.

1999: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Formed

The International Olympic Committee established the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 1999 to combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

1999: Nagano Olympics Spending Controversy

In 1999, it was revealed that the Nagano Olympic bid committee had spent a significant amount, approximately $14 million, on entertaining IOC members, raising concerns about transparency.

July 2000: Los Angeles Times Reports on IOC Finances

In July 2000, the Los Angeles Times published a report on the IOC's complex financial dealings, particularly regarding the distribution of sponsorship and broadcasting revenue. While Olympic historian Bob Barney didn't find evidence of corruption, he highlighted concerns about a lack of transparency.

2000: Bahrain Sends First Female Athletes

In a historic first, Bahrain sent female athletes Fatema Hameed Gerashi and Mariam Mohamed Hadi Al Hilli to compete at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

2000: NBC Acquires Olympic Broadcasting Rights (2000-2012)

NBC made a significant investment by securing the American broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2012 for $3.5 billion, demonstrating the growing importance of television revenue for the IOC.

2000: Increased Drug Testing at the 2000 Summer Olympics

The 2000 Summer Olympics saw a significant increase in positive drug tests as a result of improved testing procedures.

2001: IOC and IPC Agreement for Joint Hosting

In 2001, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed a historic agreement ensuring that host cities would be contractually obligated to manage both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2001: IOC President Proposes Youth Olympic Games

Jacques Rogge, the then-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), first proposed the concept of the Youth Olympic Games in 2001. This idea aimed to create a multi-sport event specifically for young athletes.

2002: 2002 Winter Olympics Success and Aftermath

Despite the scandal, the 2002 Salt Lake City Games were successful financially and in terms of viewership, resulting in the creation of the Utah Athletic Foundation to manage Olympic venues.

2002: Summer Olympics Program Limited

The 114th IOC Session in 2002 set limits for the Summer Olympics, capping the program at 28 sports, 301 events, and 10,500 athletes.

2002: Heightened Security at Salt Lake City Olympics

The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City were held under heightened security following the September 11 attacks. The opening ceremony included tributes to the victims and first responders.

2002: Improved Testing Conditions Lead to More Positive Drug Tests

The 2002 Winter Olympics saw a rise in positive drug tests due to improved testing conditions.

August 2004: BBC Documentary Alleges Bribery in Olympic Bidding

The BBC documentary "Panorama: Buying the Games", aired in August 2004, investigated allegations of bribery during the bidding process for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The documentary claimed that IOC members could be bribed to vote for specific cities.

November 2004: Olympic Programme Commission Established

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) established the Olympic Programme Commission in November 2004 to systematically review existing and potential Olympic sports.

2004: South Africa Bids to Host

South Africa made a bid to host the Olympic Games in 2004, though the bid was ultimately unsuccessful.

2004: Olive Wreaths at Athens Olympics

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, a new tradition was introduced where gold, silver, and bronze medal winners were given olive wreaths along with their medals.

2004: Afghan Women Debut at Olympics

Robina Muqimyar and Fariba Rezayee made history as the first women to represent Afghanistan at the Olympic Games in 2004.

2004: Iranian Judoka Awarded Prize Money Despite Disqualification

In 2004, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for being overweight for his match against an Israeli athlete, which he did not compete in. He received prize money equal to that given to Iranian gold medalists, raising suspicions that he intentionally avoided the bout.

2004: Greece Leads and Enters Last in Athens Olympics

During the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, the Greek flag led the parade of nations, while the Greek delegation entered the stadium last, as a special tribute to the host and origin of the Games.

July 2005: Five Sports Considered for 2012 Olympics

In July 2005, five sports—golf, karate, rugby sevens, roller sports, and squash—were reviewed as potential additions to the 2012 Summer Olympics but were not included.

2006: Turin's 2006 Winter Olympics Bid Under Scrutiny

Turin's successful bid for the 2006 Winter Olympics faced allegations of bribery involving IOC officials. Marc Hodler, an IOC member supporting the rival bid from Sion, raised concerns, leading to an investigation.

August 2008: Georgia Calls for Boycott of 2014 Sochi Olympics

In August 2008, Georgia urged for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics planned for Sochi, Russia, in response to Russia's involvement in the 2008 conflict in South Ossetia.

2008: Russo-Georgian War Coincides with Beijing Olympics

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing coincided with the outbreak of the Russo-Georgian War, a conflict that brought the issue to the attention of world leaders attending the Games.

2008: UAE Sends First Female Athletes

The United Arab Emirates, in a significant step, sent its first-ever female athletes, Maitha Al Maktoum (taekwondo) and Latifa Al Maktoum (equestrian), to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2008: Most Expensive Summer Olympics

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing were the most expensive Summer Games to date, with costs reaching US$40-44 billion.

2008: Call to Ban Saudi Arabia from the Olympics

Ali Al-Ahmed, director of the Institute for Gulf Affairs, urged for Saudi Arabia to be banned from the 2008 Olympic Games, calling the country's prohibition on female athletes a breach of the International Olympic Committee's charter.

2008: Beijing Implements Joint Hosting Agreement

The 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China, marked the first implementation of the agreement between the IOC and the IPC, where the host city was contractually obligated to organize both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2008: Beijing Olympics Swimming Finals Scheduled for US Prime Time

In an effort to cater to the American audience and maximize viewership, the finals of swimming events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics were scheduled for mornings in Beijing, coinciding with prime time evening broadcast slots in the United States.

2008: Beijing Wins 2022 Bid

Beijing, which previously hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, was awarded the 2022 Winter Games.

2008: More Medal Events for Men

As of 2008, there were still more medal events for men than for women at the Olympic Games, highlighting an ongoing disparity in competitive opportunities.

October 2009: Golf and Rugby Sevens Added to Olympics

In October 2009, golf and rugby sevens were approved by the IOC to be included as Olympic sports in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.

July 2010: Calls to Exclude Saudi Arabia Intensify

In July 2010, pressure mounted on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude Saudi Arabia from the upcoming Games due to its likely participation with an all-male team, sparking potential protests from equal rights and women's groups.

August 2010: First Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

The inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games were held in Singapore in August 2010. These games provided a platform for young athletes aged 14 to 18 to compete on an international stage.

2010: IOC Denies Sint Maarten and Curaçao NOCs

Despite gaining the same constitutional status as Aruba in 2010, the IOC did not allow Sint Maarten and Curaçao to form National Olympic Committees.

2010: IOC Pushes for Inclusion

In 2010, only Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar had yet to send female athletes to the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its intention to urge these nations to allow and support women's participation in the 2012 London Games.

2010: Vancouver Continues Joint Hosting Tradition

Continuing the practice established in Beijing, the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, upheld the joint hosting agreement between the IOC and the IPC.

2011: Systemic Doping in Russian Sports Exposed

Between 2011 and 2015, evidence emerged of systemic doping in Russian sports, with over a thousand athletes across various disciplines implicated in a cover-up.

2011: NBC Signs Record-Breaking Olympic Broadcast Deal

In 2011, NBC signed a historic agreement with the IOC, worth $4.38 billion, for the broadcasting rights to the Olympics through the 2020 Games, marking the most expensive television rights deal in Olympic history at the time.

2012: Women's Boxing Debuts, Gender Parity in Sports

With the addition of women's boxing at the 2012 Summer Olympics, women could compete in all sports open to men, signifying progress towards gender parity. However, Nordic combined in the Winter Olympics remained male-exclusive. Synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics remained exclusive to women.

2012: Potential for Disruption at the London Games

There were concerns that if Saudi Arabia sent only male athletes to the 2012 London Games, it could lead to disruptions and protests by advocates for equal rights and women's participation.

2012: NBC Holds Broadcasting Rights for 2012 London Olympics

NBC held the broadcasting rights to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, continuing its role as a major broadcaster of the Games in the United States.

2012: London Olympics Cost Overrun

The cost overrun for the London 2012 Olympics was 76%.

2012: Athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles choose representation

Starting in 2012, athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles were given the option to represent either the Netherlands or Aruba in the Olympics.

2012: London Olympics Cost Per Athlete

The cost per athlete for the London 2012 Olympics was US$1.4 million.

2012: London Awarded 2012 Olympics Amidst Controversy

London was selected to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, but the bidding process was marred by accusations of bribery and rule-breaking. Parisian mayor Bertrand Delanoë accused the London bid committee of improper conduct.

2012: Qatar Announces Potential Female Athletes

Following the IOC's push for inclusion, Qatar declared its aim to send up to four women to compete in shooting and fencing at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

2012: London Bids for 2012 Olympics, Citing Cotswold Games

During its bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the British Olympic Association highlighted the historical Cotswold Games, held annually near Chipping Campden, England, as an early inspiration for the modern Olympic movement in Britain.

2012: Karate and Squash Rejected for the Olympics

Despite being shortlisted, karate and squash did not receive enough votes to be included in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2012: Baseball and Softball Excluded

Baseball and softball were removed from the official program of the 2012 London Games, reducing the total number of sports to 26.

2012: Historic Full Female Participation

For the first time in Olympic history, every participating country included female athletes in their delegations at the 2012 Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone for gender equality in sports.

May 2014: NBC Extends Olympic Broadcasting Rights to 2032

In May 2014, NBC further extended its agreement with the IOC, securing the broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games through the 2032 Games for $7.75 billion, a testament to the enduring value of Olympic broadcasting.

December 2014: Sochi Becomes "Ghost Town"

By December 2014, eight months after the Games, Sochi was described as a "ghost town" with unfinished infrastructure and underutilized venues.

2014: Russia Naturalizes Athletes for Sochi Olympics

In preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Russian Olympic Committee naturalized athletes born in other countries, including a South Korean-born short-track speed-skater and an American-born snowboarder.

2014: Most Expensive Winter Olympics

The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi became the most expensive Olympics overall, costing over US$51 billion.

2014: Sochi Olympics Cost Overrun

The Sochi 2014 Olympics experienced a significant cost overrun of 289%.

2014: Calls to Boycott 2014 Sochi Olympics

There were calls to boycott the 2014 Sochi Olympics due to concerns about Russia's human rights record.

2015: Widespread Doping in Russian Sports Continues

By 2015, it was evident that systematic doping in Russian sports was ongoing, with a cover-up involving over a thousand athletes from various sports.

2016: Oxford Olympics Study

The Oxford Olympics Study in 2016 revealed the increasing costs associated with hosting the Olympic Games, particularly for infrastructure.

2016: 28-Sport Limit Reached

With the addition of rugby sevens and golf, the 2016 Summer Olympics reached the maximum limit of 28 sports.

2016: Documents Reveal Soviet Union's Planned Doping System

Documents released in 2016 exposed the Soviet Union's elaborate plans for a state-sponsored doping program leading up to the 1984 Summer Olympics.

2016: Golf and Rugby Sevens Debut

The 2016 Summer Olympics marked the debut of golf and rugby sevens as official Olympic sports.

2016: First Olympics in South America

The 2016 Olympic Games, held in Rio de Janeiro, were the first to take place in a South American country.

2016: Russia Partially Banned from Rio Olympics

Due to state-sponsored doping, Russia faced a partial ban from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

2017: New Selection Process Implemented

In 2017, the IOC began using a new selection process for host cities with a longer lead time in order to provide more preparation time for the winning city.

2018: Russia Banned from Pyeongchang Olympics

Russia was banned from competing under its own flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang as a result of the state-sponsored doping program.

December 2019: WADA Bans Russia from Major Sporting Events for Four Years

In December 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) imposed a four-year ban on Russia's participation in major sporting events due to systematic doping and a lack of transparency with WADA investigations.

December 2020: CAS Reduces Russia's Ban to Two Years, Allows Neutral Athletes

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced Russia's ban from four years to two years, allowing Russian athletes to compete as neutral athletes under certain conditions, including not using the Russian name, flag, or anthem.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympics Held in Tokyo

The 2020 Summer Olympics, though delayed by a year, were held in Tokyo, Japan, marking a significant event in the world of sports.

2020: Postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The 2020 Summer Olympics, originally scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, were postponed to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympics

The 2020 Summer Olympics saw over 11,300 athletes from 206 nations compete.

2020: New Parade Order Implemented

Starting with the 2020 Summer Olympics, a new parade order was implemented where the succeeding hosts of the upcoming Olympic Games enter before the current host in descending order.

2020: 28 Sports Featured Again

The 2020 Summer Olympics maintained the maximum of 28 sports in its program.

2020: Tokyo Olympics Swimming Finals Scheduled for US Prime Time

Similar to the Beijing Games, the scheduling of swimming finals during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics took into account US prime time viewing preferences, with finals held in the mornings in Tokyo to align with evening broadcasts in the United States.

2020: NBC Holds Broadcasting Rights for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

NBC was the broadcasting rights holder for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the United States, continuing its long-standing partnership with the IOC.

2020: Golf and Rugby Sevens Continue

Golf and rugby sevens continued as part of the Olympic program in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

2020: All NOCs Have Participated in the Summer Olympics

As of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, all 207 current National Olympic Committees and 19 obsolete NOCs have participated in at least one Summer Olympics.

2021: Increase in Asian and Oceanian Hosts

As of 2021, the Olympics have been held in Asia or Oceania four times since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, a notable increase compared to the previous 92 years.

2021: Rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics Held in 2021

The 2020 Summer Olympics, postponed from the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were held in Tokyo, Japan, in 2021.

February 2022: Doping Scandal at the Beijing Olympics

In February 2022, during the Beijing Olympics, news broke about a doping case involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva. She tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance, from a sample taken in December 2021. The case sparked controversy due to her age (15 at the time) and the delayed testing process.

October 2022: RUSADA Decision and WADA Appeal

In October 2022, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) reached a decision on the Valieva case but did not publicly disclose details, citing international guidelines protecting minors. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, seeking a four-year suspension for Valieva and the removal of her results from the Beijing Olympics.

2022: Cities Withdraw 2022 Bids

Several cities withdrew their bids for the 2022 Winter Olympics due to high costs and lack of local support, leaving only Almaty and Beijing in the running.

2022: 2022 Winter Olympics Held in Beijing

The 2022 Winter Olympics were held in Beijing, China, showcasing winter sports and athletic achievements.

2022: 2022 Winter Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics, held in Beijing, had a smaller scale with 2,971 athletes from 91 nations.

2022: IOC Recommends Banning Russian and Belarusian Athletes

In 2022, the IOC recommended that athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus be banned from competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Diplomatic Boycotts of Beijing Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing faced "diplomatic boycotts" from several countries, including the United States, due to ongoing human rights concerns in China. While athletes from these countries participated, diplomats did not attend.

October 2023: IOC Suspends Russian Olympic Committee

In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made the decision to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee.

November 2023: IOC Approves Nationality Changes for Athletes

The IOC Executive Board approved changes of nationality for a few athletes from Russia to other countries in November 2023, amidst the suspension.

February 2024: Court of Arbitration for Sport Upholds Suspension

The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee in February 2024.

March 2024: More Nationality Changes Approved

The IOC Executive Board approved more changes of nationality for athletes from Russia to other countries in March 2024.

2024: Paris Awarded 2024 Games

In an unprecedented move, the IOC awarded both the 2024 and 2028 Games simultaneously, with Paris securing the 2024 bid.

2024: Paris 2024 Unveils Mascot

The mascot for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is set to be an anthropomorphic Phrygian cap, drawing inspiration from Marianne's cap worn during the French Revolution.

2024: Longer Lead Time for Host City Selection

Starting with the selection process for the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games in 2017, the IOC implemented a longer lead time for announcing the winning bid to give the host cities more time to prepare.

2028: Los Angeles Awarded 2028 Games

Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympic Games alongside Paris receiving the 2024 Games.

2028: Longer Lead Time for Host City Selection