Full History Of Olympic Games In Timeline From 1900

1900: Women's debut at the Summer Olympics in Paris

In 1900, women were first allowed to compete at the Summer Olympics, which were held in Paris.

1900: Olympic Games at the Paris Exposition in 1900

The Olympic Games held at the Paris Exposition in 1900 failed to attract much participation or notice.

1904: Thomas Hicks uses strychnine to win gold

In 1904, Thomas Hicks, a gold medallist in the marathon, was given strychnine by his coach. At the time, taking different substances was allowed, as there was no data regarding the effect of these substances on a body of an athlete.

1904: Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904

The Olympic Games held at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 failed to attract much participation or notice.

1904: Introduction of the current three-medal format

The current three-medal format was introduced at the 1904 Olympics.

1906: 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens

In 1906, the Intercalated Games were held in Athens, attracting a broad international field of participants and generating a great deal of public interest, marking the beginning of a rise in both the popularity and the size of the Olympics.

1908: Figure Skating at the Summer Olympics in 1908

Figure skating was featured as an Olympic event at the Summer Olympics in 1908.

1908: Official sponsors of the London Olympic Games

In 1908, Oxo, Odol mouthwash, and Indian Foot Powder became official sponsors of the London Olympic Games.

1912: Stripping of Jim Thorpe's Medals

In 1912, Olympic pentathlon and decathlon champion Jim Thorpe was stripped of his medals when it was discovered that he had played semi-professional baseball before the Olympics.

1912: Gold medals changed from solid gold to gilded silver

Until 1912, winners received solid gold medals. After 1912, the medals were made of gilded silver and now gold-plated silver.

1914: Adoption of the Olympic Flag

In 1914, the Olympic flag, featuring the five rings representing the unity of the five inhabited continents, was adopted. The colored version of the rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red) over a white field were chosen because every nation had at least one of them on its national flag.

1916: Cancellation of the 1916 Olympics

In 1916, World War I led to the cancellation of the Olympic Games.

1916: Cancellation of the 1916 Games due to World War I

The 1916 Games were cancelled because of World War I.

1920: Figure Skating and Ice Hockey at the Summer Olympics in 1920

Figure skating and ice hockey were featured as Olympic events at the Summer Olympics in 1920.

1920: Establishment of Opening Ceremony Rituals

In 1920, most of the rituals for the opening ceremony were established at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp. These rituals include the entrance of the IOC president and a representative of the host country, hoisting the host country's flag, and artistic displays.

1920: First Flown Olympic Flag at the Summer Olympics

In 1920, the Olympic flag was flown for the first time at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. This marked the beginning of the tradition of hoisting the flag during each celebration of the Games.

1921: Decision to hold a Winter Olympics at the 1921 Olympic Congress

At the 1921 Olympic Congress in Lausanne, it was decided to hold a winter version of the Olympic Games.

1924: First Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France in 1924

In 1924, a winter sports week was held in Chamonix, France, in connection with the Paris Games; this event became the first Winter Olympic Games.

1924: Official Olympic Motto

In 1924, the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius," meaning "Faster, Higher, Stronger," officially became the motto of the Olympic Games. The motto was originally proposed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.

1924: Inception of Winter Olympics

In 1924, the Winter Olympics programme started featuring cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and speed skating.

1928: Coca-Cola first sponsors the Summer Olympics

In 1928, Coca-Cola first sponsored the Summer Olympics and has remained a sponsor ever since.

1928: Olympic Flame as Symbol

In 1928, the Olympic Flame was established as an Olympic symbol.

1928: Soviets organised Spartakiads, an international sports event

Starting in 1928, the Soviets organised Spartakiads, an international sports event. During the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s, communist and socialist organisations in several countries attempted to counter what they called the "bourgeois" Olympics with the Workers Olympics.

1930: Pedestals used at the British Empire Games

In 1930, pedestals were used at the British Empire Games, as proposed by Melville Marks Robinson. Those pedestals inspired the Olympic Medals Awarding Ceremonies.

1932: Establishment of Olympic Medals Awarding Ceremonies

In 1932, the practice of awarding Olympic medals at podium ceremonies was established at the Winter Olympics. The podium ceremonies were based on pedestals used at the 1930 British Empire Games, as proposed by Melville Marks Robinson.

1936: Nazi Germany hosts the 1936 Games

In 1936, Nazi Germany hosted the Olympic Games, using them to promote the National Socialist Party as benevolent and peace-loving, while also attempting to display Aryan superiority. Germany was the most successful nation at the Games.

1936: Skiers Boycott the Winter Olympics

In 1936, Swiss and Austrian skiers boycotted the Winter Olympics in support of their skiing teachers, who were not allowed to compete because they earned money with their sport and were thus considered professionals.

1936: Olympic Council of Ireland Boycott

In 1936, the Olympic Council of Ireland boycotted the Berlin Games because the IOC insisted its team needed to be restricted to the Irish Free State rather than representing the entire island of Ireland.

1936: Introduction of the Torch Relay

In 1936, the Olympic torch relay was introduced at the Summer Games to promote the Third Reich. The relay involves carrying the flame from Olympia to the host city's Olympic stadium.

1936: First televised Olympic Games

In 1936, the Summer Olympics in Berlin were the first Games to be broadcast on television, though only to local audiences.

1940: Cancellation of the 1940 Olympics

In 1940, World War II led to the cancellation of the Olympic Games.

1940: Cancellation of the 1940 Games due to World War II

The summer and winter games of 1940 were cancelled because of World War II.

1944: Cancellation of the 1944 Olympics

In 1944, World War II led to the cancellation of the Olympic Games.

1944: Cancellation of the 1944 Games due to World War II

The summer and winter games of 1944 were cancelled because of World War II.

1948: Introduction of Olympic diplomas

From 1948 onward, athletes placing fourth, fifth, and sixth have received certificates, which came to be known officially as Olympic diplomas.

1948: Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948

In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a multi-sport event between several hospitals to coincide with the 1948 London Olympics. Originally known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, Guttmann's event became an annual sports festival.

1952: Avery Brundage becomes IOC President

In 1952, Avery Brundage became the President of the IOC. From 1952 to 1972, Avery Brundage rejected all attempts to link the Olympics with commercial interests.

1952: Soviet Union Participates in the 1952 Summer Olympics

In 1952, the Soviet Union participated in the Summer Olympics in Helsinki for the first time. Previously, they had organized Spartakiads, an international sports event, starting in 1928.

1956: Soviets emerge as a sporting superpower

At the 1956 Summer Games, the Soviets emerged as a sporting superpower. The Soviet Union's success might be attributed to a heavy state's investment in sports to fulfill its political agenda on an international stage.

1956: First internationally televised Olympic Games

In 1956, the Winter Olympics in Italy were the first internationally televised Olympic Games.

1956: Boycotts of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics

In 1956, there were three boycotts of the Melbourne Olympics: the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland refused to attend due to the Soviet Union's repression of the Hungarian uprising. Cambodia, Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon boycotted the Games due to the Suez Crisis; and the People's Republic of China boycotted due to the participation of the Republic of China from Taiwan.

1956: Lowest number of nations participating since 1956 due to boycott

In 1980, the boycott led by the United States against the Moscow Olympics meant that only 80 nations participated, which was the lowest number of nations participating since 1956.

1960: Death of Knud Enemark Jensen due to amphetamines

At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died after falling from his bicycle. A coroner's inquiry found that he was under the influence of amphetamines, marking the only Olympic death linked to performance enhancing at the time.

1960: Average overrun for Games since 1960

Average overrun for Games since 1960 is 156% in real terms, which means that actual costs turned out to be on average 2.56 times the budget that was estimated at the time of winning the bid to host the Games.

1960: "Parallel Olympics" in Rome in 1960

In 1960, Guttmann brought 400 athletes to Rome to compete in the "Parallel Olympics", which ran in parallel with the Summer Olympics and came to be known as the first Paralympics.

1960: Sports-related costs for the Summer Games since 1960

The Oxford Olympics Study 2016 found that, since 1960, sports-related costs for the Summer Games were on average US$5.2 billion.

1964: Satellites for broadcasting live television worldwide

Starting in 1964, the advent of satellites for broadcasting live television worldwide contributed to viewership increasing exponentially from the 1960s until the end of the 20th century.

1967: IOC bans performance-enhancing drugs

By the mid-1960s, sports federations started to ban the use of performance-enhancing drugs. In 1967, the IOC followed suit, beginning to address the issue of doping in sports.

1968: Black Power salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics

At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, American track and field athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed the Black Power salute on the victory stand. Peter Norman of Australia wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge in support. In response, IOC president Avery Brundage ordered Smith and Carlos suspended from the US team and banned from the Olympic Village.

1968: First Olympic athlete to test positive for doping

In 1968 Summer Olympics, Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall, a Swedish pentathlete, became the first Olympic athlete to test positive for a banned substance (alcohol) and subsequently lost his bronze medal.

1968: Introduction of the Olympic Mascot

In 1968, the Olympic mascot, a figure representing the cultural heritage of the host country, was introduced.

1968: Introduction of color television

The introduction of colour television in 1968 was a factor in the exponential viewership increase from the 1960s until the end of the 20th century.

1969: IIHF Decides to Allow Non-NHL Players

At the IIHF Congress in 1969, the IIHF decided to allow Canada to use nine non-NHL professional hockey players at the 1970 World Championships.

January 1970: Reversal of the Decision to Allow Non-NHL Players

In January 1970, the decision to allow Canada to use nine non-NHL professional hockey players was reversed after Brundage said that ice hockey's status as an Olympic sport would be in jeopardy if the change was made.

1972: Retirement of Avery Brundage as IOC President

In 1972, Avery Brundage retired as the President of the IOC. His resistance to commercial interests meant the IOC left organising committees to negotiate their own sponsorship contracts and use the Olympic symbols.

1972: Threats of Boycott over South Africa and Rhodesia

In 1972, a large number of African countries threatened the IOC with a boycott to force them to ban South Africa and Rhodesia, because of their segregationist rule.

1972: IOC explores television and advertising potential

In 1972, after the retirement of IOC President Avery Brundage, the IOC began exploring the potential of television and lucrative advertising markets.

1972: Munich Massacre at the Summer Games

In 1972, during the Summer Games in Munich, Germany, eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September, resulting in the Munich massacre. Two athletes were killed soon after being taken hostage, and the other nine were killed during a failed liberation attempt.

1975: Günther Sabetzki Became President of the IIHF

In 1975, Günther Sabetzki became president of the IIHF and helped to resolve the dispute with the CAHA.

1976: Ambitious construction for the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal

Ambitious construction for the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal had burdened organisers with expenses greatly in excess of revenues.

1976: IIHF Agreed to Allow 'Open Competition'

In 1976, the IIHF agreed to allow "open competition" between all players in the World Championships.

1976: Exclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from the 1976 Games

In 1976, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was excluded from the Games by order of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada.

1976: Boycott of Montreal Games

In 1976, twenty African countries were joined by Guyana and Iraq in a withdrawal from the Montreal Games due to New Zealand's rugby tour of apartheid-ruled South Africa, after a few of their athletes had already competed.

1976: Montreal 1976 had the highest cost overrun for Summer Games

Montreal 1976 had the highest cost overrun for Summer Games, and for any Games, at 720%.

1980: Ambitious construction for the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow

Ambitious construction for the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow had burdened organisers with expenses greatly in excess of revenues.

1980: Juan Antonio Samaranch elected IOC president

In 1980, Juan Antonio Samaranch was elected as IOC president, with a goal to make the IOC financially independent.

1980: Boycotts during the Cold War in 1980 Olympics

In 1980, large-scale boycotts during the Cold War limited participation in the Olympics.

1980: United States and other countries boycott Moscow Olympics

In 1980, the United States and sixty-five other countries boycotted the Moscow Olympics due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This action reduced the number of participating nations to 80, marking the lowest participation since 1956.

1980: Lake Placid 1980 had the highest cost overrun for Winter Games

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

1980: Allegations of widespread drug use at the 1980 Summer Olympics

On the topic of the 1980 Summer Olympics, a 1989 Australian study said "There is hardly a medal winner at the Moscow Games, certainly not a gold medal winner, who is not on one sort of drug or another: usually several kinds. The Moscow Games might as well have been called the Chemists' Games."

1980: Misha's Stardom

The Soviet bear cub Misha, the mascot of the 1980 Summer Olympics, reached international stardom. This marked the mascot playing an important part of the Games' identity promotion since then.

1983: Posthumous Restoration of Jim Thorpe's Medals

In 1983, Jim Thorpe's medals were posthumously restored by the IOC after a ruling found that the decision to strip him of his medals fell outside of the 30-day period.

1984: Olympic diplomas awarded to seventh- and eighth-place finishers

From 1984, Olympic diplomas have also been awarded to the seventh- and eighth-place finishers.

1984: Taiwan's Return as Chinese Taipei

In 1984, athletes from Taiwan participated again under the name of Chinese Taipei with a special flag and anthem.

1984: Boycotts during the Cold War in 1984 Olympics

In 1984, large-scale boycotts during the Cold War limited participation in the Olympics.

1984: Soviet Union boycotts Los Angeles Olympics

In 1984, the Soviet Union and 15 other nations boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics, countering the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games. Despite this, 140 National Olympic Committees participated, setting a record at the time. Romania, a Warsaw Pact country, competed despite Soviet demands, receiving a warm reception from the U.S. spectators.

1984: Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics

In 2016, documents obtained revealed the Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in track and field in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Dated prior to the country's decision to boycott the Games, the document detailed the existing steroids operations of the program, along with suggestions for further enhancements.

1984: Los Angeles controlled expenses for the 1984 Summer Games

Los Angeles strictly controlled expenses for the 1984 Summer Games by using existing facilities and only two new that were paid for by corporate sponsors.

1984: 1984 Summer Olympics generates surplus

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, led by Peter Ueberroth, generated a surplus of US$225 million, an unprecedented amount, by selling exclusive sponsorship rights.

1984: Audience increase for Los Angeles Games

The audience numbers at the Los Angeles Games of 1984 had increased to 900 million.

1985: The Olympic Programme (TOP) established

In 1985, Samaranch helped establish The Olympic Programme (TOP) to create an Olympic brand, offering exclusive global advertising rights to members for a fee.

1986: Recognition of the Aruban Olympic Committee in 1986

In 1986, the IOC had recognised the Aruban Olympic Committee.

1988: Ben Johnson disqualified for doping at the 1988 Summer Olympics

At the 1988 Summer Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who won the 100-metre dash, tested positive for stanozolol and was subsequently disqualified.

1988: NHL Players Allowed in the Olympics

In 1988, NHL players were finally allowed to play in the Olympics because of the IOC's amateur-only policy.

1988: Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea

In 1988, the Summer Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea. This marked the beginning of a period that saw a notable increase in the number of Olympic Games being hosted in Asia and Oceania.

1988: Host city for the Olympics also played host to the Paralympics in 1988

Starting with the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, the host city for the Olympics has also played host to the Paralympics.

1989: Establishment of the International Centre for Olympic Studies

In 1989, Bob Barney spearheaded the establishment of the International Centre for Olympic Studies, with the goal of conducting independent research on the Games and writing about the sociocultural impacts of the Olympic Games.

1989: Australian study alleges widespread drug use at the 1980 Summer Olympics

In 1989, an Australian study made allegations of widespread drug use at the 1980 Summer Olympics, suggesting that most medal winners were on some sort of drug.

1991: Founding of the International Society of Olympic Historians

In 1991, the International Society of Olympic Historians was founded. This society publishes the Journal of Olympic History.

1991: ETA bombing in Vic, Catalonia

In 1991, the separatist ETA terrorist organisation bombing in the Catalonian city of Vic killed ten people.

1992: 35 countries field all-male delegations at the Summer Olympics

At the 1992 Summer Olympics, 35 countries still fielded all-male delegations.

1992: Audience increase for Barcelona Summer Olympics

By the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, the audience number had swelled to 3.5 billion.

1992: Barcelona selected to host Summer Olympics, ETA launches attacks

Following the selection of Barcelona, Spain, to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, the separatist ETA terrorist organisation launched attacks in the region.

1992: Beginning of Olympika publication

In 1992, Bob Barney began publishing Olympika, which was the first peer-reviewed academic journal focused on the Olympic Games.

1992: Winter Games in Albertville, France in 1992

The tradition of holding the Winter Games every four years in the same year as their summer counterpart was upheld through the 1992 Games in Albertville, France.

1994: 1994 Games - The Winter Olympics held every four years, two years after each Summer Olympics.

Beginning with the 1994 Games, the Winter Olympics were held every four years, two years after each Summer Olympics.

1994: Alternation of Summer and Winter Olympics

In 1994, the Olympic Games began alternating between the Summer and Winter Olympics every two years during the four-year Olympiad.

1996: Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a bomb was detonated at the Centennial Olympic Park, killing two people and injuring 111 others. The bomb was set by Eric Rudolph.

1998: CBS pays for American broadcast rights for the Nagano Games

In 1998, CBS paid US$375 million for the American broadcast rights for the Nagano Games.

1998: IOC members investigated for taking gifts during Salt Lake City bid

In 1998, several IOC members were reported to have accepted gifts from the Salt Lake City bid committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics, leading to multiple investigations and stricter rules for future bids.

1999: Nagano Olympic bid committee spending revealed

In 1999, it was reported that the Nagano Olympic bid committee had spent approximately $14 million on entertaining IOC members, but precise figures remain unknown due to the destruction of financial records.

1999: IOC forms the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

In 1999, the IOC established the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to systematise the research and detection of performance-enhancing drugs.

July 2000: Olympic historian comments on IOC accountability

In July 2000, Olympic historian Bob Barney stated that he had "yet to see matters of corruption in the IOC", but noted there were "matters of unaccountability" when the Los Angeles Times reported on how the IOC redistributes profits from sponsorships and broadcasting rights.

2000: NBC spends billions for American rights to air every Olympic Games

From 2000 to 2012, NBC spent US$3.5 billion for the American rights to air every Olympic Games.

2000: Bahrain sends women competitors for the first time

In 2000, Bahrain sent two women competitors, Fatema Hameed Gerashi and Mariam Mohamed Hadi Al Hilli, for the first time to the Olympics.

2000: Increase in positive drug tests at the 2000 Summer Olympics

There was a sharp increase in positive drug tests at the 2000 Summer Olympics due to improved testing conditions. Several medallists in weightlifting and cross-country skiing from post-Soviet states were disqualified because of doping offences.

2001: Jacques Rogge conceived the Youth Olympic Games in 2001

In 2001, the Youth Olympic Games were conceived by IOC president Jacques Rogge.

2001: IOC and IPC signed an agreement in 2001

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed an agreement in 2001 which guaranteed that host cities would be contracted to manage both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2002: 2002 Winter Olympics deemed a success

From a sporting and business perspective, the 2002 Olympics were one of the most successful Winter Games in history; records were set in both broadcasting and marketing, and a surplus of $40 million was used to create the Utah Athletic Foundation.

2002: IOC Session Limited the Summer Games Programme

The 114th IOC Session in 2002 limited the Summer Games programme to a maximum of 28 sports, 301 events, and 10,500 athletes.

2002: Increased security at the 2002 Winter Olympics after 9/11

The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City took place just five months after the September 11 attacks, resulting in a higher level of security than ever before. The opening ceremonies of the Games featured symbols relating to 9/11.

2002: Increase in positive drug tests at the 2002 Winter Olympics

There was a sharp increase in positive drug tests at the 2002 Winter Olympics due to improved testing conditions. Several medallists in weightlifting and cross-country skiing from post-Soviet states were disqualified because of doping offences.

August 2004: BBC documentary alleges bribery in 2012 Summer Olympics bidding process

In August 2004, a BBC documentary, Panorama: Buying the Games, reported the results of an investigation into bribes allegedly used in the bidding process for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

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November 2004: Establishment of Olympic Programme Commission

In November 2004, the IOC established an Olympic Programme Commission, tasked with reviewing sports on the Olympic programme and non-Olympic recognized sports to establish a systematic approach for each celebration of the Games.

2004: Olive wreaths presented at the Athens Summer Olympics

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners were also presented with olive wreaths.

2004: Greek Delegation Order at Athens Summer Olympics

During the 2004 Summer Olympics, which was hosted in Athens, Greece, the Greek flag entered the stadium first, while the Greek delegation entered last, a deviation from the standard procedure.

2004: Iranian judoka avoids competing against Israeli athlete

In 2004, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili did not compete in a match against an Israeli during the Summer Olympics. He was officially disqualified for being overweight but received US$125,000 from the Iranian government, raising suspicion of intentionally avoiding the bout.

2004: Afghanistan sends women competitors for the first time

In 2004, Robina Muqimyar and Fariba Rezayee became the first women to compete for Afghanistan at the Olympics.

2004: South Africa Fails Bid for 2004 Olympics

In 2004, South Africa's bid to host the Olympic Games was unsuccessful, continuing the trend of no African country having hosted the Olympics to date.

July 2005: Review of Sports for Inclusion

In July 2005, the General Session in Singapore reviewed five sports recommended for inclusion at the 2012 Summer Olympics: golf, karate, rugby sevens, roller sports, and squash. Only karate and squash were selected as finalists, but neither attained the required two-thirds vote.

2006: Controversy clouds Turin's bid for 2006 Winter Olympics

In 2006, Turin's bid to host the Winter Olympics was also clouded by controversy; a prominent IOC member, Marc Hodler, alleged bribery of IOC officials by members of the Turin Organising Committee.

August 2008: Georgia calls for boycott of 2014 Winter Olympics

In August 2008, the government of Georgia called for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics, which were set to be held in Sochi, Russia, as a response to Russia's involvement in the 2008 South Ossetia war.

2008: More medal events for men than women

As of 2008, there were still more medal events for men than women at the Olympics.

2008: Beijing hosts the 2008 Summer Olympics

Beijing, China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2008: Call to bar Saudi Arabia from the Games

In 2008, Ali Al-Ahmed, director of the Institute for Gulf Affairs, called for Saudi Arabia to be barred from the Games due to its ban on women athletes.

2008: United Arab Emirates sends female athletes for the first time

In 2008, the United Arab Emirates sent female athletes for the first time; Maitha Al Maktoum competed in taekwondo, and Latifa Al Maktoum in equestrian.

2008: Russo-Georgian War erupts during the 2008 Summer Olympics

The Russo-Georgian War erupted on the opening day of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin discussed the conflict at a luncheon.

2008: The agreement came into effect at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing

The agreement between IOC and IPC came into effect at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.

2008: Swimming finals scheduled for U.S. prime time during the 2008 Summer Olympics

The finals of the swimming events were scheduled only during the mornings of the host city Beijing, which coincide with the evening prime time broadcast slots of the United States, during the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2008: Most expensive Summer Games were Beijing 2008

The most expensive Summer Games were Beijing 2008 at US$40–44 billion.

October 2009: Instatement of Golf and Rugby Sevens as Olympic Sports

In October 2009, the IOC voted to instate golf and rugby sevens as Olympic sports for the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

July 2010: Pressure on IOC to exclude Saudi Arabia

In July 2010, The Independent reported that pressure was growing on the International Olympic Committee to exclude Saudi Arabia for not including women in their Olympic team for 2012.

August 2010: First Summer Youth Games held in Singapore in August 2010

The first Summer Youth Games were held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010.

2010: IOC did not allow the formation of NOCs for Sint Maarten and Curaçao in 2010

In 2010, the IOC did not allow the formation of NOCs for Sint Maarten and Curaçao when they gained the same constitutional status as Aruba.

2010: IOC to press countries to allow female participation

In 2010, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would "press" Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to enable and facilitate the participation of women for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

2010: The agreement came into effect at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

The agreement between IOC and IPC came into effect at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

2011: Beginning of widespread doping cover-up in Russian sports

From 2011 to 2015, more than a thousand Russian competitors in various sports, including summer, winter, and Paralympic sports, benefited from a cover-up related to doping.

2011: NBC agrees to contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics

In 2011, NBC agreed to a $4.38 billion contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics through the 2020 Games, making it the most expensive television rights deal in Olympic history.

2012: Cost per athlete for London 2012

As of 2016, costs per athlete were, on average, US$599,000 for the Summer Games and $1.3 million for the Winter Games; for London 2012, the cost per athlete was $1.4 million.

2012: Every participating nation includes female athletes

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, every participating nation included female athletes for the first time in Olympic history. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei included female athletes in their delegations. Qatar made Bahiya al-Hamad (shooting) its flagbearer, and Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain won a bronze medal.

2012: NBC spends billions for American rights to air every Olympic Games

From 2000 to 2012, NBC spent US$3.5 billion for the American rights to air every Olympic Games.

2012: Accusations of broken bid rules in 2012 Olympics

In 2012, after being narrowly defeated in their bid for the 2012 Games, Parisian mayor Bertrand Delanoë specifically accused the British prime minister Tony Blair and the London bid committee of breaking the bid rules.

2012: Exclusion of Baseball and Softball

In 2012, baseball and softball were excluded from the official programme of the London Games, resulting in just 26 sports featured.

2012: Candidate Sports for Inclusion at the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, five recognised sports emerged as candidates for inclusion at the Summer Olympics: golf, karate, rugby sevens, roller sports and squash.

2012: Threat of protests against Saudi Arabia's male-only team

In 2012, it was understood that should Saudi Arabia send a male-only team to London, they would face protests from equal rights and women's groups.

2012: British Olympic Association bid for the 2012 Olympic Games in London

In 2012, the British Olympic Association, in its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, mentioned these games as "the first stirrings of Britain's Olympic beginnings".

2012: London 2012 had a cost overrun of 76%

London 2012 had a cost overrun of 76%.

2012: Qatar Olympic Committee hopes to send female athletes

Shortly after the IOC announcement in 2010, the Qatar Olympic Committee announced that it "hoped to send up to four female athletes in shooting and fencing" to the 2012 Summer Games.

2012: Athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles represent the Netherlands or Aruba since 2012

Since 2012, athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles have had the option to represent either the Netherlands or Aruba.

2012: Statement about the Paralympics and Olympics in London

Two years before the 2012 Games, the LOCOG chairman Lord Coe made a statement about the Paralympics and Olympics in London.

2012: Women compete in all sports open to men

With the addition of women's boxing to the program in the 2012 Summer Olympics, women athletes were able to compete in all the sports open to men.

May 2014: NBC extends contract to air the Olympics through 2032

On May 7, 2014, NBC agreed to a $7.75 billion contract extension to air the Olympics through the 2032 Games and also acquired the American television rights to the Youth Olympic Games, beginning in 2014, and the Paralympic Games.

2014: Georgia calls for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

In August 2008, the government of Georgia called for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics set to be held in Sochi, Russia, in response to Russia's participation in the 2008 South Ossetia war.

2014: Sochi Olympics criticized for high costs and potential economic impact

In December 2014, The Guardian reported that Sochi "now feels like a ghost town" eight months after the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, which were the most expensive Olympic Games in history, costing over US$50 billion. There were concerns that the high costs would not significantly boost Russia's national economy and the city became a ghost town after the games.

2014: Russia naturalizes athletes for the Sochi Olympics

In preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Russian Olympic Committee naturalised a South Korean-born short-track speed-skater, Ahn Hyun-soo, and an American-born snowboarder, Vic Wild. The two athletes won five gold medals and one bronze medal between them at the 2014 Games.

2014: Sochi 2014 of 289%

Sochi 2014 had a cost overrun of 289%.

2014: Most expensive Winter Games were Sochi 2014

The most expensive Winter Games were Sochi 2014 at US$51 billion.

2015: Culmination of widespread doping cover-up in Russian sports

From 2011 to 2015, more than a thousand Russian competitors in various sports, including summer, winter, and Paralympic sports, benefited from a cover-up related to doping.

2016: Rio de Janeiro Hosts First South American Olympics

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro hosted the Olympic Games, marking the first time the event was held in a South American country, expanding the Olympic presence to a new continent.

2016: Russia partially banned from the 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Russia was partially banned from the Summer Olympics due to the state-sponsored doping programme.

2016: Documents reveal Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system

In 2016, documents obtained revealed the Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in track and field in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The document detailed the existing steroids operations of the program, along with suggestions for further enhancements.

2016: Golf and Rugby Sevens as Olympic Sports for 2016

In 2016, golf and rugby sevens were instated as Olympic sports for the Summer Olympic Games.

2016: Return to Maximum Sports Limit with Rugby and Golf

In 2016, the Games returned to the maximum of 28 sports given the addition of rugby and golf.

2016: The Oxford Olympics Study 2016

The Oxford Olympics Study 2016 found that, since 1960, sports-related costs for the Summer Games were on average US$5.2 billion and for the Winter Games $3.1 billion.

2017: IOC Announces Changes to Olympic Selection Process

In 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) began announcing the winning bid for the Olympic Games with a longer lead-in time, starting with the 2024 and 2028 Olympics, to allow host cities more preparation time. The selection process spans two years and involves applicant cities completing a questionnaire to ensure compliance with the Olympic Charter.

2018: Introduction of mixed curling event

Beginning in 2018, the sport of curling introduced a mixed event where teams of one man and one woman competed in their own tournament for a medal.

2018: Russia banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics

Russia was banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics due to the state-sponsored doping programme, though athletes were allowed to participate as "Olympic Athletes from Russia".

December 2019: Russia banned for four years from major sporting events

In December 2019, Russia was banned for four years from all major sporting events for systematic doping and lying to WADA. The ban was issued by WADA on 9 December 2019, and the Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA had 21 days to make an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

December 2020: CAS reduces WADA's penalty on Russia

On 17 December 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the penalty that WADA had placed on Russia. Instead of banning Russia from sporting events, the ruling allowed Russia to participate at the Olympics and other international events, but for a period of two years, the team cannot use the Russian name, flag, or anthem and must present themselves as "Neutral Athlete" or "Neutral Team".

December 2020: Budget announced in December 2020

The total costs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were reduced by JPY 220.2 billion (US$2 billion) from the budget announced in December 2020.

2020: Participation of all current NOCs in the Summer Olympics

As of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, all of the current 207 NOCs (and 19 obsolete NOCs) have participated in at least one edition of the Summer Olympics.

2020: Order of Entry for Succeeding Hosts

Beginning with the 2020 Summer Olympics, the succeeding hosts of the respective Olympic Games (summer or winter) will enter immediately before the current host in descending order.

2020: NBC contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics through the 2020 Games

In 2011, NBC agreed to a $4.38 billion contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics through the 2020 Games, making it the most expensive television rights deal in Olympic history.

2020: Golf and Rugby Sevens as Olympic Sports for 2020

In 2020, golf and rugby sevens were Olympic sports for the Summer Olympic Games.

2020: Participants in 2020 Summer Olympics

In 2020, more than 11,300 competitors representing 206 nations participated in the Summer Olympics.

2020: Maximum Sports Limit with Rugby and Golf in 2020 Games

In 2020, the Games remained at the maximum of 28 sports with the inclusion of rugby and golf.

2020: Postponement of the 2020 Olympics

In 2020, the Olympics were postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

2020: Accusations of doping against Chinese swimmers before Tokyo 2020

In 2024, rumors about China's doping spread as many of the athletes, especially in swimming, were accused of doping before Tokyo 2020. 23 Chinese swimmers were tested positive for prohibited substances, with both the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics accepting Chinese claims that positive tests were caused by tainted food.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympics

Over 14,000 athletes competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics combined, in 40 different sports and 448 events.

2020: Swimming finals scheduled for U.S. prime time during the 2020 Summer Olympics

The finals of the swimming events were scheduled only during the mornings of the host city Tokyo, which coincide with the evening prime time broadcast slots of the United States, during the 2020 Summer Olympics.

December 2021: Estimated budget in December 2021

The total costs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were reduced by JPY 29.2 billion (US$0.3 billion) from the estimated budget in December 2021.

2021: Increase of Olympic Games Hosted in Asia and Oceania since 1988

As of 2021, since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the Olympics have been held in Asia or Oceania four times, which is a sharp increase compared to the previous 92 years of modern Olympic history.

2021: 2020 Olympics Held in 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Olympics were postponed and ultimately held in 2021.

February 2022: Kamila Valieva's doping controversy at the Beijing Olympics

In February 2022, during the Beijing Olympics, Kamila Valieva, a Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) athlete, was involved in a doping controversy after testing positive for trimetazidine. The sample was taken in December 2021 but analyzed on February 8, 2022, after the team event. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) heard the case, and investigations were broadened to include Valieva's entourage. By the end of the Beijing Olympics in February 2022, five athletes were reported for doping violations.

October 2022: RUSADA decision on Valieva case and WADA's request for review

In mid-October 2022, RUSADA issued a decision on the Kamila Valieva doping case, which was endorsed by WADA. The details of the hearing and scheduled dates were protected under international guidelines for minors. Valieva continued to compete within Russia. Later, in mid-November 2022, WADA requested that CAS review the Valieva case, seeking a 4-year suspension and rescinding her first-place performance at the Beijing Olympics.

2022: Participants in 2022 Winter Olympics

In 2022, Beijing hosted 2,971 athletes from 91 nations in the Winter Olympics.

2022: IOC recommends no participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes

In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the IOC Executive Board recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials not participate in international sports events under the names of Russia or Belarus.

2022: Cities withdraw bids for 2022 Winter Olympics

In 2022, multiple cities withdrew their bids for the Winter Olympics due to high costs or lack of support, leading to a two-city race between Almaty and Beijing.

2022: Diplomatic boycotts of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing

In 2022, several countries, most notably the United States, initiated "diplomatic boycotts" of the Winter Olympics in Beijing due to continuing human rights violations in China. This meant that athletes still competed at the Games, but diplomats did not attend.

2022: 2022 Winter Olympics

Over 14,000 athletes competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics combined, in 40 different sports and 448 events.

October 2023: IOC suspends Russian Olympic Committee

In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee.

November 2023: IOC approves nationality changes for Russian athletes

In November 2023, the IOC Executive Board approved changes of nationality for athletes from Russia to other countries.

2023: IOC allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under certain conditions

In 2023, the IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate in the Olympics under certain conditions, including competing under a neutral flag and uniform, and not representing their country. Of those invited, 32 athletes accepted the invitation to participate, while 28 qualified athletes declined to participate.

February 2024: CAS upholds suspension of Russian Olympic Committee

In February 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the IOC's suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.

March 2024: Further nationality changes approved for Russian athletes

In March 2024, the IOC Executive Board approved further changes of nationality for athletes from Russia to other countries.

2024: Men included in artistic swimming at Paris 2024 games

After men were included in artistic swimming at the Paris 2024 games, the only remaining Olympic event in which male athletes may not compete is rhythmic gymnastics. Despite being eligible to qualify for the 2024 Paris games, no men were included on any artistic swimming team.

2024: Strong ratings for NBC and a boost in subscribers for Peacock

After the 2024 Paris Olympics received strong ratings for NBC and a boost in subscribers for Peacock, Comcast announced its partnership with the IOC.

2024: 13 mixed medal events at the Summer Games

As of the 2024 Paris games, there are now 13 mixed medal events across 11 disciplines at the summer games.

2024: Paris awarded the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Paris was awarded the Summer Olympics.

2024: Rumors about China's doping spread

In 2024, rumors about China's doping spread as many of the athletes, especially in swimming, were accused of doping before Tokyo 2020.

2024: New Olympic Selection Process in Effect

In 2024, the new Olympic selection process, announced by the IOC in 2017, will be in full effect, providing the host city with a longer preparation period.

2024: Mascot for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The mascot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is an anthropomorphic Phrygian cap based on the one Marianne wore at the time of the French Revolution.

March 13, 2025: Comcast Pays the IOC $3 billion to air the Olympics through 2036

On March 13, 2025, it was announced that Comcast would pay the International Olympic Committee $3 billion to air the Olympics through 2036, and that Comcast would transition its role in the Games from Rights Holder to Strategic Partner.

2026: NBC has rights to air the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics

The deal between Comcast and the IOC gives NBC the rights to air the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

2028: Los Angeles awarded the 2028 Summer Olympics

In 2028, Los Angeles was awarded the Summer Olympics simultaneously with Paris being awarded the 2024 games due to both bids having high technical plans and use of existing facilities.

2028: New Olympic Selection Process Continues

In 2028, the Olympic selection process continues as announced in 2017, aiming to provide the host city with ample time for preparation before the games.

2028: NBC has rights to air the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The deal between Comcast and the IOC gives NBC the rights to air the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

2030: NBC has rights to air the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics

The deal between Comcast and the IOC gives NBC the rights to air the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics.

2032: Olympic Games Reach 47 Host Cities

By 2032, the Olympic Games will have been hosted by a total of 47 cities across 23 countries, marking a significant milestone in the global reach of the event.

2032: NBC contract extension to air the Olympics through 2032 Games

In May 2014, NBC agreed to a $7.75 billion contract extension to air the Olympics through the 2032 Games.

2032: NBC has rights to air the 2032 Brisbane Olympics

The deal between Comcast and the IOC gives NBC the rights to air the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

2034: IOC threatened to revoke the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City

In 2024, after the FBI and Justice Department started investigating China's doping allegations, the IOC threatened to revoke the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City, unless they dropped the investigation.

2034: NBC has rights to air the 2034 Salt Lake City-Utah Winter Olympics

The deal between Comcast and the IOC gives NBC the rights to air the 2034 Salt Lake City-Utah Winter Olympics.

2036: Comcast Transition to Strategic Partner

On March 13, 2025, it was announced that Comcast would pay the International Olympic Committee $3 billion to air the Olympics through 2036, and that Comcast would transition its role in the Games from Rights Holder to Strategic Partner. The 2036 Olympic Games marks the 100th anniversary of the first televised Games held in Berlin.